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Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I'm doing things most wouldn't even try': Helen reveals the reason she can climb stairs without a cane and jump on trampolines at 85
'At 85, Helen Khan is doing things most wouldn't even try! 😅 From climbing stairs without a cane, trampoline jumps, and dancing on Monica, Oh My Darling—she's just unstoppable.💯 Living proof that Pilates keeps you young!💪,' fitness coach and influencer Yasmin Karachiwala captioned an Instagram video of the Bollywood veteran acing all sorts of Pilates exercises. 'Hi, I am a girl of 85, and because of Pilates, I'm doing things most wouldn't even try,' Helen tells the camera, before jumping on a trampoline and boasting about her ability to do so. Is Pilates really that beneficial? Fitness trainer Garima Goyal told that consistency is key to gaining the benefits of Pilates, such as improved mobility, strength, and overall well-being, adding that elderly individuals can undoubtedly benefit from it. She shared some tips and considerations for the elderly to get started: Start slow – Start with beginner-level classes or exercises. Pilates can be modified to suit different fitness levels and abilities. Focus on fundamentals – Emphasise core strength, balance, flexibility, and posture, all key components of Pilates and beneficial for the elderly. Use appropriate equipment – Some exercises can be performed on a mat, while others might require equipment like resistance bands or Pilates machines. Instructors can provide modifications as needed, shared Goyal. Monitor intensity and duration – Keep the workouts comfortable and avoid overexertion. 'Sessions can be shorter initially and gradually increase as endurance builds,' said Goyal. Pay attention to body cues – Encourage listening to the body and stopping if you feel any pain or discomfort. According to Goyal, these beginner-friendly Pilates exercises can be an easy foray into this workout routine: Pelvic tilts: – Benefits – Strengthens the lower back and core muscles. – How to Do – Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly tilt your pelvis towards your ribs, flatten your lower back against the floor, and then release. Leg slides: – Benefits – Enhances core stability and leg strength. – How to Do – Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly slide one leg out straight, keeping the core engaged, and then return to the starting position. Alternate legs. Knee folds: – Benefits – Improves hip mobility and core strength. – How to Do – Lie on your back with knees bent. Slowly lift one knee towards your chest, keeping the other foot on the floor, and then lower it back. Alternate legs. Chest lift: – Benefits – Strengthens the upper abdominal muscles. – How to Do – Lie on your back with knees bent and hands behind your head. Gently lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor, engaging your core, and then lower back down. Seated forward flexion: – Benefits – Stretches the back and hamstrings. – How to Do – Sit on a chair with feet flat on the floor. Slowly bend forward at the hips, reaching towards the floor or your ankles, and then return to sitting.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Perito Moreno glacier, Madden-Julian Oscillation and more (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), consider the following statements: 1. It is a moving system of winds, clouds, and pressure that brings rain as it circles around the equator. 2. This system typically travels westward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. 3. When MJO is in the active phase, it results in drought. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than usual, although it reached Mumbai two weeks earlier on May 26. This was also the earliest monsoon to arrive in Mumbai on record. — Several large-scale atmospheric-oceanic and local causes contributed to the early monsoon onset, but the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) was a crucial driver, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). — The MJO is a moving system of winds, clouds, and pressure that produces rain as it circles the equator. The phenomena is named after Roland Madden and Paul Julian, two scientists who discovered it in 1971 while working at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The system normally moves eastward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. It travels across the world in 30-60 days on average, but can sometimes take 90 days. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — As it moves, intense MJO activity frequently divides the world into two parts: one in which the MJO is active and produces rainfall, and another in which it suppresses rainfall. MJO causes higher-than-normal rainfall during the active phase, whereas in the suppressed phase, the area receives less than average rainfall. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The Perito Moreno glacier was in the news. It is part of: (a) Alps Mountains (b) Himalayas Mountains (c) Andes Mountains (d) Atlas Mountains Explanation — Argentina's most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of 250 sq km (lies in the Andes Mountains), is crumbling. It lost a colossal block of ice, equivalent to a 20-story building, plunging 70 m into water below. — Argentina's most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of 250 sq km (the total area of Patna, Bihar), is crumbling. Just weeks ago, it lost a colossal block of ice, equivalent to a 20-story building, plunging 70 m into water below. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the bow echo, consider the following statements: 1. It is a line of storms, also called a squall line. 2. It is used to classify Tsunamis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — The severe storm that pounded Delhi on Sunday had a unique structure, according to weather radar imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm resembled a crescent or an archer's bow. In technical terminology, such storm presentations are referred to as 'bow echoes'. — A bow echo is a line of storms, also known as a squall line, on radar that resembles a bow. This storm line may occasionally be embedded in a bigger squall line. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — A bow echo can range from 20 to 100 kilometres and last three to six hours. — Ted Fujita, a Japanese-American meteorologist who developed the tornadoes classification system, coined the word in the 1970s. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: Western Disturbances also impact the weather outside the winter season. Statement 2: In the last 70 years, Western Disturbances have become more common in May, June, and July, months where they were previously rare. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — Western Disturbances are rain-bearing wind systems that begin east of Afghanistan and Iran and pick up moisture from the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas. — These are examples of extratropical cyclones caused by low-pressure zones created by the interplay of polar and tropical winds. Western Disturbances are embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream, which is a high-altitude, fast-moving air movement that runs from west to east in the Earth's atmosphere and passes over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. — They are most abundant during the boreal winter months (December to March) and have an impact on the weather in India, notably the northwest, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. — Western Disturbances are also now impacting the weather outside the winter season. In the last 70 years, they have become more common in May, June, and July, months where they were previously rare, according to the 2024 study. One reason for this trend could be the 'delayed northward retreat of the subtropical jet, which historically has occurred before the onset of the summer monsoon.' Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region — a known stronghold of Naxalite groups was in the news. It is located in: (a) Telangana-Chhattisgarh region (b) Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh region (c) Maharashtra-Karnataka region (d) Karnataka-Telangana region Explanation — The Centre stated that incidences of violence by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) have decreased to 374 in 2024 from its maximum number of 1936 in 2010. — While LWE-related violence has decreased by 81 per cent, 'the total number of deaths, including civilians and security forces, has also reduced by 85 per cent — from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024,' according to a government news statement. — The news release continued: 'Recently, in one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations in the country's history, security forces achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against LWE along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.' — It stated that a huge operation was carried out between April 21 and May 11, 2025, in the Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region, which is a renowned stronghold of Naxalite organisations. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Sorry for the inconvenience caused. All remaining questions and answers are correctly marked. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I am open to what the future…': What Dhanashree Verma's response to hate and name-calling after divorce from Yuzvendra Chahal tells us about healing from emotional trauma
Dhanashree Verma has broken her silence on the hate and name-calling she faced following her divorce from Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. The separation wasn't without noise — memes flooded social media with many calling her a gold-digger, and public judgement followed her every move. But Dhanashree remained steady. 'It doesn't bother me at all! I have surrounded myself with great inner strength, and I am so dedicated that my focus has always been on my work, as I have a lot of responsibilities. I have guarded myself and have built myself so strong that I just focus on my work, which will speak for everything,' she said in an interview with Times of India. 'The negativity and public criticism have never really bothered me since day 1, and it will never bother me ever.' The 28-year-old choreographer added that she now filters out anything that doesn't serve her personal growth. 'I have been working on myself even more now… I have completely changed my lifestyle and am focusing on self-love, inner strength, discipline, exercise, good food, and surrounding myself with people who look up to me. I want to be a part of a journey that inspires people around me.' And while her first marriage may have ended on a difficult note, her faith in love remains intact. 'I will always say and believe that love is a beautiful aspect of life, and your understanding of it evolves over time… I am open to what the future holds for me, but for now, it is my career and my family that are of utmost importance to me.' Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist at Mindtalk, tells 'Emotional resilience in the face of public criticism isn't about becoming immune to pain, it's about learning how to process that pain in healthy ways. One of the most powerful tools in building this resilience is self-awareness. When individuals are anchored in their values and have a clear sense of identity, external opinions tend to hold less power over their emotional state.' Cultivating a routine that includes grounding practices, whether mindfulness, journaling, therapy, or even just time away from screens, helps create a mental buffer. In addition, reframing the narrative around public criticism (e.g., recognising that hate often says more about the speaker than the subject) can lessen its emotional impact. Dhanashree spoke about changing her lifestyle, focusing on self-love, exercising, and surrounding herself with supportive people. 'These strategies may seem simple on the surface, but they are incredibly effective because they address both the body and the mind. Exercise, for instance, is not just about physical health, it's a proven way to regulate mood, improve sleep, and release pent-up emotions. Similarly, self-love isn't about indulgence; it's about treating oneself compassionately, especially during vulnerable periods,' states Parashar. Having a supportive circle is equally critical. Parashar notes that emotional recovery is not a solitary journey; trusted relationships provide validation, perspective, and a safe healing space. 'Over time, these practices help rebuild a sense of emotional safety and confidence, allowing individuals to move forward with more clarity and strength.'
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘My avarice for money stopped me…': Kamal Haasan admits to chasing wealth at the cost of learning; how success can stunt personal growth
Fame may bring fortune, but it doesn't always allow room for growth. In a recent conversation while promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, Kamal Haasan opened up about the pressures and pitfalls of superstardom. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted that the very success he once aspired to have began to hold him back. Haasan told PTI how actors often become disconnected from reality because of the bubble of fame created around them. 'The beauty of cinema is that you can reach a larger demographic, but it also takes you away from the actual witnessing of your applause. So, you distance yourself, and arrogance sets in because you don't hear criticism, nor do you hear applause. It all comes through reporting to us, or when you meet your fans and they cheer you, but that's not the actual data.' 'Because of my work schedule, I stopped seeking more gurus. I think my avarice for money stopped me from learning. Otherwise, I would have learned more…' he mentioned. He also admitted that in his 20s, he chased wealth at the cost of self-development. 'I pursued that path for quite some time at peril to my heart. Then I woke up and started my own company. Fortunately, I did that before I became 30. It was a risky thing to do.' Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, tells 'High achievers often start with a deep curiosity or passion, something that fuels their learning. But as recognition and rewards pour in, the focus can shift. The schedule fills up, obligations mount, and over time, the hunger to grow is replaced by the need to maintain or amplify success.' She continues, 'Kamal Haasan candidly calls his 'avarice for money' the barrier that stopped him from seeking more teachers. It's not always greed; often it's the fear of being left behind or the pressure to deliver that pulls people away from self-inquiry. Psychologically, this is rooted in performance-based validation, where one's worth becomes tied to output rather than growth. Without pauses for reflection or continued learning, high achievers risk stagnation, burnout, or losing touch with what originally inspired them.' Haasan mentioned that arrogance can stem from being disconnected from honest feedback. In many cases, arrogance is not born from an inflated ego but from a distorted mirror. Khangarot states, 'When you're constantly praised, protected from criticism, and surrounded by people who only see your highlight reel, your self-perception becomes skewed. You start believing the filtered reality that others present to you. Over time, this can dull one's emotional insight, lower empathy, and create a subtle disconnection from the self. As Kamal says, when you stop hearing honest feedback, you lose a vital anchor to reality. Psychologically, this results in what we call 'echo chambers of affirmation'—where you only hear what affirms you and nothing that challenges you. This leaves no room for self-correction, essential for growth and humility.'
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on India's agricultural trade, oilseeds covered under MSP and more (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to India's agricultural trade, consider the following statements: 1. India's agriculture exports decreased in 2024-25 from the preceding fiscal year ended March 2024. 2. India agricultural imports have increased in 2024-25 over 2023-24. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — India's agricultural exports increased 6.4% to $51.9 billion in 2024-25, up from $48.8 billion in the previous fiscal year, which ended March 2024. This was in contrast to the nearly flat 0.1% increase in the value of its overall goods exports, from $437.1 billion in 2023-24 to $437.4 billion in 2024-25. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — However, the value of imports was far higher. While total merchandise imports increased by 6.2% between 2023-24 and 2024-24 (from $678.2 billion to $720.2 billion), agriculture imports increased by 17.2%. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — All of this comes as India is negotiating trade agreements with the United States and the European Union, both of which want tariff reductions and increased market access for their agricultural exports. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. To read more: How FTAs with US, EU, UK will impact India's farm trade Food and fuel inflation are largely driven by: 1. Rainfall 2. Temperature 3. Production policies of major petroleum exporting nations 4. Weather-related phenomena affecting crop output. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — Between February 8, 2023 and February 6, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its key short-term 'repo' lending rate for banks unchanged at 6.5%. — During the roughly two-year period (February 2023 to January 2025), inflation based on the official consumer price index (CPI) averaged 5.2% year on year. The consumer food price index (CFPI) rose even higher, to 7.6%. — At the same time, the so-called core inflation rate, which removes food and fuel goods from the CPI when calculating yearly price increases, was only 4.1%. Many cited the comparatively low 'core' inflation as sufficient rationale for the RBI's monetary policy council to lower interest rates. — Food and fuel inflation is primarily driven by supply-side factors such as rainfall, temperature, and other weather-related phenomena affecting food output, as well as geopolitical developments and production policies in key petroleum exporting countries. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. The credit-to-deposit ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) marginally decreased during 2024-25. 2. The gap between credit and deposit growth narrowed, with banks continuing to increase their term deposit rates to mobilise deposits to bridge the funding gap. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — During the year 2024-25, the credit-to-deposit ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) grew modestly as bank credit growth exceeded deposit growth. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — However, the credit-to-deposit growth ratio has reduced, with banks continuing to raise term deposit rates in order to mobilise deposits and bridge the funding gap. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — SCBs saw further improvement in asset quality, as seen by lower gross NPA (GNPA) and net NPA (NNPA) ratios, as well as a continuing fall in the slippage ratio. The provision coverage ratio (PCR) and profitability metrics, such as return on asset (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), were strong, although the net interest margin (NIM) weakened. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Source: With reference to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), consider the following statements: 1. It seeks to put a tariff of up to 85 per cent on carbon intensive products such as iron, steel and aluminium. 2. It was first proposed by the World Trade Organisation. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — India's goods exports worth at least $775 million to the UK continue to face the risk of higher duties under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) despite the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this month. — CBAM, a policy first proposed by the European Union and later adopted by the United Kingdom, attempts to impose a 35 per cent tax on carbon-intensive items such as iron, steel, and aluminium. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are not correct. — During discussions, India sought to win an exception for MSMEs from the CBAM policy after exporters informed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that they were unable to meet the policy's stringent data requirements. Exporters were also concerned that complying with the carbon tax would compromise manufacturers' confidential trade data. — The UK official confirmed that CBAM was not included in the India-UK FTA, stating that these types of measures are typically not included in such agreements. — Arguing that CBAM is not WTO-compliant, India had also proposed a 'rebalancing mechanism' which would require UK to compensate Indian industries for losses incurred due to the policy. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Which of the following oilseeds are covered under the minimum support prices (MSP)? 1. Niger 2. Groundnut 3. Sunflower 4. Soyabean Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only Explanation — The Centre announced minimum support prices (MSP) for 14 crops for the 2025-26 Kharif Marketing Season (KMS), with moong seeing the lowest and ragi the highest increase. — In recent years, the government has promoted millet crops such as ragi and jowar, declaring them as Shree Anna. Ragi accounts for only 0.51 percent of the country's gross cropped area and is primarily farmed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are the major jowar-producing states. — Among oilseeds, the MSP for niger seed has been established at Rs 9,537 per quintal, 9.41% more than the previous season, and soyabean (yellow) at Rs 5,328 per quintal, 8.91% higher. The MSP for groundnut and sunflower seeds has increased by 7% and 6%, respectively. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. To read more: Centre announces MSP hike for 14 Kharif crops; highest for ragi, 3% increase for paddy Sorry for the inconvenience caused. All remaining questions and answers are correctly marked. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
