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Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Health
- Time of India
Heart health is a shared responsibility, says Novartis India head
A recent Beat Bad Cholesterol event by The Times of India group, in collaboration with Novartis, emphasized the need for the right kind of awareness, education and timely intervention in India where cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability in India. Calling it an 'epidemic' a 2023 study published in the medical journal The Lancet* says Indians have a higher relative risk burden of CVDs; an earlier age of onset; higher case fatality; and higher premature deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that over 25% of deaths in India can be attributed to CVDs, and that they occur in an age group which is at least 10 years younger than that in the West. So, what is one to do in this situation? Recently, global pharma major Novartis and The Times of India hosted an event, titled Beat Bad Cholesterol, to spread the word about heart health and the dangers of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Commonly known as the 'bad' cholesterol, LDL-C is a driver of CVDs, but it is also a modifiable risk. With the right kind of care and treatment, its risk as a primary cause of CVDs can be managed and even reduced. Novartis has a strong legacy of reimagining medicine for over 250 years and has partnered India's healthcare journey since 1947. For over 30 years it has been instrumental in transforming the standards of care for cardiovascular diseases, which is the world's primary cause of death, claiming nearly 18 million lives each year. Sadly, India accounts for one-fifth of these deaths caused by CVDs, worldwide. Elevated LDL-C is the main cause of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), and is one of the neglected but important risk factors for CVDs. LDL-C is a critical cardiovascular disease marker to estimate the risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), and several studies have shown that a reduction in LDL-C levels prevents cardiovascular outcomes. In a large, case-control INTERHEART study, it was found that among all the modifiable risk factors, abnormal lipid levels were identified to be associated with the highest population attributable risk (PAR 49.2%) for the occurrence of myocardial infarction. The most important risk factor identified across all geographic regions was LDL-C. In her inaugural address Ms Judith Love, President – APMA Region at Novartis, said: 'High LDL-C is a silent threat, often overlooked until it's too late. We believe that with the right awareness, regular screening, timely diagnosis and early treatment, we can change this trajectory. Initiatives like Beat Bad Cholesterol do more than raise awareness; they reinforce a collective commitment. It's encouraging to see a shared purpose across India's healthcare ecosystem, where every stakeholder has a vital role to play in advancing heart health. ' This was reiterated by Mr Rajeev D. Nivatkar, Commissioner of Medical Education and AYUSH. 'One of the most underestimated risk factors for heart attacks is bad cholesterol or LDL-C,' he said. 'It has no visible symptoms, yet it can quietly damage the heart and arteries over time. Many people are unaware of their numbers, and that has to change. We must encourage citizens to know their LDL-C numbers and consult their doctors proactively. ' Most stakeholders emphasised the need for regular lipid profile testing, since elevated levels of LDL-C (even when at dangerous levels) don't present any symptoms. In other words, one may not know about an increase in LDL-C levels until it's too late. The audience was also addressed by Mr Amitabh Dube, Country President and MD, Novartis India; Senior Cardiologist from Apollo Hospitals, Dr Nikhil Parchure; Mr Ram Khandelwal, Founder of Heart Health India Foundation, a patient advocacy group; and Mr Surinder Chawla, President & Head – Response, BCCL. Over 150 members of the audience -- including healthcare professionals, government officials and media leaders – also participated in a workout session conducted by celebrity fitness expert Aanchal Hans. According to Mr Amitabh Dube, 'Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of mortality in India, and yet awareness of critical and modifiable risk factors like LDL-C remains low. Through Beat Bad Cholesterol, we aim to raise awareness and encourage people to 'know their LDL-C numbers' and work with their doctors to proactively manage their heart health. Novartis remains committed to advancing science and improving access to innovative therapies to help patients live longer, healthier lives. ' 'Reactions to LDL-C among patients is mixed,' says Mr Ram Khandelwal. 'Most know that they should not have high cholesterol, but only a few fully understand the dangers and the impact on one's heart. The urgency to act promptly to reduce high LDL-C is still missing. However, thanks to initiatives like Beat Bad Cholesterol, awareness is growing. People are getting sensitized and asking their doctors about target goals for LDL-C. In my understanding while engaging with heart patients, only five to 10% of them speak to their doctors about their target LDL-C.' Three key messages emerged from the event. First, that LDL-C is a modifiable, critical yet neglected cardiovascular risk factor. Second, most people only give importance to diabetes and hypertension, and neglect cholesterol management – even though 85% of all heart-related deaths are attributed to elevated LDL-C levels. Therefore, each one of us must talk to our doctor about our individual target LDL-C goals. Third, experts emphasise that heart treatment is not a one-size-fits-all option. As Ms Judith Love concluded: 'Each of us has a personal responsibility — not just to support these efforts, but to role-model healthy choices that protect our own hearts. India's scale, talent, and passion give us a powerful platform to drive lasting impact, and Novartis is proud to be part of this journey.' * One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
20 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Asian Athletics Championships 2025, Day 4 LIVE: Indian men's 4x100m relay team disqualified in heats; Sachin, Yash, Arshad make javelin final
May 30, 2025 08:19 Welcome! We have a host of events going on through the day involving Indians at the Asian Athletics Championships! Stay tuned for all the updates from Day 4 of the event!
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
'Spent 90 days in Pakistan, met ISI officials': Delhi Police arrests Rajasthan man for espionage
The Delhi Police has arrested a man from Rajasthan for allegedly aiding Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) by supplying Indian mobile SIM cards for espionage activities, officials said on Thursday (May 29, 2025). The accused, identified as Kasim (34), had travelled to Pakistan twice — first in August 2024 and again in March 2025 — and stayed there for about 90 days, they said. During his visits, he is suspected to have met officials of the Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a senior police officer said. Kasim, a resident of Gangora village in Deeg district, was apprehended earlier in the day and is currently in police remand, the officer said. "In September 2024, the Special Cell received intelligence inputs that Indian mobile numbers were being misused by PIOs to gather sensitive information related to the Indian Army and government establishments. These mobile SIM cards were allegedly procured in India and sent across the border with the help of Indian nationals," the officer said. Using social media on these Indian SIMs, PIOs contacted Indians to extract classified information pertaining to sensitive installations and departments, he said. The officer added that following the inputs, a case was registered under appropriate sections of law and an investigation was launched. During the investigation, Kasim's name surfaced, and further probe revealed his travel history to Pakistan and suspected links with ISI personnel. Further investigation is underway to expose the full extent of the espionage network and identify other Indian associates involved in the conspiracy, police said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Espionage racket busted, accused arrested in Mewat
New Delhi: The Special Cell of Delhi Police claimed to have cracked an espionage operation involving Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and arrested a key suspect from the Mewat region. The accused has been identified as Kasim, who allegedly received spycraft training in Pakistan. Two other members of this spy ring are absconding, and raids are being conducted to nab them. One of them, Haseen, allegedly passed on crucial information to their handlers. Additional CP (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwaha confirmed the arrest and said the operation was ongoing. Sources said this module was gathering information about key military infrastructure and installations in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The accused were clicking pictures and noting down timings of the movement of vehicles and Army personnel at Alwar military station. Kasim, a resident of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, visited Pakistan twice in Aug 2024 and March 2025, staying for about 90 days and meeting ISI personnel. Probe revealed that three ISI officers were providing them with training at a Pak army base in Lahore, officials said. Two of them were known by their aliases, viz Shah Ji and Tauji, while the third was identified as Waqas. One of the handlers was also communicating with officials at the Pak High Commission. "Based on source inputs, investigators discovered that Indian mobile numbers were being used by PIOs for espionage activities in India. The SIM cards were allegedly being sent to Pakistan by some Indians. The PIOs were using WhatsApp to communicate with Indians, extracting sensitive information about Army installations and govt offices," Kushwaha said. After an FIR was filed and raids were conducted in Mewat, Kasim was detained a few days ago. He was questioned and eventually arrested on May 29. He is currently on police remand. Further investigation is underway.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Street vendors no mafia', HC dismisses plea by Manimajra associations
1 2 3 Chandigarh: Dismissing a petition filed by Manimajra-based associations against street vendors terming them to be part of "mafia", the Punjab and Haryana high court has observed that it cannot close its eyes to "elite class still following the Britishers, who looks down on their own countrymen doing small business and treat them as if they are mafias. " "The judiciary itself has to rise above from such impressions which such an elite carries. Gone are the days when we had British judges sitting in courts, looking at justice to be delivered for people who rule. We are a country who are now having a homogenous class of Indians. A tribal lady of a remote village can now be the President of India and a worker from the grass root level may reach up to the highest echelons of the administration. Even in the judiciary we have had examples of persons who worked as munshis/clerks with lawyers and rose up to the level of Chief Justices," the HC has observed. While dismissing the petitions seeking removal of street vendors, the HC has also imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 each on the petitioner unions to be deposited with the municipal corporation (MC) for the welfare of the street vendors and their families. "The petitioner prima facie appears to be a motivated petition with a view to use the legal forum for evicting and destabilizing the local business of the street vendors. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo We cannot allow such abuse of process of law," the HC has held. Division bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Meenakshi I Mehta has passed these orders while hearing a petition filed by the presidents of Manimajra Vyapar Mandal and resident welfare association Manimajra. The petitioner bodies were aggrieved from the inaction of the Chandigarh administration for not removing the encroachments on public paths, roads and on public property made by fruit vendors Rehri vendors, hawkers, squatters and other vendors. As per the plea, they are creating nuisance, traffic hazards, hindrances in free use of paths, road and public land by the public and badly impact the business of the petitioners as well as members of their association. It was alleged that the vendors, hawkers and squatters are members of the mafia and are encroachers. Dismissing the plea, the HC observed that there is an attempt through the petition to evict the vendors who are admittedly carrying out vending since long in the area where the members of the union fall. In its detailed order the HC also recorded that the Manimajra which has been now included as part of urbanized area of UT Chandigarh and was earlier a village of Chandigarh, has had a local market with the street vendors selling their food items etc. since long. Relief for vendors The bench further held that the street vendors and their families, who are depositing fee with the MC Chandigarh for the certificate being given to them for vending, also need to be provided some social protection. "The amount so recovered by the MC should, therefore, be used for their benefits alone and should be kept in a separate budget head and as s suitable insurance for them, including medical facilities, should be provided by the MC and rules in this regard should be framed," HC has ordered. Special cell for vendors in MC The HC has also directed the MC Chandigarh to set up a particular cell of Inspectors/Officers to regulate that there is no misuse of Vendors Act so that genuine people may not be harmed. Court passed these orders while observing that the Street Vending Act and the benefits which it meant to give to the genuine street vendors is also being misused by a certain set of persons, and even the shopkeepers themselves set up hawker stalls in front of their shops selling their own items. HC observations "India being essentially a country of people coming from the villages and cities being formed by their movement of villagers towards the townships for greener pastures, continues to remain an agrarian society. In fact, development of any city is on account of the reason for the movement of the people from the villages to the towns and from towns to the cities," the division bench said.
