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India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Kashmir calling: Why Omar Abdullah went cycling, cable-car riding
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated June 16, 2025)It took years of Centre's push for better infrastructure, incentives to local industry and the sedulous dissemination of a feelgood narrative, helped by a dip in terrorism—it was an entire conspiracy of virtues that revived Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism hub. The Pahalgam terror attack ripped apart that patchwork quilt woven since 2019. The urgent question now is, how to revive that revival?advertisement It's an unenviable task. As scared tourists stay away, summer hotel bookings are mostly cancelled, and large-scale layoffs in the hospitality sector are spreading misery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has clearly deemed the situation grim enough to lead a full counter-charge, but he is seeking to do it with a touch of May 27, he chose to hold a cabinet meeting right there on ground zero: Pahalgam. In the evening, he went on a cycle ride through its streets with sons Zahir and Zamir. Next day, cabinet in tow, the CM visited ski-resort Gulmarg, then took a cable car ride before the cameras. After Eid on June 7, the government will organise a Walkathon around Dal Lake in Srinagar and a water sports event on the A record 3.5 million tourists visited J&K in 2024; the sector adds 7 per cent to its GDP. Enthused locals, who invested in hotels and homestays, are unable to repay loans. The J&K government has petitioned the Centre to help these minister Amit Shah, too,visited J&K on May 29-31. Agenda: to secure the Amarnath yatra that begins on July 3. A 50,000-strong detail will guard the routes to the cave, via Pahalgam and Ganderbal. There's zero tolerance for to India Today MagazineMust Watch
India Today
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kunal Kapoor: Man of many parts
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated May 19, 2025)Q. Your recent project, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, marks your return to films after a four-year wasn't deliberate; it's just that I wasn't getting the kind of roles I wanted to do. During this time, I attended workshops to learn new skills like clowning and pursued my passion for writing. In the past few years, I have put together a writer's room to create the content I am passionate about. The plan is to act in some and produce How was it being a part of an ensemble project that stars the likes of Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat? Jewel Thief is a rollercoaster ride, with one twist after another. It's great popcorn entertainment. People believe such films are easier to make vis--vis serious projects, but they require a great amount of craft too. I played the role of a tough cop, a welcome departure from the peacemaker, philosopher or poet I usually am on screen. I didn't share much screen space with Jaideep, but it was great spending time with Saif.Q. You are also an entrepreneur. What led you to establish a crowdfunding platform over a decade ago?I have always been a nerd with a keen interest in technology. And then there's the part of me that wanted to help people. The idea was to leverage technology and create a transparent platform where those who sought help could reach out to individuals capable of providing financial assistance. That's how Ketto came to What's next on the cards?I am co-producing a dramedy, which should hopefully go on the floors this year. It's too early to speak about it. I have also just finished a Telugu film, Vishwambhara, starring Chiranjeevi. I play the role of the antagonist, something I have never done to India Today MagazineMust Watch
India Today
21-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Clefts are more than a cosmetic issue: Five myths
Cleft, a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate), is a treatable facial birth condition. But misconceptions and stigma often delay treatment. Dr Vithal Lahane, senior plastic surgeon and managing director of the Smile Train Cleft Programme at Lahane Hospital in Latur, Maharashtra, debunks some are extremely rareContrary to popular belief, cleft is one of the most common birth differences worldwide, affecting one in every 700 babies. Due to a large population, India has one of the highest cleft births globally. Clefts occur in all populations, regardless of nationality, socioeconomic status or region. However, access to treatment varies and families from lower-resource settings may struggle to access the care their children need. Organisations such as Smile Train enable cleft surgeries and comprehensive care to bridge this gap free of are only cosmetic issues Many people believe clefts are only an appearance-related concern. In reality, clefts affect essential functions, such as feeding, breathing, hearing and speaking. Babies born with clefts struggle to breastfeed or drink from a bottle, leading to malnutrition and growth delays, if not properly managed. Untreated clefts can also cause speech difficulties, frequent ear infections and dental problems. Early medical intervention is crucial for a child's long-term health and surgery is complicated and leaves large scarsThe truth is that a cleft lip surgery can take as little as 45 minutes, and a cleft palate repair is usually completed within an hour. With advances in surgical techniques, scarring is minimal and often fades over time. Most children who undergo early cleft treatment lead healthy and fulfilling lives, with little to no visible signs of with clefts cannot lead normal livesThe reality is that cleft-affected children have normal intelligence and can achieve just as much as their peers. While some may require speech therapy or dental care, these challenges are manageable with proper medical support. Many individuals born with clefts have gone on to become successful professionals, athletes and even are caused by eclipse or bad karmaOne of the most persistent myths is that clefts result from bad karma, an eclipse, or a mother's actions during pregnancy. The reality is that cleft is a medical condition, not a punishment or supernatural occurrence. Although the exact cause is not clear, most experts agree that the condition occurs due to several factors, both genetic and environmental. This includes maternal health conditions, use of alcohol and drugs (including tobacco), infections or Vitamin B (also known as folic acid) deficiency in pregnant to India Today MagazineMust Watch
