India Observers

  Cancer  is a rapidly increasing global health issue, with over 14 lakh new cases reported in India in 2022, leading to over 9 lakh deaths. Women are at a higher risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast, cervical, ovarian, mouth, and colorectal cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 30–40% of cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes. Common unhealthy habits that increase cancer risk in women include smoking, obesity, skipping screenings and check-ups, and lack of exercise. Dr. Surender Kumar Dabas, Vice Chairman & Head of Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, recommends maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, preventing sexually transmitted infections, managing stress, and getting vaccinated for cancer-causing viruses. Understanding the multiple factors behind cancer is crucial, as poor food choices, unbalanced  lifestyles , work st...

  Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of  Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwa l, has launched a WhatsApp campaign to support her husband, who is currently in custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an excise policy-linked money-laundering case. This move comes amid political intrigue and controversy, with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri alleging that Sunita Kejriwal has ambitions of assuming her husband’s post. Puri’s comparison of Sunita Kejriwal to Rabri Devi, who assumed the role of Bihar Chief Minister when her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav was jailed in a corruption case, has added fuel to the fire. Sunita Kejriwal has been actively addressing the media from the same platform her husband once utilized, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to his cause. However, her actions have been met with both praise and criticism, further complicating the contentious situation. Critics of Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership have come to the forefront, with Union Minister Hardee...

  A survey by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) revealed disparities in climate consciousness among different age groups. Young adults aged 18–24 scored an average of 6.2 on a  climate awareness  scale, indicating a gap in perceived climate consciousness across generations. Travel behaviours, particularly air travel, showed significant differences, with young adults traveling more frequently than older age groups. However, levels of “flight shame” were consistent across most age groups, suggesting that younger individuals may not necessarily feel more guilt about their travel. Attitudes towards environmental responsibility were also found to be shared, with 60% of young adults aged 18–24 believing they should adopt a more climate-conscious lifestyle, echoed by over half of older age groups. Holiday travel by air was particularly prevalent among young adults, with a significant percentage having traveled outside Europe in the previous twelve months. However, this trend declined...

  Rescue teams have abandoned hopes of finding more survivors after a catastrophic  bridge  collapse in Baltimore that is believed to have killed six workers when a container ship ploughed into the structure. The search for survivors has been officially called off, and dive teams are expected to return at dawn on Wednesday to recover the bodies of the six workers who were knocked into the Patapsco River when the Singapore-flagged Dali slammed into the bridge early Tuesday morning. The six missing workers hailed from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The disaster has forced the indefinite closure of the entire Port of Baltimore complex, one of the nation’s busiest shipping hubs handling over 750,000 vehicles and massive amounts of container freight annually. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned the shutdown would have a “major and protracted impact to supply chains,” even though alternative East Coast ports have spare freight capacity. Losing the bridge, a vita...

  India and the UAE have a long-standing relationship that has seen significant growth and diversification in recent years. The bilateral agreements, such as the  Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)  signed in February 2022, have boosted trade and investment between the two countries. The UAE is a significant investor in India’s economy, with substantial inflows of foreign direct investment across various sectors. Companies like DP World, Sharaf, and Lulu Group have established strong footholds in India, contributing to job creation and economic development. Similarly, Indian companies have expanded their presence in the UAE, leveraging its strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa. The substantial Indian diaspora in the UAE, comprising nearly 30% of the country’s population, underscores the strong people-to-people ties and cultural affinity between India and the UAE. Cities like Dubai and Sharjah have emerged as preferred destinations ...

  Bollywood star  Kangana Ranaut  has been nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Mandi constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024. This move comes as a stark contrast to her previous stance, where she denied any inclination towards professional politics. Ranaut, known for her unapologetic and often controversial opinions, has seemingly reversed her stance on entering the political arena. Just two years ago, Ranaut had unequivocally stated her disinterest in pursuing a career in politics, citing her dedication to her craft as an actor. The  BJP’s  decision to nominate Ranaut from the Mandi constituency reflects a calculated maneuver aimed at leveraging her star power and public persona to garner electoral support. The party seems to have persuaded her to embrace this new role, capitalizing on her popularity and influence among certain segments of the electorate. An old tweet from the actress resurfaced on social media platforms, trig...

A  Moscow concert attack  on Friday night left at least 60 people dead and 145 wounded, with around 60 of the injured in critical condition. The attack was the deadliest incident in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, where Islamist militants took over 1,000 hostages, including hundreds of children. Russian investigators found Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition vests, and piles of spent casings at the Moscow concert attack site. The Islamic State militant group swiftly claimed responsibility for the massacre during the Moscow concert attack. In a statement on Telegram, IS said its fighters “killed and wounded hundreds” before safely withdrawing from the attack.  A U.S. official  confirmed intelligence corroborating the claim of the Moscow concert attack, adding that Washington had recently warned Moscow about a potential attack. Despite Russia having yet to assign blame for the Moscow concert attack, Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, condemn...

  Union Home Minister  Amit Shah  has criticized the INDIA bloc’s stance on electoral bonds, arguing that they favor the revival of black money in politics. Shah believes electoral bonds have significantly curbed the influence of black money in politics by streamlined the donation process, promoting transparency and accountability within political funding. However, the INDIA bloc, led by Rahul Gandhi, opposes this system, suggesting a preference for traditional cash donations, which often leads to undisclosed funds in party leaders’ pockets. Shah emphasized the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to transparency and the decline in cash donations to the party due to the adoption of electoral bonds. He challenged Rahul Gandhi’s characterization of electoral bonds as ‘hafta vasooli’ (extortion) and questioned his alleged receipt of Rs 1,600 crore. Shah dismissed accusations of undue influence on government policies, citing the BJP’s utilization of electoral bonds durin...

  Time-restricted eating (TRE) has gained popularity for weight loss and improved heart health, but recent research suggests that an 8-hour time-restricted eating schedule may be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 U.S. adults and found that those who followed an eating schedule of less than 8 hours per day had a 91% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate across 12–16 hours per day. This increased risk was also observed in individuals with pre-existing heart disease or cancer. Contrary to expectations, limiting eating to less than 8 hours per day did not lead to a longer lifespan compared to a 12–16 hour eating window. Additionally, an eating duration of more than 16 hours per day was associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality among individuals with cancer. These findings suggest that while time-restricted eating may offer short-term benefits, there may be long-term risks, particul...

  Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)  secured their maiden WPL T20 title by defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ellyse Perry’s all-round brilliance and Shreyanka Patil’s four-wicket haul led RCB to their first-ever WPL title, while Delhi Capitals fell short despite a strong start. The final showcased the depth of talent in the inaugural WPL season, with both teams battling fiercely for the coveted trophy. Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start, with Shafali Verma’s 44 propelling them to 61/0 in the powerplay. However, RCB’s spin twins, Shreyanka Patil (4/16) and Sophie Molineux (3/20), triggered a collapse, bundling out Delhi for a modest 113. Shreyanka Patil was the star of the final, claiming four crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Shafali Verma. Sophie Molineux’s off-spin proved equally potent, with three wickets and economical bowling. RCB’s resurgent performance showcased the depth of talent in the inaugural...

  Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been granted bail in two cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for skipping agency summons. The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi granted  Kejriwal  bail on a bail bond of Rs 15,000 and a surety of Rs 1 lakh. The decision came after Kejriwal appeared before the court following a summons issued to him in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. The ED had filed two complaints before the magisterial court, seeking Kejriwal’s prosecution for failing to honour multiple summonses issued to him in the case. The Delhi Excise Policy case has seen two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, already under judicial custody. Sisodia, the then Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. Singh, a member of the Rajya Sabha, was arrested on October 5. The Delhi Excise Policy case revolves around alleged irregularit...

  The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and SVN Bhatti, has dismissed  Manish Sisodia ’s curative petition, which sought to challenge the court’s earlier decision rejecting his bail plea regarding alleged irregularities in the implementation of liquor policies. The case against Sisodia stems from allegations of involvement in irregularities related to the  liquor policy . Sisodia sought bail to navigate the legal challenges surrounding the case, but the Supreme Court’s initial refusal to grant him bail prolonged the legal battle, prompting him to pursue alternative avenues such as the curative petition. The dismissal of Sisodia’s curative petition carries significant implications not only for Sisodia but also for the broader legal landscape. It underscores the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability, particularly in cases involving high-profile ind...

  Colon cancer, a type of cancer that affects the large intestine or rectum, is now affecting younger populations,  raising concerns among medical professionals . A recent study by the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) found that the incidence of colon cancer is shifting towards younger adults aged 31 to 40 years, in contrast to its previous prevalence primarily among individuals over 50. This alarming trend is attributed to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle habits by younger generations, such as obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. An unhealthy diet, high in processed meats and fats, and low in fruits and vegetables, can lead to the development of  colorectal cancer  at an early age. Studies have shown that diet, obesity, and some drugs can change gut bacteria, leading to inflammation, which can help cancer grow. Subtle symptoms and risk factors include persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or cramping, unexplained weight loss, and blood in th...

  A US Congressman, Rich McCormick, has praised India’s growing international influence and Prime Minister  Narendra Modi ’s role in the global stage. McCormick highlighted India’s rapidly expanding economy, which gives it significant leverage globally, particularly in its ties with Russia. He urged careful diplomacy to ensure that everyone’s best interests are at hand and that leverage only applies if used correctly. McCormick cautioned against capitulating to veiled threats of nuclear escalation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, drawing a parallel with North Korea’s nuclear posturing. He emphasized that mutually assured destruction is an untenable path forward if Putin’s warnings prove more than bluster. India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, refraining from outright condemning Moscow’s invasion. McCormick’s remarks suggest the US recognizes India’s rising heft and potential for facilitating a resolution to the Ukraine crisis. With  econom...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched 10 new  Vande Bharat Express trains , enhancing rail travel speed and convenience for the common man. These semi-high-speed trains can run up to 180 mph, making them quicker than regular trains. The trains also offer improved amenities like seating and doorway spaces, making long-distance travel more comfortable. The launch of these trains showcases India’s ability to design and manufacture advanced rail technology through the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Vande Bharat trains aim to drive a modal shift from air to rail for distances less than 700–800 km. The new routes connect major cities and towns across India, allowing passengers to travel faster between places like Ahmedabad-Mumbai, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru-Chennai, Patna-Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow-Dehradun, Kalaburagi-Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, and Khajuraho-Delhi. The PM has also extended existing routes of four  Vande Bharat se...