Latest news with #Kher
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Namak Swad Anusaar: How India's Love for Salt Is Fueling a Silent Hypertension Epidemic
New Delhi: Salt is an essential ingredient in every Indian kitchen, but when consumed in excess, it becomes a silent and deadly contributor to one of India's gravest public health crises—hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The numbers are alarming and the need for action is urgent. Globally, high blood pressure accounts for over 50 per cent of cardiovascular-related deaths. In India, the picture is equally grim. An estimated 220 million Indians live with hypertension, a major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease. The common culprit fuelling this epidemic is excessive salt consumption. Seeing India's silent salt epidemic and the country's urgent need for a robust policy framework on salt reduction, a high-powered panel of medical experts gathered today for a discussion titled "Hidden in Plain Sight: Focussing on Salt in HFSS Diets to Bolster India's Fight Against NCDs" organised by Partnerships for Impact (P4i). India's national average salt intake stands at 8–11 grams per day, nearly double the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of less than 5 grams per day. This overconsumption contributes to 175,000 deaths annually in India alone due to hypertension-related complications. Home-cooked food accounts for 80 per cent of this salt intake, but processed foods and snacks are a growing concern. Dr. Vijay Kher, chairman at Epitome Kidney & Urology Institute and Lions Hospital, highlighted a key reason salt has flown under the radar: India's early health priorities centered on communicable diseases, malnutrition, and later diabetes and cholesterol. Salt simply hasn't commanded the attention it deserves—despite its significant impact on hypertension and kidney health. Dr. Kher emphasized how physicians themselves often overlook hidden salt in everyday foods like bread and packaged 'healthy' products—and too rarely pressure health authorities to act. The consequences of unchecked salt consumption extend beyond health. Non-communicable diseases driven by high salt intake, like CVDs, diabetes, and kidney failure, are estimated to cost India over $2 trillion in economic losses between 2012 and 2030. Reducing salt is not just about individual choices—it's about securing the country's health and economy. Nearly 7 crore adolescents in India already have high blood pressure, putting them at seven times higher risk of developing hypertension as adults. Research indicates that dietary habits formed in childhood—particularly excessive sodium intake—can hardwire long-term health risks. Shockingly, children who consume high-sodium diets are 40 per cent more likely to develop elevated blood pressure, setting the stage for heart disease later in life. Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, founder-director of the Foundation for People-Centric Health Systems, traced India's high-salt culture back to history—where salt was once vital not just as a flavoring but as a preservative. Over time, the addition of processed and packaged foods has driven average consumption well above needed levels. He stressed that habitual exposure to excess salt dulls our taste buds, creating intergenerational cycles that call for household-level interventions, including early education and conscious cooking practices. Public education is equally critical. Targeted behaviour change campaigns (BCC) must address myths about salt, promote feasible salt reduction strategies at home, and normalize the use of low-sodium alternatives. Ritika Samaddar, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Max Healthcare, tackled misconceptions around 'pink' or 'sea' salts—pointing out that their sodium content is essentially identical to standard iodized salt. She emphasized the importance of low-sodium iodized salt and highlighted the widespread confusion caused by labeling that only lists sodium. Global Lessons Countries like the UK, Chile, and Mexico have successfully implemented FOPL, taxation policies, and regulatory restrictions to drive salt reduction. Evidence shows that every USD 1 invested in salt reduction returns up to USD 17 in healthcare savings and productivity gains. Salt may be small, but its impact is massive. India's salt reduction strategy must now move from policy papers to community kitchens, from government dashboards to dining tables. With small and health-conscious actions—from food manufacturers and policymakers to families and schools—India can turn the tide on its salt-fueled NCD crisis and pave the way for a healthier, stronger future.
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
As UPI usage soars, so do scams — Here's how to stay protected
In May 2025, UPI transactions saw 33 percent jump in the number of transactions year-on-year and 23 percent growth in value terms. Overall, the number of UPI transactions stood at 18.68 billion in May 2025 amounting to ₹ 24.77 lakh crore. What looks like a promising growth of digital transactions in terms of quantity as well as in volume has a flip side too: growing number of cyber frauds. The RBI does not maintain any data with regards to loss due to cyber frauds but the total loss due to frauds under the category of card, internet and digital payments collectively amounted to ₹ 107.21 crore in FY 25 (till Dec 2024). In 2023-24, financial loss on account of online frauds amounted to ₹ 177 crore which stood at ₹ 69.68 crore in 2022-23. Notably, this includes only those transactions wherein amount was bigger than ₹ 1 lakh. Year Number of frauds (more than ₹ one lakh) Loss (in ₹ Crore) 2022-23 6,699 69.68 2023-24 29,082 177.05 2024-25 (till Dec'24) 13,384 107.21 The total loss on account of frauds in the past 10 years amounts to ₹ 733.26 crore, per the information tabled by Pankaj Chaudhary, minister of state in the ministry of finance in the Parliament on March 10. Consequently, digital payment providers tend to follow multiple layers of encryption and security protocols to minimise the occurrence of these frauds. Vijay Khubchandani, Founder and CEO of Seven, which builds smart rings to enable digital payments via UPI, says 'We provide a multi-layered approach to security and keep your data and transactions protected at all times. We ensure that the data is secured using AES-256-bit end-to-end encryption standards. In addition to the multiple layers of encryption and security protocols, we use multi-factor authentication (MFA) with one-time passwords (OTPs) and biometric data.' Tarun Kher, Partner, Risk Advisory Services, BDO India, highlights the collateral damage caused by prevalence of digital payments. 'With growth comes complexity. As digital payments become the norm, they also introduce evolving risks, ranging from cyber fraud to regulatory gaps. Cybercriminals exploit users through advanced phishing, fake payment handles, OTP hijacking, and even AI-driven impersonation. Such frauds increasingly target not just individuals but enterprises and intermediaries.' Being a chartered accountant, Kher emphasises the role of auditors in minimising the occurrence of such frauds. 'Every digital transaction generates data, and every data touchpoint becomes a potential vulnerability. Whether malware-infected devices or weak third-party APIs, payment ecosystems are exposed to constant cyber threats. Auditors need to conduct holistic cybersecurity assessments, spanning application interfaces, networks, and cloud infrastructure,' he adds. Payment service providers often rely on third-party platforms and cloud vendors for critical operations. A breach in one vendor's environment can impact the entire payment chain, explains Kher. Therefore, auditors must evaluate vendor due diligence procedures and assess contractual safeguards for data security, he adds. While explaining the security system, Khubchandani of fintech start-up Seven, says, 'With secure software development practices in place, we build resilience into each layer of security within the wallets. In addition, we use real-time threat monitoring to identify breaches in security to identify any anomalies in data.' 'With secure software development practices in place, we build resilience into each layer of security within the wallets. In addition, we use real-time threat monitoring to identify breaches in security to identify any anomalies in data,' Khubchandani adds. If you are a customer of a digital payment app, it is recommended to follow these tips to minimise the occurrence of fraud. I. Do not download any suspicious link you received on SMS or WhatsApp, regardless of temptation. II. Although digital payments can be done seamlessly with ease, but once the money leaves your account, it will not come back. So, transfer money only when you are sure of the legitimacy of transaction. III. If you lose money to a fraud or cybercrime, make sure you suspend your UPI account and report the incident to your bank immediately. IV, Needless to mention the oft-repeated tip: never share your OTP with anyone, not even with a bank employee. For all personal finance updates, visit here
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam Kher announces fourth book 'Different But No Less'
Veteran actor and motivational speaker Anupam Kher has announced his fourth book titled 'Different But No Less.' Veteran actor and motivational speaker Anupam Kher has announced his fourth book titled 'Different But No Less.' Best known for his inspiring journey both on and off screen, Kher took to his Instagram to share the news. The actor posted a video, calling the book "very special." The book is based on his real-life experiences. The actor, who has earlier penned 'The Best Thing About You Is You,' 'Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly,' and 'Your Best Day Is Today,' described Different But No Less as another self-help and motivational book. "My motivational books come from my own experiences of my life experiences teach me is what I put in a book," read a part of his caption. The book shares the story behind his upcoming film Tanvi The Great, and how he faced several challenges while making it. "This book is not about storms. It's about sailing through them. It's about not letting anyone else get affected by your own predicament," Kher said in the video. Speaking about the message of the book, Kher added, "It's about putting your faith in your own self to the test. It's about optimism and hope. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It's about finding your way through the chaos. It's about following the greatest GPS God has gifted us--our heart." Take a look The book will be available in stores soon. Meanwhile, Anupam Kher is gearing up for the release of his directorial 'Tanvi The Great' on July 18. The film stars Karan Tacker, Jackie Shroff , Arvind Swamy , and Iain Glen. It also features sound design by Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty. The film is produced by Anupam Kher Studios in collaboration with NFDC. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India Gazette
31-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"She answered them truthfully and vocally...": Anupam Kher praises Delhi CM Rekha Gupta for honest answers at 100-day event
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Anupam Kher, who took part in the Delhi government's special event, '100 Din Seva Ke', to mark 100 days of BJP governance in the capital, praised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for answering public concerns openly and honestly. While speaking to ANI, Kher shared that the questions he raised during his interaction with the CM were collected from his own network of friends, relatives, and people living in Delhi. He said the issues he brought up reflected the voices of the citizens. 'My questions were the questions of the public of Delhi... I collected the questions from my relatives, friends, and other people of Delhi. She (Delhi CM Rekha Gupta) answered them truthfully and vocally... I hope that what she spoke about today with truth resonates even after four years of her completion,' Kher told ANI. Earlier in the day, Kher sat down with the Delhi CM, where she shared details about the work done by her government in the first 100 days. During the conversation, the Delhi CM also tore into her predecessor, saying that they had claimed to be common people who became greedy for power, while her government was working on the streets among the people. 'When the movement started from Ramlila Maidan, thousands and lakhs of people joined it. I joined too, and others also joined... Everyone supported it, thinking something better would happen in Delhi and the country. Those people who used to say that they are not greedy for power became so greedy that they could not see anything except power. My cabinet, our MLAs, and all the public representatives continuously work on the streets among the people...' The Delhi CM also criticized the previous AAP government for questioning the valor of the Armed Forces. Speaking with actor Anupam Kher, Rekha Gupta said, 'I feel very sad when I think about those people who used to sit in the chair (of Chief Minister) and raised questions on the Indian Armed Forces and used to join hands with the enemies of the nation... Operation Sindoor increased the respect for women. I thank PM Modi for that... All the women of the nation salute the armed forces for destroying the terrorist sites in enemy territory...' She added that the bravery shown by the armed forces had strengthened the pride of Indian women. 'Together we bow down to those who have shown bravery in Operation Sindoor,' she said. Later, she recited a poem titled 'I Am Sindoor Too.' 'I am patient in silence, I am brave in challenge. Yes, I am Sindoor too. I am the slaughterer of terrorists, I am the limit of courage, I am Jeevan Daatri, I am Sahar's Sakshi, I am Vermilion. I am the gift of every daughter-in-law. I am India's tomorrow, and today I am Hindustani modesty. Yes, I am Sindoor.' (ANI)
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam Kher marks 41 years in cinema: There have been ups and downs in my journey, but it's been very good
Marathon Man Anupam Kher has completed forty-one years in Indian cinema. The actor made his big-screen debut on May 25, 1984, with Mahesh Bhatt's Saaransh, where he portrayed a 65-year-old grieving father at the young age of 28. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kher, on Sunday evening, took to his Instagram account to share a video reminiscing about his journey in the film industry. In the video, Kher can be seen candidly discussing his beginnings, his struggles, and the lasting impact of Saaransh. "Today is the 25th of May, 2025. Forty-one years ago, i.e., 25th of May, 1984, my first film, Saaransh, debuted. It's been 41 years since I started making films. I wanted to speak to you, to tell you about my journey of 41 years," he says at the start of the video. "I came to Mumbai on 3rd June, 1981, after my drama school, the National School of Drama. Then I was in Lucknow, teaching. Then I searched for work for 3 years, and then Mr. Bhatt gave me Saaransh," Kher shared. "And it's been 41 years--palak jhapakte guzar gaye. Forty-one years of Saaransh. What a beautiful journey it has been. What a thankful journey. There have been ups and downs in my journey, but it's been very good. I have made at least 544 or 545 films. And today I was thinking, what has changed in my life in these 41 years?," he added. Take a look Released in 1984, Saaransh revolved around the emotional story of an elderly couple trying to cope with the death of their son in Mumbai. Anupam Kher played BV Pradhan, while Rohini Hattangadi portrayed his wife. The film also featured Soni Razdan, Madan Jain, Nilu Phule, and Suhas Bhalekar. It remains one of Indian cinema's most powerful and respected dramas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, Kher will next be seen in his directorial Tanvi The Great. With this, the actor has returned to the director's chair after over two decades. The movie also had its screening recently at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last week and received a warm response from the international audience.
