West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.
From what goes on your plate to how long someone sits with a laptop on their lap, seemingly harmless habits can make a big difference, warns says Dr Aakil Khan, consultant and urologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
Dr Rishikesh Malokar, senior consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and therapeutic GI endoscopist at the Zynova Shalby Hospital, explains how habits such as unmonitored consumption of processed foods, skipping meals, and lack of fibre in the diet can quietly create havoc on the gut.
Even if our weight yo-yos, our overall health will keep getting better.
rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani explains if bananas and curd are safe to eat when you have a cold or a sore throat.
A school owned by a BJP MLA in Thane advised students not to bring root vegetables in lunchboxes during the Jain Paryushan festival, sparking a controversy. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected, while the MLA clarified it was a request, not a mandatory order, aimed at respecting religious sentiments and promoting healthy eating.
The Maharashtra Public Health Department has issued a directive making healthy foods and beverages mandatory in all government canteens and official events. The order aims to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases by promoting a menu designed with ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidelines.
Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned following an uproar over an alleged derogatory 'lungiwala' remark made by BJP MP Sushmita Dev against CPI(M)'s John Brittas, who had moved a privilege motion. Dev denied the accusation, stating she had not cast aspersions on any state's attire.
'Control your A, B, C and D.' 'A is A1C, keep your A1C below 7 per cent.' 'B is blood pressure, so keep your blood pressure at 130/ 80 or at least below 140/ 90.' 'C is cholesterol. The bad cholesterol is the LDL cholesterol, and it should be kept below 100, preferably below 70 or 50.' 'D is discipline like diet, exercise, sleep, no smoking, etc.' 'People with diabetes who follow A, B, C and D can live up to even 100 years of age without any complications.'
A recent viral video featuring M S Dhoni and Rishabh Pant has once again brought Dhoni's alleged hookah habit into the public spotlight.
King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has banned non-vegetarian food in its hostels following a suggestion from Governor Anandiben Patel. To compensate, the university will now serve protein-rich vegetarian meals, including soy, paneer, and tofu. While the Vice-Chancellor cites hygiene and health benefits for the ban, it has drawn criticism from faculty members and political parties who question the imposition of dietary restrictions.
'I have a vested interest -- to serve the people of Maharashtra and ensure safe food. That is my vested interest, if at all there is one.'
The Congress party criticised the all-vegetarian menu served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Rahul Gandhi highlighting that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. The party accused the BJP government of imposing its dietary preferences and questioned why India's diverse culinary culture was not showcased.
For a child who is six years old, one hour is the limit, says rediffGURU Dr Deepa Suvarna.
From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.
A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused state Congress chief Ajay Rai of participating in a fish feast in Ayodhya during the holy month of Shravan, near the Ram temple. Rai has vehemently denied the allegations, challenging Adityanath to provide proof and threatening to resign if proven, while also demanding the CM's resignation if no evidence is found. The Congress party has defended the event, stating it was a Nishad community gathering with their own food traditions.
'Modi had his own cricket team in his school days. He was a good cricketer.'
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the BJP's commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal within six months of assuming power, while also promising a Bengali chief minister.
The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.
The TMC and BJP are clashing over Bengal's food culture, with allegations of potential dietary restrictions adding spice to the West Bengal election campaign.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states and denying Bengal its rightful dues.
'Think of the brain like a machine, and Alzheimer's is like rust.'
'Like a rusty machine breaks down, a rusty brain also breaks down. And when it breaks down, you have memory loss, cognitive issues and so on.'
In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.
Back when India moved slowly, every window seat came with a view, and every rail journey came with excess baggage - food, fears, family drama, points out Ajanta Krishnamurthy.
Amidst a row over eating beef, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said no restrictions can be put on food habits in a secular country like India but the sentiments of the majority should be respected in Hindu-majority as well as Christian and Muslim-majority states.
On World Hypertension Day, Dr Anup Taksande, clinical director-cardiology and cardiac interventions at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explains why you must think twice before reaching out for that pack of chips, sugar-free cereals or instant noodles.
Riya tells Divya Nair how a brief separation from her husband gave her clarity and encouraged her to make peace with her mother-in-law.
'I've personally reached a phase where I don't chase age-appropriate labels. I chase interesting characters.'
A Delhi court is considering a plea from US citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, an alleged mercenary accused in a terror conspiracy case, who is seeking an "American diet" in Tihar prison due to his inability to tolerate the standard spicy Indian prison food. He reportedly undertook a 50-day hunger strike, consuming only liquids.
'...would obesity still be a global epidemic?'
Applying random products on your skin, just because they are trending, may damage or weaken your skin barrier, warns Dr Rupika Singh, dermatologist and founder of Akiya Aesthetics.
rediffGURU Dr Deepa Suvarna, a practising paediatrician with over 25 years of experience recommends simple lifestyle changes to improve your child's immunity, sleep and appetite.
Tanya Munshi explains four dietary no-nos when it comes to eating at the office.
Opposition Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury has filed a police complaint regarding alleged deepfake videos circulating on social media that defame her family, following claims made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma about her mother's food habits.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and stoking communal discord in Bengal, criticising their 'double engine' governance model.
For years, creatine has been associated with bodybuilders looking to bulk up. But emerging research is changing that perception.
From bringing down your plastic waste output to conserving water, every little bit helps. When small actions are taken by many and millions sign on there's powerful impact.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states and denying Bengal its rightful dues. He also criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi.
'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'
