Latest news with #Hiremath
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Inemuri: Does this Japanese method of napping help boost productivity?
In Japan, the concept of 'Inemuri' has gained attention as a unique practice of napping that may sound unusual to many. The term directly translates to 'sleeping while present' and refers to the act of napping in public or during work hours. Often seen in offices, on trains, or in other public spaces, the Inemuri nap is considered a cultural norm rather than a sign of laziness. This practice has sparked curiosity around whether it offers a solution for those who find themselves sleep-deprived. With many people struggling to get adequate rest, the idea of napping strategically to boost productivity and mental clarity is gaining popularity. But can Inemuri truly help improve energy levels, or is it just a fleeting solution for a bigger sleep problem? Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells 'Inemuri naps can offer short-term relief for sleep-deprived individuals by allowing brief moments of rest during active participation in daily routines, such as meetings or public commuting. Unlike traditional naps taken in a private setting, Inemuri emphasises adaptability — individuals remain mentally prepared to re-engage with their surroundings quickly.' Dr Hiremath adds that inemuri usually involves light, non-REM sleep stages, which can improve alertness and cognitive function without inducing sleep inertia (the grogginess experienced after waking from deep sleep). 'A study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that even short periods of light sleep can enhance memory consolidation and focus,' he says. While regular naps aim for deeper restorative benefits, Dr Hiremath notes, Inemuri prioritises practicality, making it less effective for long-term recovery from significant sleep debt. The effectiveness of Inemuri naps largely depends on their duration and timing. 'Research suggests that naps lasting 10–20 minutes are ideal for improving alertness and reducing fatigue without disrupting nighttime sleep. Short naps help rejuvenate the body and mind, providing a quick boost of energy without the risk of feeling groggy afterward,' states Dr Hiremath. However, longer naps, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, risk entering deeper sleep stages, which can lead to sleep inertia. Dr Hiremath states, 'Sleep inertia refers to the groggy, disoriented feeling some people experience after waking from a deep sleep. This can hinder the benefits of napping and make it harder to regain full alertness.' Inemuri's cultural practice allows for varying nap lengths, from just a few minutes to longer periods, depending on the individual's environment and schedule. The practice is quite flexible, allowing people to adjust the duration to suit their needs. However, it is most effective when aligned with the body's natural circadian rhythm, particularly during mid-afternoon energy slumps. Some drawbacks according to Dr Hiremath are: DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Confiscate Reddy's ‘ill-gotten' money, says Hiremath
Terming the seven-year sentence awarded to mining baron and former Minister Janardhan Reddy as historic, founder-president of Samaj Parivartana Samudaya (SPS) S.R. Hiremath has urged both the Central and State governments to immediately take all steps to confiscate what he claimed Mr. Reddy's 'ill-gotten' money 'stashed' in India and abroad. Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Monday, Mr. Hiremath said that the SPS and like-minded organisations are committed to continuing the legal battle to take the case to its logical conclusion. Mr. Hiremath said that while Principal Special Judge for CBI cases T. Raghu Ram delivered a historic judgement indicting Mr. Reddy and three others, including a former bureaucrat, and sentencing them to seven-year imprisonment in the Obulapuram Mining Company Private Ltd. (OMCPL) case, there are still 14 other criminal cases pertaining to illegal mining under trial. Mr. Hiremath said that the judgement had revealed the sordid story of collusion between the mining mafia and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. Meanwhile, because of large-scale plundering of natural resources the people in the mining areas had to suffer, while the reports of the Karnataka Lokayukta and CEC are yet to be implemented by the governments, he said. He said that the judgement had come as a ray of hope for those fighting injustice especially by the mighty. The SPS and like-minded organisations will urge the governments to confiscate 'ill-gotten' money and utilise it for healing the wounds inflicted on nature and also on the people of the region. 'Extending support' Mr. Hiremath said that the National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) will support the ongoing struggle of the Jenu Kuruba and Adivasi women, men and children from Nagarahole National Park Area asserting their claims of Individual Forest Rights (IFR), Community Forest Rights (CFR) and Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006. The NCPNR will urge the government to withdraw all forces, including the Forest Department, the State Police and the Karnataka State Tiger Protection Forces (STPF) which are currently forcibly trying to drive them out from their ancestral villages, including Karadikallu Hattur Kollehaadi from inside the Nagarahole forest, he said.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Is pink slime taking over your bathroom? Expert explains the cause and solution
If you've noticed a pinkish slime or residue on bathroom surfaces, you're not alone. This common substance often appears around sinks, shower walls, and bathtubs, and many assume it's a type of mould. However, according to content creator Dr Karan Rajan, 'If you've seen this pink slime lurking in your bathroom, it's not mould, it's bacteria… specifically one called Serratia marcescens.' This bacteria thrives in moist, humid environments, making bathrooms an ideal habitat. To shed light on the nature of this pinkish slime and how best to manage it, we spoke to Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual, who shared valuable insights on this commonly misunderstood household issue. 'Serratia marcescens is a type of bacteria commonly found in moist environments like bathrooms. It's recognisable by its pink or reddish hue, which often appears as a slimy film on surfaces such as shower walls, tile grout, and around sinks. This bacterium thrives in damp, humid areas with a constant supply of organic matter, which it feeds on. In bathrooms, sources of organic nutrients may come from soap scum, shampoo residue, and even the oils from our skin, making these surfaces ideal for bacterial growth,' informs Dr Hiremath. The distinct pink colour results from a pigment called prodigiosin, he adds, which Serratia marcescens produces under certain conditions. 'Bathrooms, especially those with inadequate ventilation, create an ideal breeding ground for this bacteria. Research in Applied and Environmental Microbiology highlights that warm, moist environments combined with limited air circulation allow Serratia marcescens to grow and spread, making it a common sight in bathrooms.' Dr Hiremath states, 'For most healthy individuals, brief exposure to Serratia marcescens is typically low-risk, but the bacteria can pose certain health concerns, particularly for people with compromised immune systems.' The risks are relatively lower in-home bathrooms, but exposure should still be minimized, especially in households with infants, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems. 'Regular exposure to the bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces or inhaling airborne particles during a shower can lead to skin irritation, mild respiratory symptoms, or, in rare cases, infections. Practicing good hygiene and regularly cleaning surfaces can greatly reduce any health risks associated with Serratia marcescens,' says Dr Hiremath. Here are some effective cleaning strategies, according to Dr Hiremath: Vinegar and Baking Soda: Create a baking soda and water paste, scrub the affected area, then rinse with vinegar. The chemical reaction helps loosen the bacteria and remove residue. Bleach Solution: Diluting bleach in water (about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is an effective disinfectant. Scrub the affected areas with this solution, then rinse thoroughly. Hydrogen Peroxide Spray: Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can help kill Serratia marcescens. Spray a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution on affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off. Keep surfaces dry: Maintaining dry surfaces as much as possible also helps. Serratia marcescens thrive in moisture, so drying surfaces after each use, ensuring proper ventilation, and reducing overall humidity are essential.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CBI court verdict is a crushing blow to Janardhana Reddy's hopes of political revival in Karnataka politics
In a major blow to his hopes of political revival, former Minister and mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy has been sentenced to seven years in prison by a CBI special court in Hyderabad in connection with the Obulapuram illegal mining case – one of several that have long shadowed his career. The judgement marks a potentially decisive moment in the turbulent political journey of one of Karnataka's most controversial figures. For a man who once wielded kingmaker status within the State BJP, this conviction could very well be the final chapter in a saga marked by audacious comebacks and dramatic downfalls. Speaking to The Hindu, Ballari City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy termed the court verdict as 'divine justice' and said, 'Janardhana Reddy tried to carve out parts of Karnataka's territories in Ballari district to project them as belonging to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, solely to serve his illegal mining interests. I see the verdict by the CBI Special Court as divine justice,' Mr. Bharat Reddy told The Hindu. S.R. Hiremath, a prominent activist known for his relentless crusade against the illegal mining mafia in Karnataka, hailed the verdict as a significant milestone. 'Janardhana Reddy was such a powerful figure in the mining industry that he attempted to influence the judiciary to secure favourable judgments through bribery. In such a context, the CBI court's decision to convict and sentence him to seven years in prison is historic. I hope that the other pending cases against him in various courts and tribunals also reach their logical conclusions,' he said. Modi, Cong. govt should act Mr. Hiremath also urged the BJP's national leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to take a stand and ensure that the tainted MLA is removed from the Karnataka Assembly. Tapal Ganesh, a Ballari-based miner and long-time critic of Mr. Janardhana Reddy's mining operations, echoed the sentiment. 'Janardhana Reddy obtained a mining permit from Andhra Pradesh but carried out operations in Karnataka's Ballari district along the inter-State border. Using the A.P. permit, he illegally extracted 20 to 30 lakh tonnes of iron ore. The CBI Court's judgement is commendable,' Mr. Ganesh said. He further alleged that the Congress-led Karnataka government had made little effort to bring Janardhana Reddy to justice in other related cases. 'The inter-State border survey is unscientific, and officials, acting under Janardhana Reddy's influence, are doing nothing to rectify it,' he added. The road to revival In his chequered political career, after being sidelined within the party, Janardhana Reddy launched his own outfit, the Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP), ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. Although he managed to win the Gangavathi seat himself, the experiment largely failed. He remained KRPP's lone victor, while even his wife, Lakshmi Aruna, suffered a decisive defeat in Ballari City at the hands of Mr. Bharath Reddy. Janardhana Reddy then returned to the BJP and continued his determined efforts to revive his influence. Having spent more than 13 years in exile from Ballari due to court-imposed restrictions, he finally received relief from the Supreme Court just ahead of the Sandur byelection last year. He wasted no time in taking charge of the BJP's campaign, in a bid to re-establish his regional dominance. The byelection was seen as a litmus test of his residual political capital. Rift with Sriramulu However, the results did not go in Janardhana Reddy's favour. The BJP lost the Sandur seat to the Congress, and in the aftermath, he reportedly attempted to shift blame onto his longtime ally and close aide B. Sriramulu, a prominent BJP leader and key figure from the Naik (Beda) community. The fallout strained one of the most influential alliances in Ballari politics, further weakening Janardhana Reddy's revival strategy and isolating him. Tuesday's CBI court verdict now appears to be a decisive blow. The sentence is likely to remove Janardhana Reddy from electoral politics for the near future and dismantle the carefully constructed narrative of a political comeback. Even if he appeals and obtains a stay, the conviction severely dents his momentum by rekindling public memory of the mining scams, corruption, and cronyism that have plagued his image.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Five myths about reversing grey hair you need to stop believing
The internet is filled with quick fixes and bold claims, and one trending topic is reversing grey hair. Countless methods are touted as miraculous solutions to restore your natural hair colour online. But how many of these remedies are actually effective? Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells 'With countless claims circulating online about reversing grey hair naturally, it is crucial to approach such information critically.' Can grey hair truly be reversed naturally, or are these claims largely unfounded? 'The reversal of grey hair is highly unlikely in most cases,' notes Dr Hiremath. Grey hair results from the depletion of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives hair its colour. As melanin production decreases due to aging or genetic factors, hair loses its pigmentation. This process is considered irreversible under normal circumstances. However, there are exceptions, as stated by Dr Hiremath: Reversible Causes: Grey hair caused by stress, nutritional deficiencies, or illness can sometimes regain pigmentation if the underlying issue is resolved. For instance, a study published in eLife (2021) showed that removing chronic stress partially restored pigment in some individuals' hair. Permanent Greying: Age-related or genetic greying involves irreversible damage to melanocyte stem cells, making natural reversal impossible. 'The biology of hair greying underscores its permanence in most cases, as melanocyte depletion is rarely reversible,' the doctor highlights. Some myths regarding reversing grey hair online Dr Hiremath describes the myths regarding reversing grey hair that he has come across online: Myth 1: Onion juice can reverse greying Debunked: There is no credible evidence supporting the idea that onion juice can restore melanin production. A review in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2020) highlights that onion juice has no proven effect on pigmentation. Myth 2: Coconut oil and lemon juice can restore hair colour Debunked: While these may condition hair, there is no biochemical pathway linking coconut oil or lemon juice to melanin restoration. There is no credible evidence supporting the idea that onion juice can restore melanin production. (Source: Freepik) Myth 3: Collagen supplements prevent greying Debunked: While collagen supports hair structure, it does not influence melanin production or reverse greying. Claims suggesting otherwise lack scientific backing. Myth 4: Avoiding shampoo prevents greying Debunked: Shampoo has no impact on the melanocytes in hair follicles. This is misinformation spread by influencers promoting 'natural' lifestyles. Myth 5: Eating certain herbs restores hair pigment Debunked: No herb has been proven to regenerate melanocytes. Claims around 'miracle herbs' are anecdotal and unverified. Dietary changes or supplements that have a significant impact on grey hair While diet can support hair health, Dr Hiremath stresses that reversing greying isn't possible through food or supplements. However, certain nutrients may delay its progression, he says: Vitamin B12: Supports melanin production, found in meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals. Copper: Essential for melanocyte function, found in nuts, seeds, and shellfish. Antioxidants: Combat oxidative stress, found in berries, green tea, and spinach. Iron: Supports hair pigmentation, found in lentils, red meat, and leafy greens. Zinc: Supports hair follicle health, found in nuts, seeds, and seafood. Caution against misinformation: Dr Hiremath asserts, 'Many social media influencers promote false claims about reversing grey hair, leading to wasted time and money. Rely on peer-reviewed research and accredited professionals instead of unverified miracle cures. Greying is natural, driven by genetics and age, and while stress or deficiencies may accelerate it, no solution can fully reverse it. Prioritise a healthy lifestyle and credible scientific advice.'
