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Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Urvashi Rautela's nutritionist reveals actor's diet secrets: ‘Unko breakfast ke bagair chalta nahi bilkul bhi'
Urvashi Rautela's nutritionist, Shweta Shah, recently discussed the Daaku Maharaj actor's diet and eating habits and also revealed some of her favourites. 'Unki diet bohot simple hai. She is a very simple eater. She doesn't eat much. Bohot kam khaati hai woh. But her diet is such that we give her three meals a day. She never skips breakfast. Unko breakfast ke bagair chalta nahi bilkul bhi, toh humein dena hi padta hai,' she said in an episode of The Mumta Podcast. The nutritionist added that Urvashi usually has poha or upma for breakfast. For lunch, 'she likes to stick to roti and sabzi, and she has a favourite juice, without which…' said Shah, adding that Rautela's hot favourite juice is mint and coriander. 'She mostly does not need evening snacks. But an early dinner is what I have always proposed. I'm not saying she does intermittent fasting, but an early dinner between 6 and 7 o'clock. For dinner, sometimes we give her paratha or paneer, rolls or chillas, just simple food,' she continued. Concurring, Dr Meghraj Ingle, director and senior consultant gastroenterology at Gleneagles Hospitals in Mumbai, told that an early dinner can help make the digestion process easier. It can also help prevent bloating and reduce irritation in the stomach lining. He suggested eating light and non-spicy foods, as they help improve blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Eating earlier in the evening aligns your eating patterns with your body's natural cycles, which lowers your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. 'Mindful eating allows you to savour your meal, pay attention to your body's hunger cues, and stop eating when you're full, lowering the risk of overeating. A better connection with food is critical for long-term weight management and general well-being,' he added. In a previous interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rautela gave us a quick glimpse into what she eats daily. For breakfast, Rautela shared that she loves to dig into eggs and broccoli or any other green vegetables. For lunch, she likes to keep it simple with South Indian food, or some green vegetables with tofu or paneer. Her dinner is usually the same as that of lunch. Rautela also added that her favourite fruits include grapes and strawberries, in fact, all kinds of berries. Her favourite seafood is lobster, and bhindi ranks number 1 in her list of favourite vegetables. 'I make sure I sleep for 5-6 hours every night,' she said, adding that she downs about 2-3 cups of coffee daily. A sucker for tiramisu and cheesecakes, she finished the interview by mentioning that masala uthappam happens to be her favourite dish of all time.
Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Elephants in India, Clarion-Clipperton Zone and more (Week 116)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Elephants in India, consider the following statements: 1. Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored scheme. 2. In north-eastern India, the elephant's range extends along the foothills of the Himalayas from the eastern border of Nepal through northern West Bengal to western Assam. 3. Elephants are protected under Schedule II species of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 4. As per the recent elephant census, there are zero elephants in Nilambur—Silent Valley—Coimbatore region. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — The Union Environment Ministry held a review of key initiatives under Project Elephant on Thursday at the 21st meeting of the project's steering committee, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Phase-I of the synchronised elephant population estimation for the Northeastern states was completed, according to the ministry. — Project Elephant is a centrally supported plan, and the steering committee oversees its implementation, as well as problems such as elephant conservation and habitat protection. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The last elephant census or estimating exercise was conducted in 2017, and it revealed that the country was home to around 29,964 elephants. Although a report on the next synchronised elephant census titled 'Status of Elephants in India 2022-23' was created, The Indian Express reported in October that it was delayed due to a delay in the census in the North-East and because it was an interim report. According to that report, the number of elephants has decreased by 20% over the previous five years. — The elephant is India's national heritage animal, classified as a Schedule I species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Elephants in India — The elephant's range in north-east India runs along the Himalayan foothills from Nepal's eastern border to northern West Bengal to western Assam. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Elephant populations in central India are very fragmented, with a few individuals straying into Chhattisgarh from Orissa, Jharkhand, and the southern section of West Bengal. — In northwestern India, the species is distributed in six scattered populations in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, extending from the Bahraich Forest Department's Katranighat Wildlife Sanctuary in the east to the Yamuna River in the west. — Southern India has eight primary clusters that are split from one another: Northern Karnataka, Crystalline of Karnataka—Western Ghats; Bhadra—Malnad; Brahmagiri—Nilgiris—Eastern Ghats; Nilambur—Silent Valley—Coimbatore; Anamalai—Parambikulam; Periyar—Srivilliputhur; and Agasthyamalai. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the 'tigers outside of tiger reserve', consider the following statements: 1. The scheme will be implemented by the Chief Wildlife Wardens of state forest departments, in close collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority. 2. The scheme aims to manage conflicts more effectively through enhanced monitoring and protection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — With frequent human-tiger conflicts in various forest divisions of the country, the Union Environment Ministry has approved funds for a pilot plan called 'tigers outside of tiger reserve' to better manage such conflicts through greater surveillance and protection. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — According to official documents, the executive committee of the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), which is part of the Environment Ministry, approved in-principle funding for the scheme on a pilot basis for one year. The scheme will provide funds to 80 forest divisions across ten states that were initially identified based on data from recurring human-tiger conflicts. — This will be used for technical interventions to preserve and monitor tigers and co-predators, to strengthen forest managers to deal with conflict caused by technology, to collaborate with civil society and professional veterinarians, and to expand the prey base. — The initiative will be executed on the ground by state forest department Chief Wildlife Wardens, in close collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). When asked about the initial rollout of the pilot, a government official stated that the NTCA was finalising the list of forest and wildlife divisions. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the rare earth magnets, consider the following statements: 1. They are a crucial component in electric vehicle motors. 2. Russia controls over 90 per cent of global processing capacity for the magnets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — India stated it had communicated with China on the supply of rare earth magnets, as Beijing has imposed export limits. — China, which controls more than 90% of worldwide processing capacity for magnets used in autos, clean energy, and home appliances, imposed restrictions in April forcing companies to acquire import permits from Beijing. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — While rare earth magnets are essential components in electric vehicle motors, they are also required in equipment such as power windows and audio speakers found in gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — According to industry estimates, India's car sector bought 460 tonnes of rare earth magnets, largely from China, in the fiscal year ending March 31, and plans to import 700 tonnes valued at $30 million this year. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the tiger reserves, consider the following pairs: 1. Palamau Tiger Reserve – Mizoram 2. Sariska Tiger Reserve – Haryana 3. Madhav Tiger Reserve – Assam How many of the pairs given above are correctly marked? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs Explanation Madhav Tiger Reserve is situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh in Shivpuri District, very close to the Shivpuri township This was notified as a National Park in the year 1958. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Other Source: The Banakacherla reservoir project was recently in the news. It is the water dispute between: (a) Goa and Maharashtra (b) Odisha and Telangana (c) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (d) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Explanation — Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has challenged former Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Chandrashekar Rao to a discussion in the state Assembly over the contentious Banakacherla reservoir project. It is the most recent water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. — The Banakacherla reservoir project aims to transform Andhra Pradesh's drought-prone Rayalaseema area into arable land. — According to the idea, the first phase would be to increase the capacity of the Polavaram Right Main Canal from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs, allowing Godavari water to be transferred to Krishna. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Where is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone found? (a) In the Antarctic Ocean (b) In the low Earth orbit (LEO) where astronauts primarily travel (c) Between troposphere and stratosphere (d) In the Pacific Ocean Explanation — Scientists have been fascinated by the mystery of dark matter for decades, thinking that it uses gravitational attraction to hold galaxies together. Recently, an exciting discovery has shed light on another unseen phenomena: dark oxygen. — Dark oxygen is found well below the ocean's surface. A recent study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that oxygen is released from mineral deposits located 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) below the surface in the Pacific Ocean's Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). — This depth is almost half of Mount Everest's height. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following pairs: 1. Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary : Sikkim 2. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – Maharashtra 3. Kuno National Park – Madhya Pradesh 4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala Which of the pairs given above are not correctly matched? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Only 3 (d) All of the above Explanation — The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary renamed on 25 May 2004, formerly known as the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary or Hollongapar Reserve Forest, is an isolated protected area of evergreen forest located in Jorhat district of Assam, India. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. These migratory birds, locally known as 'Kahuaipuina,' arrive in northeastern India, particularly in Manipur and Nagaland, in large numbers during October. Which birds are being referred to in the above lines? (a) Amur Falcons (b) Rosy Pelican (c) Black-crowned Night Heron (d) Siberian Cranes Explanation Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) – These migratory visitors, locally known as 'Kahuaipuina,' arrive in northeastern India, particularly in Manipur and Nagaland, in large numbers during October. They are on their southbound migration from their breeding grounds in northern China, eastern Mongolia, and far eastern Russia. During their stopover, which lasts three to four weeks, the falcons build fat reserves by foraging on termites before continuing their journey to their wintering grounds in South Africa. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 115) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘My seizures weren't stopping': Fatima Sana Shaikh recalls mid-air medical scare, opens up about life with epilepsy; is flying safe for such patients?
Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, in a recent conversation with Humans of Bombay, opened up about a harrowing medical episode she experienced mid-flight, and shared what it's like to live — and travel — with epilepsy. 'I had a major episode when I had multiple seizures. I was travelling to the USA via a Dubai flight. I got seizures on the flight. Then I was taken to the airport hospital, I was given the medication but then also my seizures weren't stopping, then they gave me a very high dose,' she shared. The episode left her immobile and heavily sedated, as doctors had to switch her medication mid-crisis. At the time, she was juggling two film shoots — Sam Bahadur and, she believes, Dhak Dhak. 'I had to cancel the shoot. One of the guys called and asked if I could film, and I just started crying because I couldn't get out of bed. I was constantly blacking out. My emotions were all over the place. I was like — this is my reality now,' she said. Eventually, she sought medical support, joined epilepsy support groups, and decided to speak openly about the condition. 'At that time, I accepted that this is my disease. And people should know about it, because it'll help others,' she said. She hasn't had another seizure episode since then, and has been working to raise awareness and break the stigma around epilepsy. 'For most people with epilepsy, flying is considered medically safe, especially if their condition is well-managed with medication and regular follow-ups,' said Dr Shiva Kumar R, senior consultant epileptologist at Poorna Neuro Holistic Care and Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru, in a conversation with 'Air travel itself does not typically trigger seizures. However, factors like sleep deprivation, missed medication, stress or dehydration can increase risk in some individuals.' The doctor also said that in cases where seizures are poorly controlled or occur frequently, especially generalised tonic-clonic seizures, doctors may advise postponing air travel until better control is achieved. Similarly, if someone has recently experienced a breakthrough seizure or change in medication, it is advisable to consult with a neurologist before planning a long-haul trip. Preparation is key to ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for a person with epilepsy, said Dr Shiva Kumar. 'First, consult your neurologist before travelling to confirm that your condition is stable. Take medications exactly as prescribed, even if that means adjusting timings slightly to suit different time zones. Always carry extra doses in your hand luggage, ideally in the original packaging,' he said. He also advised maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and keeping stress levels low. 'Wearing a medical alert bracelet and discreetly informing a travel companion or airline staff can help ensure appropriate support if needed,' the doctor said. If a seizure occurs onboard, it's important to remain calm. 'Most seizures resolve on their own within a few minutes,' said Dr Shiva Kumar, adding, 'The person should be gently turned onto their side to keep the airway clear, and nearby objects should be moved to prevent injury. There is no need to restrain movements or put anything in their mouth. After the seizure, allow the person to rest and regain awareness slowly.' He also said, 'If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if multiple seizures occur without full recovery in between, it becomes a medical emergency and the flight crew should be notified immediately for further assistance.' According to the doctor, travellers with epilepsy are also advised to carry a brief medical summary or a doctor's note with details of their diagnosis, current medication, and emergency instructions. This can help ensure the right response from crew and medical personnel at the destination if needed. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
The city of Isfahan: From a Persian capital to a nuclear hub
Last weekend's US strikes on nuclear sites in Iran hit one of the country's major nuclear bases: Isfahan, a city that plays a defining role in Iranian history. Once the Persian capital, Isfahan was known for its flawless infrastructure and administration—often called 'Nesf-e-Jahan' or 'Half the World'. Here's a look at the rise and decline of one of Iran's most historic cities. In 1395, Shaykh Safi ad Din of Ardabil founded a Sufi order, Safaviyya, in northwest Iran that gave rise to the Safavid dynasty. Having begun as a religious order, the Safavids grew into a warrior class, dedicated to fighting enemies of the faith and espousing Shiism. Starting in 1500, the Safavids began a conquest of the region that now encompasses Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and parts of Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. In his book Persia in Crisis: Safavid Decline and the Fall of Isfahan (2012), academic Rudolph (Rudi) P Matthee remarks that the nationalist narrative credits the Safavids as the first dynasty since the Mongols to knit Iran together as a territorial unit. As a matter of course, the glory of Isfahan dates back to the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736). In A Historical Atlas of Iran (2003), author Fred Ramen says that the Safavids reached their greatest height under the rule of Abbas I (1587-1629). Matthee adds, 'Iran became an urban-centred society of great cultural achievement, a nation imbued with an outward-looking elan connecting it to the globalizing world by way of long-distance commerce and diplomacy.' Isfahan, founded by Abbas I and made the capital of Persia in 1598, reached its height in the seventeenth century. Around that time, it had a few hundred thousand inhabitants. In an interview with Matthee, says, 'Isfahan is of course very old. It goes back to pre-Islamic times, and there are actually stories that it has Jewish origins, which is interesting and significant given the circumstances today.' The initial capital of the Safavids, Matthee says, was Tabriz. 'That is where the Safavids declared their state and Shia Islam as their faith,' he adds. Abbas I, however, moved his capital to Isfahan. While an existing city, Abbas I gave it grandeur, Ramen says, adding that he reorganised the infrastructure of the city, building magnificent gardens, palaces, mosques and bridges. In his book, Matthee notes, 'The lead actor in this script is Shah Abbas the 'Great', who plays the role of Renaissance prince, equal in fortitude and sophistication to the greatest contemporary European monarchs.' Abbas I's governing style, which included his habit of strolling through the streets of Isfahan during festivals and engaging with the masses, was also notable, says Matthee. One of Isfahan's most well-known sites was the Imam/Royal Square, which was used for polo games and large gatherings. Matthee exclaims, 'It's one of the wonders! 600 metres long and 300 metres wide and a perfect combination of royal power and commercial activity.' A market was also held every day, in one corner of the square. A lesser-known fact, he adds, was that the Royal Square also served as the execution square. 'So it had this very interesting dual role. On the one hand, it symbolised the power of the state through deterrence, in terms of executing people in public, but also a panoply of festivities through polo games.' Another attraction was the Masjed-e-Jomeh, also known as the Friday Mosque. As the capital, Isfahan was centrally located and boasted an important trading centre. Merchants from all over Eurasia frequented its well-stocked bazaars and coffeehouses. Neighbouring cities, like Tabriz, were thriving similarly. While the fertile plains around these cities produced plenty, there were recorded cases of bread riots. Interestingly, Abbas I moved tens of thousands of Armenians from their ancestral home in what is today's Armenia to Isfahan, creating a new suburb called New Julfa. Christians, Armenians and Georgians were also given positions of privilege in the administration and military. 'This was not a friendly move necessarily,' reckons Matthee, explaining that the Armenians were known for their commercial acumen and agility, which would benefit the Safavids. 'They became his service gentry in terms of improving and increasing the commercial flow in and out of Iran,' he opines. They traded from England to the Philippines, and dispatched envoys to far-flung courts in Europe and Asia. 'The outcome of his efforts was a centrally controlled country under visionary leadership, a nexus of long-distance trade and diplomacy,' writes Matthee in Persia in Crisis. Isfahan assumed importance as a nodal point between Iran and the West. Abbas I invited the Dutch and English East India Companies here, creating a global network. 'The westerners were exuberant about how well-planned and well-organised Isfahan was,' Matthee told The architecture and safety of the city were such that academics like Marshall Hodgson have associated it with a renaissance. A sixteenth-century phrase associated with the city was 'Isfahan nesf-eh jahan', meaning Isfahan is half of the world. 'The city was ultimately known for its contributions to religion, culture and government,' writes Ramen. However, its splendour lasted only for a little over a century. The Safavids fell into decline after the reign of Abbas I. In 1722, Afghan tribesmen conquered Isfahan, effectively ending the Safavid Empire. 'The Afghans invaded with 10,000 warriors and laid siege to Isfahan, bringing it down after six months, through starvation on the most part,' notes Matthee. Scholars have attributed the fall to various factors, including a lack of royal attention, military neglect, injustice with the peasantry, excessive expenditure and so on. Matthee's book notes that while the Safavid state had become centrally organised under Abbas I, it was never able to overcome the tribal nomadic roots. The capital never revived until modern times. Visitors to Isfahan in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, according to Matthee, lamented the destroyed city filled with ruins, where jackals howled at night. 'They expected this grandeur but witnessed total ugliness,' he says. The state of desolation lasted until the 20th century, when the city was revived and the square was restored. Today, Isfahan is home to Iran's major air base and is also a nuclear site. According to news reports, the facility at Isfahan operates three research reactors, as well as handles fuel production and other activities for the country's civilian nuclear programme. Nikita writes for the Research Section of focusing on the intersections between colonial history and contemporary issues, especially in gender, culture, and sport. For suggestions, feedback, or an insider's guide to exploring Calcutta, feel free to reach out to her at ... Read More
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Team members half my age got offended': Ram Kapoor admits to inappropriate remarks at media event; expert says intent doesn't erase impact
When humour crosses into uncomfortable or inappropriate territory, especially in professional spaces, how should accountability be addressed? Actor Ram Kapoor recently found himself at the centre of a controversy after being dropped from the promotions of his upcoming series Mistry on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. According to reports, Kapoor allegedly made sexually inappropriate remarks towards members of the marketing and publicity teams during a press interaction. In an interview with The Times of India, Kapoor acknowledged the remarks and issued a public statement: 'Let me start by saying that everything I've been accused of saying, I have said it. So, the fact is that I am guilty as charged. But this is what I have to say in my defence. Whenever I am with people I am comfortable with, I tend to become my bindass self… everyone who knows me knows that I don't mean to be offensive.' He went on to admit that while his comments were not meant to harm, they clearly had an effect: 'The comments I made came from a harmless space, but the bottom line is that those team members, who are half my age, did get offended, and that's not acceptable… I respect [the OTT platform's] decision, and I am going to find a way to apologise to each of those team members who were offended that day on a personal level.' Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist at That Culture Thing, tells 'Absolutely. Intent does not cancel impact. Often, those who routinely cross lines may be unaware of how their humour or behaviour is landing.' 'But, that doesn't make the experience any less uncomfortable or unsafe for others. When someone holds power, seniority or social capital in a space, their behaviour can feel especially difficult to challenge. Over time, unchecked comments or actions, however casual, can create an atmosphere where others feel silenced, diminished, or on guard,' she said. According to Baruah, organisations need to 'set clear expectations around workplace behaviour,' not just in policies but in daily practice. Open channels for anonymous feedback, executive coaching for leaders, and workshops on assertive communication and respectful humour can help, she adds. The impact can vary, Baruah notes, but often, junior or younger employees 'internalise discomfort, suppress dissent, or emotionally disengage. 'Some might laugh awkwardly to blend in, others may quietly withdraw or even begin to question their own boundaries. For more sensitive individuals, it can feel violating or deeply discouraging,' Baruah said. Shreya Sharma, lawyer and founder at Rest The Case, tells 'The POSH Act is clear –– workplace harassment isn't restricted to office locations or 9-to-5 time. Any such unwelcome comment, gesture or conduct of a sexual nature – verbal, non-verbal, or physical – can be harassment. That includes inappropriate jokes, suggestive comments, unwelcome advances, or even repetitive messaging that's discomforting.' What many don't realise is that the Act also applies beyond office walls, she adds. 'So if misconduct happens during promotions, off-sites, networking events, or online workspaces, it still counts. Employers are legally and morally responsible for ensuring a safe environment everywhere work happens,' stresses Sharma. She further informs that they are 'required to have an Internal Complaints Committee, conduct frequent awareness sessions, and be serious about every grievance. A workplace is only really safe when every employee, be it male or female, is heard, protected, and respected.'
