41 million children overweight, India in top 3 globally. india news
The World Obesity Atlas 2026 shows that India, along with China and the US, accounts for a larger share of the global burden, showing that the country is now facing both undernutrition and rising obesity among children.It comes amid a sharp global increase in childhood obesity, which has increased from about 4% in 1975 to nearly 20% in recent years. For the first time, more children worldwide are expected to be obese than underweight, signaling a major shift in health trends. It also warned that although many countries have introduced measures to tackle childhood obesity, progress is not keeping up with the scale of the problem, so stronger action is needed on food regulation, physical activity and access to care.Experts said that this is not just a matter of show, but a matter of serious health concern. Dr Rajesh Khadgawat, Professor, Department of Endocrinology, AIIMS said, “Childhood obesity is on the rise due to an imbalance between diet and physical activity, with children eating more calories and moving less. This is not a cosmetic issue but a long-term risk disease like diabetes, heart disease and other lifestyle conditions.”This increase is being driven by easier access to calorie-dense foods, sugary drinks and ultra-processed products, as well as a decline in physical activity and an increase in screen time. Urban lifestyle, reduction in outdoor play spaces and increasing dependence on digital devices are worsening this trend.This trend is also visible in young children, with even children under five years of age increasing in excess weight. Experts warn that this often continues into adulthood, increasing long-term risks and increasing the future burden of non-communicable diseases.
Global Terrorism Index 2026: Report shows Jammu as part of China in map India News
Jammu and Kashmir within China.The graphic, which charts terrorist activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan from 2007 to 2025, uses blurred and generalized boundaries that blur distinctions across the wider region. As a result, the areas of Jammu and Kashmir appear to be merged into the area marked as China.The 2026 Global Terrorism Index reports a sharp global decline in terrorism, with deaths falling 28% to 5,582 in 2025 and attacks falling nearly 22% – the lowest level in years. A record 81 countries saw improvements, and mass casualty attacks were notably absent.However, the benefits are uneven. Pakistan emerged as the most affected country due to increase in TTP attacks after the withdrawal of Taliban in Afghanistan. Despite some declines in countries such as Burkina Faso, sub-Saharan Africa remains the global epicenter, accounting for more than half of terrorism deaths.India has shown improvement with a sharp decline in attacks, although it remains one of the worst-affected countries. Meanwhile, Western countries saw an increase in politically motivated and lone-actor attacks.The report warned that worsening geopolitical tensions, including conflict in South Asia, instability in the Sahel and a renewed threat from groups such as IS, could reverse recent gains, making the decline potentially short-lived.
Delhi High Court directs Tamil media outlets to remove defamatory content against Isha Foundation and Sadhguru India News
Delhi High Court According to the release, an interim order was issued on Thursday directing Tamil media outlet Nakkiran Media to remove the defamatory videos and articles published against Isha Foundation and Sadhguru.Isha Foundation welcomed the order and said that it will continue its efforts further. legal action Against those spreading false and malicious content.The case stems from a series of videos published by Nakkheeran that contained defamatory, obscene and pornographic content while attempting to damage the reputation of Isha Foundation and Sadhguru. In response, the Foundation filed a defamation suit before the Delhi High Court in 2024, seeking removal of such material and an injunction against publication of similar material in future.Isha filed an interim application in the case, seeking immediate removal of the material mentioned in the suit as well as the material published during the transfer petition before the Supreme Court and seeking a stay on further publication of such materials. The application was heard in December 2025, during which the Delhi High Court reserved the order after hearing the arguments of both the parties.The order was issued today, in which the court directed the removal of the controversial videos and articles published by Nakkiran in relation to Isha Foundation and Sadhguru.“We wholeheartedly welcome this interim order of the Honorable Delhi High Court. It is unfortunate that certain media outlets and individuals continue to propagate false and defamatory allegations without any evidence in a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” Isha Foundation said in its statement.“For over three decades, Isha Foundation has been deeply committed to large-scale social development and human welfare, impacting the lives of millions of people across the world. It is precisely this function that these coordinated attacks seek to disrupt. Isha will continue to take all appropriate legal action against those responsible. No amount of defamation or systematic misinformation will stop our efforts towards human welfare.“In March 2025, the Delhi High Court had directed YouTuber Shyam Mira Singh to remove a defamatory video containing false claims against Sadhguru and Isha Foundation. Following the court order, the misleading video was removed by the YouTuber.
‘Russia driving wedge’: Kiev denies anti-India plot, demands impartial probe into detention of 6 Ukrainians. india news
New Delhi: Ukraine on Thursday called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the detention of six of its citizens in Mizoram, strongly rejecting any suggestion of their involvement in terrorist activities and accused Russia of trying to “drive a wedge between Ukraine and India”.“Ukrainian nationals were detained for allegedly entering Mizoram without permission and suspected illegal activities. An American citizen was also detained in connection with the case. According to reports, the individuals are accused of assisting certain entities in Myanmar that are believed to have links to anti-India insurgent groups.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “There are certain areas that are restricted in India, and certain protected areas. So for those areas, you need permission to travel there, and whether they had this special permission or not, that is in the court now. It will be presented, and after that, we will know… I understand they would want some documents to travel to that part of India.“Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk recently met with Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and sought consular access to the detained citizens.Ukraine’s embassy said in a statement, “Ukraine firmly rejects any hint about the possible involvement of the Ukrainian state in supporting terrorist activities. Ukraine is a state that faces the consequences of Russian terrorism on a daily basis and, for that reason, takes a principled and uncompromising stance in countering all forms of terrorism.”The embassy also expressed “serious concern” over media reports that actions in the case were “motivated” by information from the Russian side, and described the situation as indicative of a “potentially planned and politically motivated nature”.Referring to relations with India, Ukraine said both countries have already reaffirmed their common position on combating terrorism. It cited the joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine on August 23, 2024, where both sides strongly condemned terrorism, said there can be no justification for it, and underlined the need for international cooperation in line with international law and the UN Charter.Building on this, Ukraine said any allegations related to terrorism should be rigorously investigated on the basis of verified facts, transparent processes and full intergovernmental cooperation. It also stressed the need for objectivity, transparency and impartiality in the investigation.
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Ukraine expressed its readiness for “active cooperation” between its authorities and Indian counterparts, particularly under the bilateral treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, which provides for comprehensive cooperation through designated authorities.The statement also underlined that Ukraine has no interest in any activity that could jeopardize India’s security and alleged that “it is Russia, as an aggressor state, which seeks to create a rift between the friendly countries – Ukraine and India, under every circumstance.”Ukraine also warned that any attempt to use the case to defame it or create mistrust in India-Ukraine relations would be seen as a deliberate attempt to damage bilateral relations, which it said is continuously developing and has strong potential to further deteriorate.
Here’s how participants can prepare for the Times Internet Delhi Half Marathon. india news
Signing up for a race is often the moment when fitness ceases to be an afterthought and becomes a commitment. The date sits on the calendar, distance suddenly seems real, and preparations begin, sometimes carefully planned, sometimes spontaneous. While every runner’s journey is different, the way people prepare for their first race often follows a somewhat distinct pattern. From structured training plans to technology-driven routines, each approach reflects how individuals turn intention into action.with Times Internet Delhi Half Marathon Many first-time runners across the city are finding their own style of preparation for the event to be held at Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on March 29. Some train with precision, others rely on simple consistency, while many find inspiration through friends or digital tools. What they all share is the same starting point: the decision to show up on race day. register now And reserve your spot.structured plannerFor some runners, preparation starts with a detailed plan. These are the individuals who search for training programs as soon as they register. They go on weekly runs, track distances, and gradually increase their mileage in a disciplined progression.Structured planners often follow a clear routine: short runs during the week, longer endurance sessions on the weekends, and rest days to allow recovery. They monitor their pace, adjust their nutrition, and pay attention to sleep patterns as race day approaches.For them, preparation is a process of continuous improvement. Each completed run builds confidence, turning a once intimidating distance into a manageable challenge. By the time race day arrives, they have already practiced the effort several times.constantly casualNot everyone trains with spreadsheets and a strict schedule. Many runners prepare through something far simpler: consistency.These individuals do not focus on perfect speed or complex training programs. Instead, they focus on one principle, appearing regularly. Do a few runs during the week, a few longer runs on the weekend, and the routine slowly picks up pace.What starts as a casual commitment slowly turns into real progress. Without thinking much about the process, these runners develop endurance through repetition. The strength of this approach lies in its simplicity: small efforts repeated consistently often produce remarkable results.power of social accountabilityFor many first-time participants, running alone is the hardest part. That’s why social accountability has become one of the most powerful motivators in race preparation.Friends sign up together, coworkers form small groups, and weekend meetings become training sessions. What might have been missed on a tired morning becomes easier when there is someone else waiting at the starting point.Running with others also turns preparation into a shared experience. Conversations during training change the monotony of solo workouts, and progress becomes something people celebrate together. On race day, group dynamics often matter as much as the finish line. register now And reserve your spot.training with technologyIn recent years, technology has changed the way people prepare for races. The fitness watch tracks movement and heart rate. Mobile apps record distance, analyze performance and suggest training improvements. Online communities allow runners to compare progress, share achievements, and stay motivated.Technology-driven training provides instant feedback. A runner can see how much they have improved, how their speed has developed and how close they are to their target distance. For many beginners, these insights create a sense of measurable progress that keeps them engaged during the training process.Different paths, one finish lineWhat makes race preparation fascinating is that there is no one “right” method. Some runners follow structured programs with discipline, while others simply run whenever possible. Some people rely on friends for inspiration, while others rely on data from digital tools.Yet all of these approaches lead to the same destination: the starting line. But Times Internet Delhi Half Marathon On March 29, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, runners from across the city will come together, each bringing their own journey of preparation. By the time they gather for the morning run, every training run, whether planned or spontaneous, will have contributed to that moment.However, not everyone considering attending will be there. With registration approaching capacity and the countdown already starting, the starting line is filling up fast, making this the last opportunity to be a part of this year’s race. Missing out doesn’t just mean giving up the race; This means waiting an entire year for the same experience.The first race is rarely about perfect performance. It’s about the experience of showing up, pushing personal limits, and discovering what body and mind can achieve together.
8 years later, the food regulator is still giving only advisories on the pack labeling front. india news
Almost eight years after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the first draft regulation related to Front of Pack Labeling (FOPL) of packaged food for comments and suggestions in 2018, the authority is yet to finalize the regulation.In an affidavit dated March 13 on the May 2024 petition in the Supreme Court, FSSAI sought six weeks’ time to submit a proposal on labeling of packaged foods containing high fat, sugar salt (HFSS), consumption of which causes non-communicable diseases.After holding five rounds of consultations with stakeholders, including the food industry, FSSAI informed the court that it is holding another consultation with stakeholders on March 19 on “the labels proposed to be issued”.“The question of front-of-pack labeling has already been the subject of extensive consultation and technical discussions for many years,” Nutrition Advocacy in the Public Interest (NAPI), a think tank of independent experts in epidemiology, nutrition and paediatrics, said in a letter to FSSAI. It said FSSAI should consider formulating the FOPL regulation based on extensive consultation, available evidence and SC orders, rather than reopening the matter through additional stakeholder consultations.The Supreme Court, in its February 10 order, had said that “…we are of the view that whatever exercise has been conducted so far has not yielded any positive or good results”. The court further explained that the PIL was filed to raise an important issue related to the right to health of the citizens.FSSAI had held a consultation in August 2018, followed by a consultation in February 2022 in which all 17 industry associations voted for the star-rating system, while all consumer organizations asked for warning labels.The revised draft of the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations 2020 received over 14,000 comments and suggestions from the public and stakeholders after it was put in the public domain for objections and suggestions. FSSAI had constituted an expert committee to analyze all the comments. In May 2025, FSSAI conducted four stakeholder consultations with food business operators and others in Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad and Kolkata. In October 2025, the food industry had submitted 430 representations to the Ministry of Food Processing, raising “serious concerns over the draft notification”. The parliamentary committee, which is to bring forward a report on food labeling regulation in December 2025, also heard from various food industry associations and their representatives, along with other stakeholders. “How many consultations will it take? The process for regulation began in 2014, when FSSAI prepared guidelines that included front-of-pack labeling specifying how much fat, sugar or salt it contains. How long does it take to bring in a regulation to protect the public health interest? This is despite growing evidence of increased incidence of non-communicable diseases and obesity, even in children, due to the consumption of packaged foods high in fat, salt and sugar. ” NAPI member Dr. Arun Gupta asked.
Will India buy LPG from Russia? The Ministry of External Affairs says it will be ensured that ‘people’s fuel needs are met’. india news
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that New Delhi is trying to buy LPG from everywhere to widen its options for energy supply amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.At the weekly press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is also keen to buy LGP from Russia to meet consumer needs.“We are trying to buy LPG from everywhere, wherever it is available. So if Russia is available, we will go there also. Because the current situation is such that we have to ensure that the fuel needs of our people are met,” Jaiswal said.“I would say we want broader options,” he said.The ministry also reiterated that India has received energy requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and other neighboring countries.He noted that India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transportation since 2007 and continues to assist the South Asian nation along with other neighboring countries.He said, “Regarding energy, we have received requests from many of our neighboring countries, and I had talked about this earlier also. We have received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and some other neighboring countries. As I indicated earlier, India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transportation since 2007.”Jaiswal said, “We are continuing to assist Bangladesh and our other neighbours. This is being done keeping in mind our own requirements, refining capacity and availability of diesel.”Meanwhile, the government also urged consumers to use LPG judiciously and explore alternative cooking options where possible.The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have disrupted the global energy supply chain. The movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about a fifth of global oil and a significant portion of LPG shipments, has been affected.To curb shortages and prevent malpractices, state governments have intensified enforcement measures, including raids, to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. Also, alternative fuels like kerosene and coal are being used in sectors like hospitality and restaurants to ease the pressure on LPG supply.
Evening News Wrap: Iran attacks Saudi Aramco and Kuwait refineries; Sensex went down by almost 2,500 points and more. india news
- Following Israel’s attack on South Pars, Iran attacked energy sites across the region, including facilities linked to Saudi Aramco, warning of global “uncontrollable consequences” due to rising oil prices.
- One projectile landed just 350 meters from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with the International Atomic Energy Agency flagging serious safety concerns despite causing no damage to the reactor.
- The Sensex fell over 2,500 points as rising crude oil prices and the US Fed’s stance triggered widespread selling, wiping out investors’ wealth worth Rs 11 lakh crore.
- Bharatiya Janata Party released the list of 88 candidates for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma set to contest from Jalukbari.
- The Kerala High Court dismissed the PIL against the Board of Control for Cricket in India, paving the way for IPL 2026 to start from March 28.
Here The major news stories of the day are:
Iran attacks Saudi Aramco and Kuwait refinery after Israel’s attack on South Pars
Iran escalated tensions across the Gulf by launching coordinated attacks on key energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the SAMREF refinery, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil.The strikes came in retaliation for Israel’s earlier attack on Iran’s vital South Pars gas field, a move that Tehran strongly condemned.Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian warned of “uncontrollable consequences” and warned that the conflict could escalate globally. Iran also targeted LNG facilities in Qatar and set fire to two Kuwaiti refineries, raising fears of a wider regional crisis. Read the full story
Only 350 meters away: Projectile strikes near Bushehr nuclear reactor, IAEA says
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported a serious safety threat near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant after a projectile landed just 350 meters from the reactor. While the main facility remained safe and no injuries were reported, the proximity of the attack raised concerns over nuclear security risks.IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed that any attacks near nuclear installations violate key security norms during a conflict. Iran and Russia claimed projectiles hit within the wider complex, raising concerns about a possible radiological incident as tensions continue to rise between Tehran, Israel and the United States. Read the full story
Fall in stock market: Sensex fell by almost 2,500 points – main reasons for the fall
Indian stock markets witnessed sharp selling, with the BSE Sensex falling over 2,500 points, while the Nifty 50 slipped below 23,200 points intraday after posting gains for three consecutive sessions. Investors’ wealth worth over Rs 11 lakh crore was wiped out due to the slowdown caused by the rise in global crude oil prices and the cautious policy stance of the US Federal Reserve. Nifty50 ended the session down 776 points or 3.26% at 23,002.15. BSE Sensex closed at 74,207.24, down 2,497 points or 3.26%. Nifty Realty was the worst performer, falling over 3%, followed by Nifty Auto and Nifty Private Bank, which both slipped close to 3%. Read the full story
Assam Assembly Elections 2026: BJP releases list of 88 candidates
The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its first list of 88 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma set to contest from Jalukbari again.Under the alliance formula, the BJP will contest 89 seats in the 126-member assembly along with its allies AGP and BPF. The list reflects a mix of continuity and change, with several high-profile people defecting from the Congress, while 11 sitting MLAs have been dropped. Notably, only five female candidates have been fielded, highlighting ongoing concerns about gender representation. Read the full story
IPL name controversy: Kerala High Court dismisses PIL against BCCI
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a PIL challenging the use of the name “Indian Premier League” by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The petitioner argued that the league was not an official national tournament and should not be named so.A bench led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen found no merit in the petition, noting that the league has been in existence for years and the objection came very late. With the legal hurdle cleared, the 19th season of the IPL is set to begin on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match. Read the full story
Opposition MPs question Foreign Ministry on government’s stance on Iran war. india news
New Delhi: Opposition MPs at a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday questioned PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel days before the US strikes on Iran and the government’s “silence” on the killing of the Islamic country’s supreme leader, as the External Affairs Ministry briefed the panel on the safety and security of Indian expatriates in West Asia.While several members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, headed by Congress’ Shashi Tharoor, highlighted India’s diplomatic options and wondered whether it had changed its traditional stance on West Asia-related issues, the ministry said it would respond to their queries in writing later, people in the know said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who usually briefs the committee, could not attend the meeting.
Tharoor told reporters that every MP had questions and concerns about the overall situation, the impact and the safety of Indians in addition to oil and gas supplies. “We got some replies but not all because the foreign secretary was unavailable,” he said.He said around 9,000 Indians live in Iran but added that it is not necessary that all of them want to leave. He said, it is quite easy to travel by commercial means from Gulf countries, especially UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman.Tharoor said questions were raised about Modi’s visit to Israel but declined to give details about internal discussions within the committee. “MPs will naturally raise every issue that is in their mind,” he said.
West Bengal Elections 2026: How the state voted in 2021 – the year BJP led. india news
New Delhi: With both Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP have effectively started the battle of Bengal, announcing their candidate lists. While TMC has announced candidates for all 294 seats, the saffron party has so far declared names for 144 seats, covering almost half the assembly. The contest is largely being seen as a straight duel Mamata BanerjeePrime Minister led TMC and BJP Narendra Modi.The BJP now aims to challenge Mamata Banerjee’s more than decade-long rule. Its rise in the Bengali-speaking state has been astonishing, from almost zero presence to becoming the major opposition and a serious contender for power.The Modi-led campaign has consistently kept Mamata at the center of its political attacks, and targeted what is still an elusive prize – the country’s second-largest assembly – West Bengal.
2021: BJP’s turning point
The 2021 assembly elections proved to be a turning point. Despite being projected to win a landslide, the BJP secured 77 seats – falling short of power, but a dramatic increase from only 3 seats previously, and firmly establishing itself as a formidable opposition.In many ways, the 2021 election tells a bigger story than Mamata Banerjee’s victory, marking the BJP’s rise to prominence in Bengal politics.
How was the voting in Bengal in 2021?
Amit Shah, often called BJP’s ‘Chanakya’, had confidently announced during the campaign that the party would cross the 200-mark in the 294-member Assembly and had given the slogan “Abki Baar, 200 Paar”. However, the results tell a very different story.
BJP fell short not only of 200 but also half the figure of 147 seats.The result also came as a personal blow to many prominent faces of the party. Union minister Babul Supriyo, former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta and Lok Sabha MP Locket Chatterjee are among those who lost their seats.
Voting patterns and missed counts
Much of the BJP’s strategy hinged on consolidating Hindu votes and garnering the support of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, while closely watching whether Muslim voters would support TMC. In the end, the results showed that Muslim voters largely stood with Mamata Banerjee, while the SC votes did not consolidate in favor of the BJP as expected.
From the peak of BJP in 2019 to the setback in 2021
The assembly results were a setback compared to its strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. At that time, the BJP had won 18 out of 42 seats and was leading in 121 assembly constituencies with 40.2% vote share. In 2021, it secured 77 seats – 44 fewer than in the earlier constituencies and its vote share fell slightly to 38.13%.
BJP: A decade of rapid growth
Yet, behind the disappointment lies a remarkable story of growth. Exactly a decade ago, in the 2011 assembly elections, the BJP had failed to win a single seat and could only garner 4% of the votes. In 2014, it won two Lok Sabha seats with 18% vote share. In 2016, it won three assembly seats with about 10% of the votes. From there, 77 seats in 2021 and more than 38% vote share marks a dramatic increase.In the process, the BJP has replaced the Left and the Congress as the major opposition forces, which had dominated Bengal politics for decades. In an unprecedented result, while both the Left parties and the Congress got no seats, smaller players like the Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party and an independent candidate managed to win one seat each.BJP has not just won seats; It has created an organizational base, a cadre and a leadership structure in the state. That machinery, now firmly in place, is likely to shape its strategy for future battles, both the Lok Sabha elections and the next assembly contest.
battle of nandigram
Another important achievement for the BJP was the victory of its “giant killer” Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram by a slim margin of 1,956 votes after a tough contest.The contest turned into a battle of prestige when Mamata herself decided to challenge Adhikari on his home turf. He had gone a step further and announced that he would quit politics if he failed to defeat her by 50,000 votes. Although he fell short of that ambitious claim, his eventual victory, even by a small margin, proved politically significant.The defeat dealt a symbolic blow to TMC’s landslide victory and means Mamata Banerjee will have to contest elections again for the Assembly within six months to remain the chief minister.