Latest news with #Ahuja
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why Indian farmers are chasing Matcha? Sarthak Ahuja's take on its Rs 20,000 per kg price tag goes viral
Matcha isn't just trending in your favourite cafe menu; it's also turning into green gold for Indian farmers. Recently, this was pointed out by content creator and chartered accountant for a decade, Sarthak Ahuja, who took to his Instagram and shared an insight on the same. The video has garnered over twelve thousand likes so far. In the clip, Ahuja highlighted that the popular Japanese-origin super tea is gaining ground across Indian farmlands. With the bulk of buyers, like cafes, paying between Rs 3500 and Rs 20000 per kilo, and D2C brands selling 50g packs for up to Rs 1500, matcha is quickly becoming one of the most lucrative crops on the block. But what's driving this sudden surge? And is it even sustainable? Let's understand. Why does matcha sell for Rs 20,000 per kilo in India? Matcha is an expensive tea—usually ₹20,000 per kilogram—because of the intensive labour in cultivation and processing. "While regular green tea is exposed to the sun for its entire lifetime, matcha is shaded from the sun for weeks prior to harvesting, which leads to higher chlorophyll content and a higher amino acid level of L-theanine," says Dr. Shrey Srivastava, Founder of Doctors on Duty (DOD). According to Dr. Srivastava, "Leaves are hand-harvested, steamed, dried, and finally ground into a fine powder by manual stone mills—a long, labour-intensive process. The careful manufacture produces a high-quality product containing plenty of antioxidants, flavour, and nutrients." World demand for matcha has gained momentum due to its health advantages, such as heightened metabolism, detoxification, enhanced alertness, and long-lasting energy without the crash of caffeine. It is now broadly incorporated not only in tea but also in lattes, smoothies, and sweets. Demand for Matcha cultivation has spiked in India Indian farmers have begun planting matcha owing to increased global demand and its high price in the market. 'Previously cultivated in Japan, matcha is a green tea leaf powder, which is prepared from specially cultivated green tea leaves that are high in antioxidants and health factors. Where favourable climatic conditions exist, such as in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris, Indian farmers are considering matcha as a value crop," Dr. Bhumesh Tygai, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital. Farming advice, better methods of cultivation, and export avenues have also contributed to this phenomenon. "Moreover, the growing consciousness of health and organic food demand domestically and abroad is prompting Indian farmers to diversify and try their hand at new crops such as matcha," he added. Why have Indian farmers also started cultivating matcha? What's the trigger? Indian farmers, particularly from states such as Assam, Nilgiris, and a portion of Himachal Pradesh, have felt the monetary value of the crop. Favourable climatic conditions and growing international demand have pushed farmers to opt for the cultivation of matcha as a high-value crop against conventional tea. "Incentives from the government, application of organic farming, and growing concern about world tea markets have also prompted Indian farmers to experiment with diversification and tap matcha's value segment," says Dr. Srivastava.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
The secret to Shruti Haasan's thick and long hair is…
Shruti Haasan's long and luscious hair adds to her ethereal beauty and charm. In a recent podcast episode of The Ranveer Show, the Coolie actor opened up about the secret to her beautiful mane. 'I use sesame oil. Sesame mixed with coconut, or sesame mixed with almond, depending on my mind. But I have realised, sesame has worked miracles for my hair,' she told host Ranveer Allahabia, adding that she oils her hair before every wash. According to Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, sesame oil is renowned in classical Ayurvedic hair care and contemporary hair care for its many advantages to scalp and hair health. 'Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium, sesame oil intensely moisturises the scalp, fortifies the hair follicles, and induces hair growth. Its inherent antibacterial and antifungal action can serve to curtail dandruff and calm inflamed or irritated scalp conditions,' he said. Dr Passi added that sesame oil also has a natural sunscreen quality that prevents damage to hair from UV light, and the antioxidants in it are said to fight premature aging of the hair. 'Sesame oil massages with warm oil stimulate blood flow to the scalp, continuing to promote hair health and relaxation,' said the expert. Neha Ahuja, Ayurveda expert and founder of Kaashi Wellness, shared that Ayurveda considers sesame oil to be the richest among all oils. 'Scientifically known as Sesamum indicum or 'til thaila' in Sanskrit, sesame oil is a common ingredient in cosmetic and medicinal products. Traditionally, til thaila is known to be highly transformative because of its warming and calming effects on the nadi or nervous system,' she said. Moreover, it has highly hydrating, nourishing, and moisturising properties that work exceptionally well on vata body types. 'Ayurveda looks upon sesame oil as the king of oils, as it is capable of holistically addressing multiple benefits, including the elimination of pathogens, improving immunity, and balancing the ojas or energy,' Ahuja told This oil is considered a solution for people who suffer from headaches, hair fall, and more, along with being an excellent natural oil for good sleep. Thanks to its mystical properties, til thaila is capable of balancing tridoshas, and a simple application on joints ensures relief from pain and stiffness of muscles,' mentioned Ahuja. However, using this oil comes with a cautionary note. 'People with sensitive skin or who are allergic to nuts should patch test before repeated use, though, because sesame oil is an allergen in occasional cases. Also, overuse of it without thorough cleaning can cause scalp buildup or blocked pores,' said Dr Passi, further advising applying sesame oil once in 2 weeks — preferably as a pre-shampoo treatment. 'Overnight oiling is not recommended for better results,' he added.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
IIT Ropar's ‘pookie professor' joins student for sunglasses selfie at convocation; viral video wins the Internet
A delightful video from IIT Ropar's recent convocation ceremony has taken the Internet by storm, and for all the right reasons. The clip, which has racked up over 30 million views, captures a spontaneous and joyful exchange between a graduating student and the institute's director, professor Rajeev Ahuja. In the now-viral footage, a student named Kartik walks up to receive his degree and, mid-photo, turns to professor Ahuja with a mischievous smile and asks if he can wear shades for the picture. The professor chuckles and nods, giving his approval. But Kartik doesn't stop there, he offers a pair of shades to the professor himself. To everyone's surprise and delight, Ahuja swaps his regular spectacles for the sunglasses and joins Kartik in the photo, striking a pose that instantly wins over the crowd. The auditorium erupts in laughter and applause. The video was captioned, 'When your Professor says yes to black shades at convocation… and rocks them too while awarding degrees! Iconic moments only at IIT Ropar.' A post shared by Exploring IITs (@ Responding to the video, an Instagram user wrote, 'I actually liked that he asked his Prof before doing something he wanted to instead of making it a scene.' Ajiolife commented, 'You sure passed the degree but the professor passed the vibe check.' A third person wrote, 'Pookie professor.' A fourth individual commented, 'Back in NITT, we had the most amazing Director who was so much still everyone's hero when we reminisced him! Great Bosses and Great Academic Heads make fantastic places to be at!!' A post shared by Exploring IITs (@ In another clip from the same ceremony, the ever-sporting professor Ahuja is seen posing for fun pictures with other students, flashing Korean finger hearts and peace signs, a refreshing contrast to the usual formality of such events.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
All depts asked to ensure women safety at workplace
Bhubaneswar: TheOdisha government on Thursday directed all departments to ensure women's safety at workplaces in the State. The direction came in the wake of the self-immolation death of a college student following an alleged inaction by the authorities over her complaint of sexual harassment against a teacher. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja wrote to all government departments to ensure compliance with the Provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 by all institutions or organisations. In the letter, the Chief Secretary said that the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act in workplaces and institutions is essential to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all, particularly women. He has also directed the department heads and authorities that the compliance report on the action points be submitted to the Department of Women and Child Development within 15 days. 'Sexual harassment not only violates an individual's dignity and rights but also undermines productivity, morale and equal opportunities,' he said. Ahuja also mentioned in the letter that by enforcing the POSH Act, organisations fulfil their legal and ethical responsibility to prevent, prohibit and redress instances of harassment. He said it fosters a culture of accountability, encourages reporting without fear and builds trust among employees or members, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more equitable work or institutional space. Ahuja has also advised all the department authorities to go for the constitution of Internal Committee (IC), capacity building and sensitisation, time-bound inquiry and redressal mechanism, annual reporting and transparency and responsibility of management. 'The head of the institution shall be held personally responsible for ensuring effective implementation of the POSH Act, as well as for any lapses in safeguarding complainants and preventing retaliation,' Ahuja said. The Chief Secretary also asked all administrative heads to constitute or revalidate IC and ensure meeting of IC once in a month for the next six months to create awareness and build momentum for the campaign against sexual harassment in educational institutions. Thereafter, the ICs should meet in each quarter as per the Act. He asked the authorities to ensure the grievance redressal mechanism, such as the She-Box portal, along with details of the IC, is prominently displayed in multiple locations in all institutions, mandate periodic awareness and capacity-building sessions for all staff and students, monitor and enforce compliance through regular inspections and require all institutions to submit status reports. The college and school authorities are also told to regularly visit educational institutions and interact with students, the Chief Secretary said. The second-year student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore died at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Monday night. She had set herself on fire on the college campus on July 12 over inaction against a professor who allegedly sexually harassed her. Stating that the State government is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of women in all educational and professional environments, Ahuja said district administrations are therefore expected to act with urgency and diligence to create a safe environment for girls and women and uphold the provisions of the law in both letter and spirit.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Odisha government expedites POSH implementation across State
Jolted by a student's self-immolation following the alleged failure to redress her complaint of harassment, and the subsequent national outrage, the Odisha government on Friday (July 18, 2025) directed all colleges to sensitise teachers, non-teaching staff and students on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, within three days. The State government also issued instructions to display the women's helpline number 181 at strategic locations on educational campuses. All universities and colleges have been asked to organise sensitisation workshops on the provisions of the POSH Act and the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015. Since July 14, the State government has issued a series of directives to colleges, schools and government offices to constitute internal committees as mandated under the POSH Act. 'The State government is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of women in all educational and professional environment. District administrations are therefore expected to act with urgency and diligence to create a safe environment for girls and women and uphold the provisions of the law in both letter and spirit,' State Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja wrote in a letter addressed to all departments on Thursday (July 18, 2025). Mr. Ahuja also stressed on the constitution of internal complaint committees, capacity building and sensitisation, time-bound inquiry and redressal mechanisms, as well as annual reporting and transparency. Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal has announced a plan to organise a massive picketing of all Revenue Divisional Commissioners' offices on July 21.
