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Economic Times
27-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Tired of getting dragged into office politics? Techie shares no-nonsense strategy to handle it
Synopsis Pune-based product manager Rohit Yadav navigates office politics by observing without participating. He prioritizes listening, remains calm during drama, and understands decision-making dynamics. Rohit offers private feedback, avoids unnecessary commentary, and uses follow-up emails for self-protection. By focusing on work and conserving energy, he thrives by staying out of the fray. Pune techie shares a few strategies to handle office politics without getting sidelined. (Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Office politics is like background noise in most workplaces—some choose to tune it out, others get pulled right into the chaos. But not everyone who stays out of the game ends up getting sidelined. Pune-based techie Rohit Yadav, a product manager by profession, has found a middle path: don't play the game, but don't be blind to it either. In a recent Instagram post that struck a chord with thousands, Rohit shared how he's learned to survive—and even thrive—without picking sides, gossiping, or playing dirty. His strategy? Stay observant, stay sharp, and let your work do the talking. For starters, he listens more than he speaks in meetings, choosing silence over noise and calm over chaos. When workplace drama unfolds, he stays focused and composed, refusing to get emotionally tangled. He also pays close attention to how decisions are made and who quietly influences them—because titles don't always equal power. Instead of offering loud opinions about colleagues, Rohit either gives respectful feedback in private or keeps his thoughts to himself. His golden rule? No unnecessary commentary, no unnecessary enemies. To protect himself from finger-pointing later, he always sends a follow-up email after important discussions. It's not just good communication—it's smart self-preservation. And when small things go wrong, Rohit doesn't react. Not every minor issue deserves your time or energy. 'Not everything needs a fight,' he writes. His approach is simple yet powerful: you don't have to be part of the politics to protect yourself from it. Just be smart, stay quiet, and focus on your work. Sometimes, not playing the game is the best move of all.
Economic Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
CTC is Rs 40 LPA but cannot even afford a vacation: CA decodes a 32-year-old techie's financial reality
An Indian techie earning Rs 40 LPA is struggling with financial freedom. (Pic credit- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) It sounds like the dream, doesn't it? Rs 40 lakh per annum. Swanky job in tech. A 1.5 crore apartment in Mumbai. A shiny car in the parking lot. From the outside, it's a picture of success. But peel back the curtain, and the reality is sobering: a 32-year-old IT professional with a CTC of Rs 40 LPA is broke. Not just metaphorically — he literally cannot afford a single stress-free vacation. Welcome to India's newest illusion: high income with zero financial freedom. Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik recently broke down this alarming financial profile on X. CTC: Rs 40 LPAIn-hand salary: Rs 2.2 lakh/monthFlat in Mulund (Mumbai): Rs 1.5 croreHome loan: Rs 1.25 croreEMI: Rs 1.12 lakh/month Right off the bat, more than 50% of his salary goes toward the home loan. That's not including maintenance, property tax, or rising interest rates. Add to that: Car EMI: Rs 15,000/month, living expenses (food, utilities, social life): Rs 50,000/month. What's left? A razor-thin saving margin of Rs 30,000–Rs 40,000/month, if everything goes perfectly. But life rarely plays by the rules. One minor health issue, one job switch, or even a trip abroad — and the entire house of cards tumbles. — Finance_Bareek (@Finance_Bareek) - Asset-rich, liquidity-poor - Lifestyle inflated income- With no real investments or emergency fund- Retirement planning is becoming non-existent If your income isn't bringing you peace of mind, it may be time to rethink your financial approach. As Kaushik suggests, the first step is to control your spending — don't let your income dictate your expenses; instead, let your long-term goals lead the way. Building a liquid emergency fund is essential and non-negotiable. Focus on investing in real, appreciating assets like mutual funds, index funds, or stocks, and steer clear of lifestyle debt that only drains your to the CA, in today's economy, cash flow is king. So if you're earning big but still broke, you're not alone. But staying stuck in the trap is a choice. ( Originally published on Jul 14, 2025 )
Economic Times
08-07-2025
- Economic Times
A busy doctor finds a trick to spot his luggage instantly at airport. Netizens impressed
Synopsis Dr. Faraz Ali's viral video highlighted the 'desi tag'—bright ribbons used on luggage for easy identification, a tradition passed down through generations. This low-tech alternative to AirTags relies on visibility and familiarity. The internet resonated with this relatable practice, with many sharing similar experiences and cultural connections to the ribbon hack. Doctor shares an amusing airport luggage hack that will leave you in splits. (Pic credit- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) As travellers across the globe invest in high-tech tracking devices to keep tabs on their luggage, some desis are staying loyal to a tried-and-true method that's been passed down for generations: the humble ribbon. Bright, bold, and undeniably effective, this old-school hack recently got a hilarious shoutout from dermatologist Dr Faraz Ali, whose airport video struck a chord with desi travellers the now-viral clip, Dr Ali is seen standing at the airport, pointing out how many suitcases are adorned with bright pink ribbons. "You've heard of AirTags, but have you heard of DesiTags?" read the text on his video. In the caption, he doubled down: 'The more colourful, the better.'While AirTags and other tracking gadgets offer location precision, the ribbon approach leans on visibility, familiarity, and, let's admit it, a bit of family tradition. Anyone who's flown with a desi family knows the drill: someone will always dig out a bright old dupatta or a strip from an outdated salwar to tie on everyone's bags 'just in case.' It's low-cost, zero-tech, and surprisingly effective. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Faraz Ali (@thatdermguy) It didn't take long for the internet to rally around Dr Ali's post. Many users found the ribbon hack hilariously relatable, calling it a classic example of something uniquely Indian. One described how spotting a suitcase with a strip of colourful fabric instantly creates a sense of unspoken connection with fellow desis at the baggage carousel. Another shared a nostalgic visual—how their mother would often repurpose an old, vibrant maxi or salwar by cutting it into strips to tie onto luggage, making sure their bags were unmistakable from a out, this ribbon tradition isn't just limited to desi households. 'Africans do this too,' noted one user. Another chimed in, 'West Indians do this but worse. Shoelaces, Christmas tinsel, literal scraps of cloth—I can't even remember the rest.'A user pointed out that tying a ribbon to your luggage makes it easier to spot on the carousel and lift it off safely. Others chimed in with humor, saying everyone seems to have the same dad with the same pink ribbon. Even Sri Lankans relate to the quirky travel hack. ( Originally published on Jul 07, 2025 )
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
More than a number: Understanding obesity through epidemiology
Obesity is one of the risk factors of sedentary lifestyle. (Pic credits- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, about one in 8 people are suffering from obesity globally? Obesity is a serious, chronic condition with far-reaching health consequences. In 2022, 2.5 billion people were overweight and among them 890 million were obese. In 2021, high body mass index (BMI) directly caused 1.6 million premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). By 2030, more than 2.9 billion adults are expected to have a high BMI, including 1.1 billion living with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher). Notably, nearly 400 million adults will fall into obesity class II (BMI of 35 or higher), with women making up majority of this group. As excess weight becomes more common worldwide, it's clear that it has become a public health crisis. India is also facing an exponential rise in obesity with National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealing that nearly one in four Indian adults aged 15-49 is overweight or obese. These numbers have increased steadily over the past two decades, driven by urbanisation, sedentary work, processed diets, and socio-economic shifts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Uberaba (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Hence, tackling obesity means confronting these root causes head-on, not just managing its effects. Understanding the epidemiology of obesity is key to turning the tide. Epidemiology of obesity Epidemiology, the study of disease patterns in populations, is pivotal in understanding dynamics of weight. It studies behaviours, environments, and biological changes to understand broader health trends. When applied to weight loss, epidemiology helps distinguish between beneficial, intentional changes and those that reflect deeper, systemic issues. It helps in identifying risk factors like diet, activity, and genetics; tracking weight trends to reveal broader influences; evaluating the success of weight management strategies; shaping targeted public health interventions; and assessing how weight changes impact overall health. Key areas of this epidemiological research span several interconnected fields. Obesity epidemiology focuses on understanding how widespread obesity is, how it is distributed across populations, and the various risk factors that contribute to it. Understanding the epidemiology of obesity is important as it is a gateway to multiple life-threatening conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, sleep apnea, and several types of cancer such as breast, colon, and pancreatic. It impairs insulin function, strains the cardiovascular system, damages joints, and disrupts normal breathing during sleep. Far beyond excess weight, obesity acts as a catalyst for a cascade of life-threatening illnesses that affect nearly every organ system. The 'skinny-fat' phenomenon A unique concern in India is the 'thin-fat' phenotype, where individuals appear lean but have high body fat percentages and low muscle mass. This condition increases susceptibility to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Abdominal obesity affects 40% of women and 12% of men in India. Among women aged 30 to 49, the data shows that 5 to 6 out of every 10 women fall into this high-risk category. Therefore, in India, waist circumference is considered a more accurate indicator of health risks compared to BMI alone. The waist circumference-to-height ratio is also commonly used to assess abdominal obesity. The numbers are staggering, and the trajectory is rising. Obesity is preventable and, in many cases, reversible. Moreover, losing excess weight can have multitudes of benefits as even a modest reduction (5-10%) in body weight can lead to measurable improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Therefore, greater weight loss will lead to greater health benefits. In countries like India, where obesity is rising in tandem with economic growth, the challenge is to balance development with health. This involves coordinated action across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and urban planning. To change the future, we must start by recognising obesity not as a failure of willpower but as a complex, chronic disease that demands serious action. Authored by: Dr Nitin Kapoor Certain lifestyle habits may develop metabolic syndrome: Study
Economic Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Have a desk job? CMC Vellore doctor warns of major health risk due to poor posture, neck strain. Shares 5 prevention tips
Slipped discs, traditionally an issue for older adults, are increasingly affecting younger individuals in their 20s and 30s. Experts attribute this rise to poor posture, tech neck from prolonged screen use, and sedentary lifestyles. Simple preventive measures, such as practicing good ergonomics, strengthening core muscles, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce the risk of long-term spinal damage. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What exactly is a slipped disc? So what's causing disc prolapse in younger adults? Slouching at the desk. (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Obesity is one of the risk factors of sedentary lifestyle. (Pic credits- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Bad sleeping posture. (Pic credit- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) How can young people protect their spine? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Final word It's no longer just a problem for the elderly—slipped discs are now showing up in people in their 20s and 30s. Surprised? You shouldn't be, says Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, who is seeing a growing number of young patients suffering from disc prolapse . Blame it on tech neck, poor posture , and a sedentary lifestyle . The good news? A few simple changes can go a long way in preventing long-term called disc prolapse or disc bulge, the condition occurs when the cushioning disc between two vertebrae slips out of place and compresses nearby nerves. This can lead to pain in the neck, arms, and shoulders—often accompanied by tingling, numbness or even muscle weakness. Traditionally, slipped discs were more common in people over 50 due to age-related wear and tear. But that trend is rapidly Kumar outlines several risk factors:- Poor posture: Forward head tilt, slouching, and prolonged screen time on computers or smartphones (also called text neck) are key culprits.- Repetitive neck strain : Jobs that involve lifting, overhead work, or frequent neck movement can gradually wear down spinal discs.- Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long hours in poor ergonomic setups weakens the neck and core muscles, making the spine more vulnerable.- Trauma or high-impact sports: Activities like wrestling, CrossFit, or even a whiplash injury can trigger disc problems.- Genetic or congenital factors: Some people are born with conditions like early disc dehydration or connective tissue laxity (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), making them more prone.- Smoking and obesity: Both increase the risk—smoking reduces blood flow to spinal discs, while obesity adds extra strain on the spine.- Bad sleeping posture: Using multiple pillows or poor neck alignment during sleep can also be Kumar suggests a few simple but effective preventive measures:1. Practice proper ergonomics at work and while using screens2. Strengthen your neck, shoulder, and core muscles through regular exercise3. Avoid lifting heavy objects repetitively without support4. Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight5. Use a single, supportive pillow to keep your neck aligned while sleepingSlipped discs might sound like something to worry about in old age, but they're becoming a real concern for millennials and Gen Z. The takeaway? Start early, stay active, and pay attention to your posture—your spine will thank you later.
