Key Update The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that lobbying by tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food companies is preventing governments from implementing critical health policies. The UN will dedicate a day next Thursday to addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer and heart disease, during its annual meeting in New York. WHO emphasised that
READ MOREOverview The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has classified cold drinks, iced teas, energy beverages, and other sugary beverages under the 40% “sin goods” slab, effective September 22. The move aims to reduce sugar consumption, a major contributor to lifestyle diseases. Meanwhile, traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, kaju katli, and
READ MOREKey Development A growing number of women, especially in the US, are selling their extra breast milk online. Some reportedly earn up to ₹87,000 a month. Parents unable to breastfeed are turning to Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and informal platforms to buy this milk. Even bodybuilders are consuming it, believing it’s rich in nutrients. But is
READ MOREKey Development Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, have developed a state-of-the-art, dual-mode electrochemical sensor that can quickly detect Enrofloxacin, a commonly used antibiotic in the livestock industry. The innovation aims to improve food safety and tackle antimicrobial resistance. The team integrated magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) with electrochemical detection techniques to
READ MOREReport Excessive salt intake is fueling a silent health crisis in India, increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders, according to scientists at ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE). The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per person per day. However, studies show that urban Indians
READ MOREOverview The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging countries to raise taxes on harmful products such as sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco by at least 50% over the next decade. Launching its strongest push yet through the new “3 by 35” initiative, the WHO argued that higher prices would cut consumption of these products, which
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