Latest news with #Panda
Hans India
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Actor questioned over use of live python in opera
Jajpur: An Odia opera actor on Wednesday appeared before the Forest department officials in Jajpur district and explained the controversy surrounding his use of a live python during a rehearsal performance. A video clip of the incident went viral on social media, triggering concerns over the illegal use of wild animals in live performances. According to reports, the rehearsal of Tulasi Gananatya troupe for Odia play 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha' (This is likely to be the last meeting) took place near Chandikhole on Tuesday. In the viral video, the actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding a live snake, identified as an African ball python, on stage as part of a dramatic sequence. The video footage drew sharp criticism online and prompted wildlife advocates to flag the use of wild animals in entertainment, which is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Following social media outrage, Bayree Forest Range office issued a notice summoning the actor. While presenting his side before the Forest department, actor Panda said the snake was a legally purchased exotic species, not protected under the Indian wildlife schedules. He claimed to have bought it in compliance with the rules and insisted no harm was caused during the performance. 'The snake I was holding at rehearsal was not venomous. It is an African bell python, and many people in Bhubaneswar keep these snakes as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video got more attention online,' Panda said. He also claimed to be a pet lover and denied that the snake was harmed or 'misused'. Bayree Forest Range Officer Adwit Kumar Pradhan confirmed Panda's appearance and stated that no FIR in connection with the incident has been filed yet. He said under the Wildlife Protection Act, the public display or use of wild or exotic animals without clearance from the authorities can invite legal consequences, regardless of whether the species is native or imported. The matter is under investigation and action will be taken as per law, he added.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
7 foods a dietitian recommends to lower blood sugar levels
Blood sugar control is crucial, especially with cases of diabetes increasing across India. Along with medication and lifestyle, a balanced diet plays a significant role in maintaining steady sugar levels. So, what are some common foods that can help manage blood sugar naturally? We turned to Dr Rajeshwari Panda, head of the dietetics department, Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. A well-known superfood in India, methi seeds contain soluble fibre that slows sugar absorption and improves insulin function, said Dr Panda. How to use: Soak one teaspoon overnight and drink the water in the morning, or add methi leaves/seeds to dals and sabzis. These are low-carb, high-fibre vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals that support blood sugar balance and overall health. How to use: Use in sabzis, parathas, dals, and smoothies. Berries like strawberries and blueberries, plus the Indian jamun, are rich in antioxidants and fibre and help reduce blood sugar spikes, said Dr Panda. How to use: Eat fresh as snacks or add to curd and breakfast dishes. Flaxseeds, almonds, and walnuts provide healthy fats and fibre that slow digestion and keep blood sugar stable. How to use: Grind flaxseeds and add to buttermilk, curd, or roti dough. Snack on a small handful of nuts daily. Packed with protein and fibre, pulses digest slowly and prevent sugar spikes after meals, said Dr Panda. How to use: Regularly include dals and beans in your meals. According to Dr Panda, cinnamon is a spice that can help lower fasting blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. How to use: Add a pinch to chai, oats, or curry dishes. Traditional Indian fermented foods, such as curd, buttermilk, idli, and dosa, promote gut health, which in turn supports blood sugar control. How to use: Include a serving of curd or buttermilk with meals and enjoy fermented snacks. *Always combine carbs (rice, roti) with protein and fibre (dal, vegetables, curd). *Drink plenty of water during the day. *Take a short walk after meals. *Avoid sugary and processed foods. *Eat small, balanced meals regularly to avoid sudden sugar spikes. Incorporating these everyday foods and Indian superfoods into your diet can help you manage blood sugar levels naturally. 'From methi seeds and leafy greens to pulses, cinnamon, and fermented foods, these are easy to find and simple to add to your meals,' said Dr Panda.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Odia opera actor summoned over use of live python
JAJPUR: An Odia opera actor appeared before Forest department officials of the district after being summoned over his use of a python during rehearsal performance on Wednesday. Video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering public backlash over use of wild animals in entertainment, prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. According to reports, during rehearsal of Tulasi Gananatya's play 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha,' actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding a python on stage as part of his performance. The rehearsal took place near Chandikhole on Tuesday. Following social media outrage, Bayree forest range office summoned Panda. Appearing before the officials on Wednesday, Panda said the snake was a legally purchased exotic species not protected under wildlife schedules and it was bought in compliance with the rules and no harm was caused during the performance. Panda stated, 'It is an African ball python and many people in Bhubaneswar keep these snakes as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video got more attention online.' Bayree forest range officer Adeitya Kumar Pradhan said no FIR was filed in connection with the incident. 'Use of a live python, even an exotic one without prior permission from wildlife authorities may still violate prevailing environmental and performance-related regulations,' said Pradhan. The matter is under investigation and appropriate action will be taken as per law, he added.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Actor questioned over use of live python in opera show in Odisha
Jajpur , An Odia opera party actor Wednesday appeared before the Forest department officials in Jajpur district and explained the controversy surrounding his use of a live python during a rehearsal performance. Actor questioned over use of live python in opera show in Odisha A video clip of the incident went viral on social media, triggering concerns over the illegal use of wild animals in live performances. According to reports, the rehearsal of the Tulasi Gananatya troupe for the Odia play 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha' took place near Chandikhole on Tuesday. In the viral video, the actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding a live snake, identified as an African ball python, on stage as part of a dramatic sequence. The video footage drew sharp criticism online and prompted wildlife advocates to flag the use of wild animals in entertainment, which is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Following social media outrage, the Bayree Forest Range office issued a notice summoning the actor. While presenting his side before the forest department, actor Panda said that the snake was a legally purchased exotic species, not protected under the Indian wildlife schedules. He claimed to have bought it in compliance with the rules and insisted no harm was caused during the performance. 'The snake I was holding at rehearsal was not venomous. It is an African bell python, and many people in Bhubaneswar keep these snakes as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video got more attention online,' Panda said. He also claimed to be a pet lover and denied that the snake was harmed or 'misused'. Bayree Forest Range Officer Adwit Kumar Pradhan confirmed Panda's appearance and stated that no FIR in connection with the incident has been filed yet. He said that under the Wildlife Protection Act, the public display or use of wild or exotic animals without clearance from the authorities can invite legal consequences, regardless of whether the species is native or imported. The matter is under investigation and action will be taken as per law, he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
New Income Tax Bill Halves Word Count, Eases Compliance: Baijayant Jay Panda
New Delhi: BJP Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Finance Select Committee, Baijayant Jay Panda on Tuesday reflected upon the ongoing simplification of India's tax laws, stated that the newly proposed Income Tax Bill aims to make compliance easier for taxpayers without altering tax policies or rates. Speaking about the legislative overhaul, Mr Panda said the new draft bill reduces the word count of the Income Tax Act by nearly 50 per cent, from around 5 lakh words to 2.5 lakh. "Under PM Modi, a lot of the very obsolete laws have been overhauled over the last 11 years. In line with this, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said last year that the Income Tax is also going to be overhauled for simplification," he said. "The Ministry had worked on it and presented to Parliament few months ago - a simple version of New Income Tax Bill where the word count has been reduced by 50 per cent, from 5 lakh-odd words to about 2.5 lakh simple formulae and tables have been given so that it becomes simpler," he further added. Mr Panda also highlighted the motive behind this move. "Our mandate was not to change the tax policy or to change the tax rates, it was to make sure that the Act becomes simple," Mr Panda clarified. Mr Panda presented the report of the Select Committee on the new Income-Tax Bill in Lok Sabha on Monday with its recommendations. Recently, the report of the parliamentary panel on the new Income-Tax Bill was presented in Lok Sabha. In its report, the panel has suggested important changes to tighten definitions, remove ambiguities, and align the new law with existing frameworks. The panel examined the Income-Tax Bill 2025, which seeks to simplify the language and structure of the Income Tax Act 1961 and submitted its report. The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, was tabled in Parliament in February and was referred to the Select Committee for a detailed examination. The Committee, in its 4,584-page report, identified several drafting corrections based on stakeholder suggestions, which they believe are essential for clarity and unambiguous interpretation of the new bill. The parliamentary panel has made a total of 566 suggestions/recommendations in its report.
