Baba Vanga's Prophetic Warning: How She Predicted Smartphone Addiction Years Ago Cautioning Generations - Check What She Said
photoDetails english 2904267
Technology has undeniably transformed human life, reshaping the way we communicate, work, and connect with others. However, it has also brought along serious challenges—especially concerning our mental and physical well-being. Decades ago, Baba Vanga, the famous Bulgarian mystic known for her eerily accurate predictions, had foreseen the psychological dangers posed by a small yet powerful device: the smartphone. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/lifestyle/baba-vanga-s-prophetic-warning-how-she-predicted-smartphone-addiction-years-ago-cautioning-generations-check-what-she-said-2904285 Updated:May 21, 2025, 05:06 PM IST Baba Vanga and her future predictions
1 / 7
Baba Vanga, renowned for her strikingly accurate predictions, is believed to have foreseen a future where humans would grow excessively reliant on small electronic gadgets. These devices—now clearly recognisable as smartphones—were, according to her, destined to transform human behaviour and impact mental health. Though originally designed to make life easier, she warned that this technology could pose serious risks to well-being. Her predictions highlighted concerns like weakened human connections, shorter attention spans, and a surge in mental health issues. Mental health issues due to phone
2 / 7
Excessive screen time is taking a toll on both children and adults. It disrupts sleep, affects mental health, and leads to physical issues like eye strain and neck pain. Constant device use is also weakening real-life social connections. Experts now stress the importance of digital detoxes, building stronger offline relationships, and practising mindfulness. Cutting down on notifications and screen time may be crucial steps in tackling the rising problem of mobile addiction. Use of smartphone before bedtime
3 / 7
A report by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) reveals that nearly 24% of children in India use smartphones before bedtime, a habit that disrupts sleep, affects focus, and may hinder learning. Mental health affecting adults
4 / 7
Excessive screen time has been linked to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders among children. The issue extends to adults as well, with smartphone addiction causing problems like eye strain, neck pain, and disturbed sleep due to constant scrolling, social media use, and late-night browsing. Poor posture
5 / 7
Extended screen time can result in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), causing dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye strain. Poor posture from frequently looking down at phones often leads to neck and back pain, known as "text neck." Studies also show a strong link between heavy smartphone use and increased anxiety and depression, especially in young adults. Ironically, devices meant to connect us can, when overused, contribute to loneliness and social isolation. Weakening Relationships
6 / 7
Families that spend too much time on digital devices often find it difficult to maintain deep emotional bonds. Overuse of screens can also shorten attention spans and lower productivity at work, resulting in more mistakes and a decline in performance quality. Do Not Disturb feature
7 / 7
To maintain a healthy balance with technology, it's important to take regular breaks from screens and use apps that help monitor and limit usage. Spend quality, device-free time with family and friends, and engage in outdoor activities or screen-free hobbies. Practising mindfulness can help curb the constant urge to check your phone. Activating features like 'Do Not Disturb' also helps reduce distractions and improve focus.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- The Hindu
Consecration of temple on DD Health's office premises in Madurai draws flak
As against the rules of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a religious event subsequent to the construction of a temple-like structure was conducted on the office premises of Deputy Director of Health Services in Madurai on Thursday and Friday. An invitation which was allegedly released by the district health services office mentions that as a temple belonging to a particular religion was being raised on the office premises, the office staff and others were invited to attend the consecrating event and homam during 6 p.m to 9 p.m on June 5 and from 9 a.m to 1 p.m on June 6, said sources. Anand Raj, a social activist based in Madurai, said that a district health office was a place where people of all religions visit for health-related reasons. As per several Tamil Nadu government rules and Madras High Court orders, conducting of such religious events in a government office, not confined to any particular religion, was against the rules of the State, he added. Particularly, Government Order No. 426, Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Per-A) Department, dated 13.12.1993, prohibited the construction of any new structure for religious worship within the office campus, or enlargement or modification of any existing structure for similar purpose, Mr. Anand Raj stated. Further, he said that the order stressed that, 'It restricted the practice of worship of different faiths in office premises by government staff.' Point 3 of the G.O. pointed out that: 'In view of the direction of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court all Heads of Departments are requested to follow the above instructions scrupulously and it is the responsibility of the Head of Department/Head of Office to ensure that the prohibition made under the said G.O. is implemented in letter and spirit. The Heads of departments are also requested to instruct all the sub-ordinate offices under their control to follow the instructions issued in G.O. Ms. No. 426, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, without fail.' Citing the instructions of the order, Mr. Anand Raj said that while it was the duty of higher officials to ensure such events do not take place, it is learned that Director of Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Madurai Deputy Director of Health Services have headed and took part in the event. 'When the State government espouses or follows the principle of secularism, such religious events in government offices should be prevented and strict action should be taken against those who disrespect the orders,' he stated. A health official, who did not want to be named said, the invitation for the event was shared with the doctors, staff and officials though a What's App group. Madurai district Collector M.S. Sangeetha said that she did not receive any information about such an event. 'I will look into it and take necessary action,' she added.
News18
17 hours ago
- News18
How To Survive In A Stampede? This Simple Trick Could Save You
Last Updated: In a stampede-like situation, the expert advises standing in a 'boxer pose' to reduce pressure on the body and allow lung space, lowering the risk of suffocation or injury In the wake of the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bangalore's historic first IPL title win, questions are being raised about crowd safety at major events. While IPL matches are known for electrifying energy and packed stadiums, such large gatherings can quickly turn dangerous if basic precautions aren't followed. A stampede typically involves people pushing, shoving, and even climbing over one another. When exit routes are blocked, the risk of accidents rises sharply. In such situations, suffocation, extreme pressure, and falling can occur—often leading to serious injuries or even death. Here's what one should do to stay safe in a stampede: Protecting the body's vital organs is crucial in a crowd, as intense pressure can lead to breathing difficulties and even become life-threatening. A viral video on social media features an expert demonstrating how to stand properly to stay safe in such situations. The expert emphasises the importance of posture—particularly protecting the lungs and heart—to avoid dangerous pressure on the chest. The expert advises adopting the 'boxer pose' during a stampede-like situation. This stance provides adequate space for the lungs and reduces bodily pressure, thereby lowering the risk of suffocation or injury. By maintaining the right posture, one can protect vital organs and manage the situation more effectively. Watch The Video Here: If someone falls during a stampede, they should immediately lie down on one side and cover their head with their hands. This is known as lying in the shape of a 'C', which helps protect the head and body from injury while reducing pressure on the lungs and heart. This position safeguards vital organs and can help prevent serious harm. It is, therefore, crucial to remain calm and follow these safety measures during a crowd or stampede situation to ensure personal safety and that of others. A similar incident occurred during a satsang in Hathras on July 2 last year, where a stampede claimed 121 lives—over 110 of them women—and left dozens injured. Most deaths were caused by suffocation. The stampede broke out when a large number of people surged forward to catch a glimpse of the Baba as he passed by or to touch the dust on the path he had walked.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Navigating the JN.1 Wave: A Data-Driven Blueprint for India's Healthcare Ecosystem
India's COVID-19 landscape is once again in flux. As of May 2025, the JN.1 subvariant dominates the national caseload, accounting for over half of all sequenced infections . While the current wave is less severe than the devastating Delta surge of 2021, the numbers and nuances behind this resurgence demand a sober, data-driven response. It's an opportunity to refine our strategies and build a more resilient healthcare system. The JN.1 Surge: Numbers That Matter The JN.1 strain—a descendent of the BA.2.86 lineage—has outpaced earlier variants due to its enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape INSACOG data shows JN.1 now comprises 53 per cent of sequenced samples in India, with BA.2 and other Omicron sub lineages trailing behind . Daily new infections, while officially modest (257 active cases as per government reporting), are widely believed to be undercounted, especially in urban clusters of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, where local spikes and test positivity rates have exceeded 16 per cent in some areas Crucially, while most cases remain mild—mirroring trends seen in Singapore and Hong Kong—there is a notable reinfection rate, a testament to JN.1's immune-evasion capabilities . Hospitalisations are significantly lower than during previous peaks, but the variant's ability to slip past existing antibodies means that complacency is not an option .We've learned valuable lessons from past waves, and we can apply them to navigate this one effectively. Vaccination remains our strongest shield, yet just 32 per cent of eligible adults have received a fourth dose, leaving hundreds of millions exposed to potential complications . Encouraging wider adoption of booster doses is a key priority. The case fatality rate hovers at 0.4 per cent, with the vast majority of deaths occurring among the unvaccinated and those with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension . This highlights the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Industry-Wide Preparedness: Three Pillars 1. Infrastructure and Resource Optimization India's hospital ecosystem is adapting. Leading private hospitals have maintained 30–40 per cent surge-ready beds, compared to just 10–15 per cent in public facilities—a gap that is even more pronounced in tier-2 and tier-3 cities . Strengthening infrastructure in public facilities, particularly in underserved areas, is crucial for equitable access to care. National stockpiles of antivirals like Paxlovid are being managed with rapid replenishment cycles, and telehealth now handles a quarter of mild COVID cases, reducing pressure on physical infrastructure . 2. Financial Resilience and Insurance Gaps The pandemic has laid bare India's chronic underinsurance: nearly 70 per cent of the population lacks health insurance and relies on government facilities, leading to catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for many . Expanding health insurance coverage is essential for financial security and access to quality healthcare. Public-private partnerships (PPPs)—such as Ayushman Bharat 's empanelment of over 12,000 private beds—are a lifeline, but coverage and awareness remain patchy, especially outside major metros . We need to continue fostering these partnerships and improving awareness of available resources. 3. Workforce Readiness Urban hospitals have improved staff-to-patient ratios, but rural areas still lag, and burnout remains a concern despite recent improvements . Mandatory leave cycles and mental health stipends have halved burnout rates since 2023, but long-term resilience will require systemic investment in healthcare workers. Supporting our healthcare workforce is paramount. We must prioritize their well-being and invest in their training and development. Bridging the Health Insurance Divide With over 930 million Indians dependent on public healthcare, insurance reform is non-negotiable . Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) offers ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year, but only 45 per cent of eligible families are enrolled, hampered by barriers in awareness and accessibility . Pilot micro-insurance schemes in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are showing promise, offering daily plans as low as ₹5 for informal workers. Government proposals to cap private COVID treatment costs at 110% of CGHS rates could prevent financial ruin for millions . These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare, and we should explore further opportunities to build on this progress. Community Mobilization: Lessons from the Frontlines The success of India's vaccination drives has hinged on relentless community engagement. Door-to-door campaigns in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have boosted fourth-dose coverage, while mobile testing vans in Odisha and Chhattisgarh have improved rural diagnostics and early containment . Targeted awareness campaigns—leveraging WhatsApp, community radio, and local influencers—have chipped away at vaccine hesitancy, which has dropped from 28 per cent to 12 per cent in some states . These successes underscore the power of community-based approaches. We should continue to invest in these strategies and tailor them to local needs. A Call to Collective Action The JN.1 wave is a litmus test for India's healthcare equity. Three imperatives stand out: Boost vaccination coverage: Target a 50 per cent fourth-dose uptake by December 2025 (currently at 32 per cent). This is an ambitious but achievable goal that requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Strengthen public infrastructure: Allocate at least 30 per cent of health budgets to district hospitals and primary health centers, especially in underserved regions. Investing in public health infrastructure is a long-term strategy that will benefit all data analytics: Real-time genomic sequencing of at least 10 per cent of cases must guide hotspot interventions and resource allocation. Data-driven decision-making is essential for an effective and efficient response. Conclusion: Equity as the Foundation of Resilience Pandemics amplify systemic inequities. For India, resilience depends on merging the efficiency of the private sector with the reach of public health systems. As we navigate the JN.1 wave, let's ensure that no Indian—insured or uninsured—is left behind. The blueprint is clear: data-driven policy, robust insurance, and community mobilization are not just options, but working together, we can build a more equitable and resilient healthcare system for all. Stay informed. Stay united. This article is written by Anurag Yadav , CEO, Gleneagles Healthcare India (DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and does not necessarily subscribe to it. shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
