No time to rest: on India's ranking and the Sustainable Development Report
India has been ranked among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since this data began to be published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) since 2016. The SDSN is an independent body under the aegis of the UN, whose publications are tracked by policymakers and governments. In 2016, India was ranked 110th out of 157 countries, making steady progress to reach 99 this year out of an expanded basket of 167 nations with better metrics and more granular comparisons. But it is no time to rest on this laurel. India must look at why this incline, by 11 points, was not achieved any sooner and the gaps to focus on. From a developmental perspective, the SDSN ranks India as having fared better in poverty reduction (SDG 1) even as India's poverty estimation continues to be mired in controversy due to a lack of publicly available consumption expenditure data since 2018 and the poverty line (Rangarajan line ~₹33/day rural, ₹47/day urban) not having been updated. Proxy data suggest a considerable poverty reduction, almost halving between 2012 (22% based on NSSO data) and 2023 (World Bank – 12%).
But SDG 2 (zero hunger) has remained a cause for concern. It also reveals the wide disparity between income groups and rural and urban areas on access to a nutritious diet. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) estimates that over a third of Indians (35.5%) were stunted (NFHS-5, 2019-21), only marginally better than 38.4% (NFHS-4, 2015-16). Similarly, wasting, which is low weight for height, reduced from 21.0% to 19.3%. Obesity in the working age population (15-49 years) has almost doubled between 2006 and 2021, and concentrated in wealthier urban areas. Electricity access (SDG 7) is another indicator where India has done well. While the country has achieved near universal household electrification in the past two decades, the quality of power and duration vary vastly based on regions and urban/rural fault lines. It is, however, laudable that India today ranks as the fourth largest renewables capacity deployer, mainly solar and wind. And while India has bettered its score in infrastructure provision (SDG 9), noteworthy additions being rapid mobile penetration and financial inclusion through UPI-linked digital payments gateways, COVID-19 revealed the stark difference between rural and urban Internet penetration, which must be addressed to achieve even higher educational outcomes (SDG 4). It is telling, however, that throughout the Modi years, India's performance in governance, the rule of law, press freedom and strong and independent institutions (SDG 16) has been lagging.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shefali Jariwala's tragic death exposes the health risk women keep ignoring: Doctors reveal the silent threat behind it
For a generation, Shefali Jariwala will always be the dazzling "Kaanta Laga" girl—a name that brings with it memories of early 2000s music videos, unmatched dance moves, and that air of effortless cool. But now, heartbreak hangs heavy in the air as fans wake up to the devastating news of her sudden and untimely passing. In her early 40s, Shefali died of a sudden cardiac arrest. To many, the news feels almost unreal. This was a woman who radiated energy—sharing workout videos, wellness tips, and glowing moments from her daily life on social media. Her presence was consistent, cheerful, and health-conscious. And perhaps that's what makes her passing so difficult to process. But beneath this shock lies a darker, more urgent reality that health experts have been warning about: sudden cardiac deaths in young, seemingly healthy women are on the rise—and no one is talking enough about it. The myth of the 'man's disease' For decades, heart disease was considered a 'man's issue.' Women, especially younger women, were seen as low-risk—protected by their hormones and relatively healthy lifestyles. But now, the data tells a different story. And Shefali's tragic death is part of a growing, troubling pattern. Cardiologist Dr Ashish Agarwal, Director at Aakash Healthcare, is blunt: 'Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are now one of the leading causes of death in women, killing 10 times more women than breast cancer.' According to the National Family Health Survey (2020), nearly 19% of Indian women aged 15–49 have untreated hypertension—a silent killer that can set the stage for fatal heart events. 'Shefali's sudden passing is a stark reminder,' says Dr Agarwal, 'that even women who appear fit and active can be at serious risk. Early screening, managing diabetes, cholesterol, and stress—these are no longer optional. They are essential.' A double battle: Epilepsy and the heart What many may not know is that Shefali also battled epilepsy for over 15 years—a detail she openly shared in interviews, becoming a rare celebrity voice in destigmatizing the condition. According to Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), epilepsy's toll is far more than the seizures themselves. 'Shefali's experience, enduring epilepsy for 15 years as she once openly shared, illustrates the profound toll that repeated seizures can take on an individual's life, far beyond momentary physical manifestations. It is not uncommon for people with such persistent neurological conditions to face debilitating clusters of symptoms. Seizures that occur unpredictably such as she described happening in classrooms, backstage, or on the road, can erode self-confidence and overall well‑being,' Dr Gupta says. Over time, this stress may also contribute to cardiovascular strain—a little-understood but important link between neurological and cardiac health. Shefali had once described how her episodes would hit suddenly—in classrooms, at shoots, on the road. She battled not only seizures but fear, anxiety, and the stigma that came with them. For millions living with epilepsy, her voice was a lifeline. When symptoms don't look like symptoms One of the cruelest ironies of heart disease in women is that the warning signs rarely look like the dramatic chest-clutching scenes we see in movies. 'Women's heart attack symptoms often include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath,' explains Dr Subrat Akhoury, Chairman of Cath Lab & Interventional Cardiology at Asian Hospital. 'These signs are frequently brushed off as stress, PMS, or just another exhausting day.' That misinterpretation can cost lives. Dr Akhoury further explains that women's arteries behave differently than men's—plaque builds up in different patterns, making traditional diagnostic tools less effective. Emotional health, he adds, plays a much bigger role in women's heart risks than previously acknowledged. 'Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress—these can all quietly increase the risk of heart disease,' he warns. And after menopause, that risk spikes significantly. Behind the numbers: Young women at risk Why are more women in their 30s and 40s facing such deadly outcomes? According to Dr Anupama V. Hegde, Senior Consultant at Ramaiah Institute of Cardiac Sciences, the answers lie in a web of factors—structural heart diseases, rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and a lifestyle that's become increasingly taxing. 'Sudden cardiac arrest in young women is devastating—and it's accounting for nearly one-third of all female deaths,' she says. 'Unhealthy eating habits, high stress levels, poor sleep, rising diabetes and hypertension rates, and sedentary lifestyles have all converged. And young women are bearing the brunt.' The rise in spontaneous coronary artery dissections—a rare but serious heart event—has also been observed more frequently in women under 50, often those without traditional risk factors. The genetic card: A silent player But lifestyle alone doesn't tell the whole story. Genetic predisposition plays a powerful, often hidden role in determining heart disease risk—especially in women who seem otherwise healthy. Dr Ramesh Menon, Director of Personal Genomics and Genomic Medicine, believes we're now entering an era where precision medicine can save lives. 'For women over 40, standard tests often miss early red flags. Genetic testing allows us to assess individual risk long before any symptom appears.' Hormonal shifts, especially during perimenopause and menopause, interact with genetics to significantly alter heart risk profiles. Add in smoking, irregular sleep, and chronic emotional labor—and you have a perfect storm. 'Genetics isn't destiny,' Dr Menon says, 'but knowing your predisposition can empower you to take action early—through diet, medication, or lifestyle change.' The emotional labor that goes unseen There's also a cultural layer we cannot ignore. Women, particularly in India, are often conditioned to put themselves last—juggling careers, caregiving, emotional support roles, and endless to-do lists. They normalize fatigue. They silence discomfort. And they delay check-ups because there's always someone else to take care of first. But the consequences of that invisibility can be fatal. A moment to mourn—and to wake up Tributes are now pouring in across social media. Videos of Shefali dancing, her glowing skin, her confident voice—they're all being shared with disbelief and grief. She was, for many, a symbol of fearlessness and flair. But now, amid the mourning, there's a growing question: how many more young women have to die before we start taking their heart health seriously? This is not just about one celebrity. This is about a generation of women walking through life with hidden heart risks—unseen, unspoken, and untreated. What can you do—right now? Doctors across the board offer the same advice: get proactive. Whether you're 25 or 55, it's time to take your heart seriously. Know your numbers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Listen to your body: Fatigue, breathlessness, unexplained pain—don't ignore it. Manage stress: Mental health is cardiac health. Move more, sit less: Even 30 minutes a day of walking helps. Ask about family history and consider genetic testing: Especially if early deaths run in your family. Don't dismiss symptoms just because you're young or 'fit'. Because sometimes, it's not just another tiring day. It's your heart waving a red flag. Shefali Jariwala lit up every frame she was in. Her story now becomes something more—a cautionary tale, a wake-up call, and a reason for women everywhere to listen more closely to their bodies. She danced like no one was watching. Now, her silence leaves us with questions that demand answers. Rest in peace, Shefali. Your voice, your courage, and your story might just save lives.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Shefali Jariwala death at 42: Cardiologist calls ‘heart attacks in women deadlier'; 6 lifestyle changes to make today
Shefali Jariwala, actor and model, died on June 27, 2025, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 42. She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai, but was declared dead on arrival. Shefali Jariwala was known for her appearance in Bigg Boss 13 and her 2002 music video, Kaanta Laga. Also read | Cardiologist shares 5 common drugs that could silently harm your heart over time: 'Know what you're taking' Shefali Jariwala death: The actor and model died in Mumbai on June 27. (Instagram/ Shefali Jariwala) Did you know cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women, accounting for approximately one of every three female deaths in the US alone, as per a 2017 study published in PubMed Central? Moreover, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in India. 'Both globally and in India, women's cardiac problems are on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular diseases, which account for 17.3 million deaths annually, are the leading cause of death among women globally,' Dr Rudradev Pandey, additional director, intervention cardiology, CK Birla Hospital/RBH, Jaipur said in a 2023 interview with HT Lifestyle. He added, 'Unfortunately, CVDs are now one of the leading causes of death in women, with diseases like heart attacks and cardiac arrests killing 10 times more women than breast cancer. According to 2020 research analysing the National Family Health Survey, 18.69 percent of Indian women between the ages of 15 and 49 have untreated hypertension. It was 17.09 percent in rural areas against 21.73 percent in urban areas.' 8 facts women must know about heart disease Women can make the following lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks. But first, according to cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, here are the eight vital facts every woman should know to recognise, prevent, and protect against heart disease and heart attacks. In his March 9 Instagram post, Dr Yaranov said: 1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet many still believe it's a 'man's disease'. It's time to break that myth. 2. Women's heart attack symptoms often differ from the classic chest pain. Instead, they may experience nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, which can lead to misdiagnosis. 3. Heart attacks are deadlier for women. Women have a higher risk of dying within the first year after a heart attack, partly because symptoms are often missed or untreated. 4. Plaque builds up differently in women's arteries, making heart disease harder to detect. Standard tests are based on men's heart disease patterns, which can cause missed diagnoses in women. 5. Stress and emotional health impact women's heart risks more. Anxiety and depression can increase heart disease risk but are often overlooked in heart health discussions. 6. After menopause, heart disease risk rises sharply. The drop in estrogen removes a protective layer, increasing the chances of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart attacks. 7. Women are less likely to receive life-saving treatments. From medication to stents to CPR, women get these less often than men, even though they need them just as much. 8. The good news: most heart disease is preventable. A heart-healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and paying attention to your body can save lives. What should women do for prevention? According to Dr Pandey, for better prevention of heart disease in women, early screening and control of risk factors like diabetes and hypertension are especially crucial. Here are six lifestyle changes he suggested: 1. Eat a nutritious diet A diet high in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, low in saturated and trans fats, can greatly lower the risk of heart disease. A balanced diet was linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease among Indian women, according to current research estimates in the country. 2. Regular exercise Exercise can increase blood flow, lower the risk of heart disease, and help people stay at a healthy weight. At least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise at a moderate level is advised by the American Heart Association. 3. Reduce stress Heart disease risk can rise with high amounts of stress. It's critical to identify stress-reduction strategies, such as relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation. 4. Give up smoking Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. The risk of heart disease can be decreased, and general health can be enhanced by quitting smoking. 5. Liquor intake Alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of some cancers. Limiting alcohol consumption is essential to maintain good health. 6. Take care of chronic conditions Women who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are more likely to develop heart disease. These disorders must be managed with medication, dietary adjustments, and routine check-ups. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
UN officials say aid distribution system in Gaza leading to mass killings
United Nations officials on Friday said a US- and Israeli-backed distribution system in Gaza was leading to mass killings of people seeking humanitarian aid, drawing accusations from Israel that the UN was "aligning itself with Hamas". The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says that since late May, more than 500 people have been killed near aid centres.(Reuters) Eyewitnesses and local officials have reported repeated killings of Palestinians seeking aid at distribution centres over recent weeks in the war-stricken territory, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas militants. The Israeli military has denied targeting people seeking aid and the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has denied any deadly incidents were linked to its sites. But following weeks of reports, UN officials and other aid providers on Friday denounced what they said was a wave of killings of hungry people seeking aid. "The new aid distribution system has become a killing field," with people "shot at while trying to access food for themselves and their families," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian affairs (UNWRA). "This abomination must end through a return to humanitarian deliveries from the UN including @UNRWA," he wrote on X. The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says that since late May, more than 500 people have been killed near aid centres while seeking scarce supplies. The country's civil defence agency has also repeatedly reported people being killed while seeking aid. "People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The search for food must never be a death sentence." Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) branded the GHF relief effort "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid". Israel denies targeting civilians That drew an angry response from Israel, which said GHF had provided 46 million meals in Gaza. "The UN is doing everything it can to oppose this effort. In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations," the foreign ministry said. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a newspaper report that the country's military commanders ordered soldiers to fire at Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza. Left-leaning daily Haaretz had earlier quoted unnamed soldiers as saying commanders ordered troops to shoot at crowds near aid distribution centres to disperse them even when they posed no threat. Haaretz said the military advocate general, the army's top legal authority, had instructed the military to investigate "suspected war crimes" at aid sites. The Israeli military declined to comment to AFP on the claim. Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz that their country "absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels" and "malicious falsehoods" in the Haaretz article. The military said in a separate statement it "did not instruct the forces to deliberately shoot at civilians, including those approaching the distribution centres". It added that Israeli military 'directives prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians.' Israel blocked deliveries of food and other crucial supplies into Gaza from March for more than two months. It began allowing supplies to trickle in at the end of May, with GHF centres secured by armed US contractors and Israeli troops on the perimeter. Guterres said that from the UN, just a "handful" of medical deliveries had crossed into Gaza this week. Civil defence says 80 killed Gaza's civil defence agency told AFP 80 Palestinians had been killed on Friday by Israeli strikes or fire across the Palestinian territory, including 10 who were waiting for aid. The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the incidents, and denied its troops fired in one of the locations in central Gaza where rescuers said one aid seeker was killed. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP six people were killed in southern Gaza near one of the distribution sites operated by GHF, and one more in a separate incident in the centre of the territory, where the army denied shooting "at all". Another three people were killed by a strike while waiting for aid southwest of Gaza City, Bassal said. Elsewhere, eight people were killed "after an Israeli air strike hit Osama Bin Zaid School, which was housing displaced persons" in northern Gaza. MSF said that in the week of June 8, shortly after GHF opened a distribution site in central Gaza's Netzarim corridor, the MSF field hospital in nearby Deir el-Balah saw a 190-percent increase in bullet wound cases compared to the previous week. Militants attack Israeli forces Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said they shelled an Israeli vehicle east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Friday. The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas-ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said they attacked Israeli soldiers in at least two other locations near Khan Yunis in coordination with the Al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 56,331 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United Nations considers its figures reliable.
