world top universities

Australian opener David Warner believes India's Rohit Sharma has the firepower to surpass West Indies great Brian Lara's record 400 not out in a Test match. Warner, who scored his maiden triple ton (335) in 5-day cricket during the second Test against Pakistan, was just 65 runs shy of breaking Lara's record when Tim Paine decided to declare the innings at 589/3.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/pakistan-in-australia/david-warner-picks-rohit-sharma-to-break-brian-laras-record/articleshow/72316498.cms

A tyre mechanic’s crucial lead, CCTV footage from different locations, including a fuel station, and technical evdence helped police crack the alleged brutal gang-rape and murder of the 27-year-old veterinary doctor at Shamshabad in less than 48 hours and nab the four accused

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mechanics-lead-cctv-grabs-help-cops-crack-case/articleshow/72313822.cms

Family members of the 4 men accused of raping and murdering the 27-year-old veterinary doctor on the outskirts of Hyderabad have said that they would not challenge if the court gives capital punishment to their sons. Shyamala, mother of one of the accused C Chennakeshavulu, said, "Let him be hanged or set on fire like what they have done to the doctor," she said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hang-them-or-set-them-ablaze-kin-of-accused/articleshow/72314065.cms

Congress leader Nana Patole is all set to become speaker of the Maharashtra legislative assembly as BJP candidate Kisan Kathore withdrew his nomination on Sunday. The deadline to withdraw the nomination was 10 am on Sunday. Patole is the candidate of Maha Vikas Aghadi representing the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance in the state.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/congress-candidate-nana-patole-set-to-be-maharashtra-speaker-as-bjp-nominee-withdraws/articleshow/72315470.cms

The 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the BCCI scheduled for Sunday - their first in three years - is when the members will take their first step forward in heading back to 'square one'.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/bcci-agm-quorum-in-place-for-amendments/articleshow/72314855.cms

A pilot trained to land aircraft in low visibility (CAT III B), travelling as a passenger on IndiGo's Pune-Delhi flight on Saturday morning, was asked to operate the flight as IGI Airport was reporting a declining visibility trend due to smog. Before being let into the flight deck, the pilot underwent the mandatory pre-flight breathalyser test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/cat-iii-trained-captain-flying-as-passenger-asked-to-operate-indigo-flight-as-visibility-drops-at-igi-airport/articleshow/72313106.cms

The 28-year-old Briton who killed two people in a stabbing spree on London Bridge on Friday has been identified as Usman Khan, a UK-born terrorist who was jailed in 2012 over a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange and plans to build a terror camp in PoK to attack Kashmir. He left school in the UK with no credentials and is believed to have spent part of his teens in Pakistan.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/london-attacker-had-pakistan-links-plotted-kashmir-hits/articleshow/72313802.cms

Anger erupted on the streets of Hyderabad as people held protests demanding justice for the family of the veterinary doctor who was gang-raped and murdered on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday. Protestors gathered at the Shadnagar police station, where the accused were being held, demanded that the cops hand over the accused to them for what they called "instant justice"

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hyderabad-erupts-thousands-lay-siege-to-police-station/articleshow/72313875.cms

Responding to concerns within business and industry about an atmosphere of fear unleashed by tax authorities, Amit Shah on Saturday said, "No one needs to fear anything", and that most of the steps the government had undertaken to clean up the system were over. While acknowledging the economic slowdown, Shah said he was confident the country would emerge from it.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/past-wrongdoings-resolved-no-need-for-fear-amit-shah-to-india-inc/articleshow/72313841.cms

NCP has emerged the biggest beneficiary in the negotiations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi for ministerial berths with a tally of 16. It will also get the deputy CM's job. Shiv Sena will have 15 members in the cabinet, including the CM. Congress settled for 12, besides the speaker's post.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-deputy-cm-for-congress-ncp-gets-most-berths/articleshow/72313917.cms

India and Japan in their inaugural foreign and defence ministerial dialogue, asked Islamabad to take "resolute and irreversible" steps against terror networks operating from its soil. The two countries called upon Islamabad to "fully comply" with its international commitments to deal with terrorism including the steps prescribed by Financial Action Task Force.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/act-against-terror-india-japan-to-pakistan/articleshow/72313978.cms

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said about 12 global companies have evinced interest to shift their base from China to India, taking advantage of competitive tax rate of 15 per cent announced recently.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/12-global-companies-evinced-interest-to-shift-base-from-china-to-india-fm-sitharaman/articleshow/72311758.cms

The Hyderabad Police played a "negative role" and "wasted precious time" which could have been used to save the life of a veterinarian who was brutally raped and murdered, her family members told the NCW on Saturday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hyderabad-vet-could-have-been-saved-but-police-wasted-precious-time-victims-family-tells-ncw/articleshow/72311215.cms

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Pakistan was indulging in a "proxy" war as it had realised that it cannot win a "conventional" one. The path of the "proxy" war chosen by Pakistan would only lead to its defeat, he added. Singh was speaking at the passing out parade of the 137th course at National Defence Academy in Pune.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistans-proxy-war-will-not-succeed-rajnath-singh/articleshow/72302998.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-soldiers-killed-as-avalanche-hits-army-patrol-in-siachen/articleshow/72310427.cms

In their inaugural foreign and defence ministerial dialogue, India and Japan deliberated on the threat posed to regional peace by terror networks operating from Pakistan and asked it to take "resolute and irreversible" against them. India and Japan specifically called upon Islamabad to "fully comply" with its international commitments to deal with terrorism.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-and-japan-ask-pakistan-to-take-concrete-action-against-terror-infrastructure/articleshow/72309999.cms

The Congress on Saturday announced party MLA Nana Patole as the candidate of the ruling Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP alliance for the election for Maharashtra assembly speaker's post, while the BJP named Kisan Kathore as its nominee. The election will be held on Sunday, a day after the ruling alliance cleared the floor test. As many as 169 MLAs in the 288-member Assembly voted in its favour, while the BJP's 105 MLAs staged a walkout.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-congs-patole-to-face-off-with-bjps-kathore-for-speakers-post/articleshow/72309328.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/thackeray-led-mva-govt-passes-floor-test-bjp-mlas-skip-voting/articleshow/72308973.cms

Two Army personnel were killed when an avalanche hit an Army patrol in the southern Siachen glacier sector in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Saturday, officials said. A Srinagar-based defence spokesperson said the Army patrol was operating at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet in Southern Siachen Glacier when it was hit by the avalanche during the early hours of Saturday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2-personnel-killed-as-avalanche-hits-army-patrol-in-siachen-glacier/articleshow/72308744.cms

A magistrate in Telangana's Shadnagar on Saturday sent all the four accused in the gruesome gangrape and murder of a woman veterinarian to judicial custody for 14 days.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-veterinarians-rape-and-murder-accused-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody/articleshow/72307260.cms

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government of the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance won the floor test in the Maharashtra assembly on Saturday. Altogether 169 MLAs vote in favour of the motion of confidence while 4 MLAs abstained. Nobody voted against the motion as all the 105 MLAs had walked out of the 288-member House, boycotting the floor test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-uddhav-thackeray-led-sena-ncp-congress-govt-wins-floor-test/articleshow/72306271.cms

As the Modi 2.0 government completes six months in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the dispensation has taken numerous decisions that have pushed the country's development, accelerated social empowerment and enhanced unity.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/6-months-of-india-first-tweets-pm-modi-as-his-govt-completes-180-days-in-office/articleshow/72305836.cms

Furthering its consistently strong stand against sexual violence, the Supreme Court on Friday said medical evidence suggesting a victim of sexual assault to be "habituated to sex" was no ground for a high court to grant bail to an accused in a rape case.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/girls-sex-life-no-cause-for-bail-in-rape-case-supreme-court/articleshow/72301524.cms

A day after the 27-year-old veterinarian was gangraped and murdered, the woman’s mother on Friday demanded that the accused be burnt alive in full public glare. The family members believe that had Cyberabad police acted promptly instead of making them move between RGIA and Shamshabad police stations, the offence could have been avoided.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/burn-the-culprits-says-vets-mum/articleshow/72300897.cms

At least 18 political leaders with significant clout in their respective constituencies have switched parties after being denied Assembly poll tickets in Jharkhand - a record in the state's 19-year history. Putting behind their political ideologies, several leaders including three former state Congress chiefs have switched over to rival camps in the run-up to the polls.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/turncoats-take-centrestage-in-jharkhand-polls/articleshow/72303897.cms

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government of the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance will face floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly today. Stay here for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-assembly-floor-test-live-updates/liveblog/72302263.cms

Police have identified the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan, inspired by the ideology of al-Qaida terror group, was previously sentenced to 16 years in prison term for his role in the London Stock Exchange bombing in 1990. At the time of his sentencing in 2012, the judge warned that he was a "serious jihadist" who should not be released while he remained a threat to the public.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/islamist-terrorist-who-spent-late-teens-in-pakistan-identified-as-london-bridge-attack-suspect/articleshow/72303761.cms

The emerging consensus within the tri-party alliance was to allocate the chief minister’s post to Shiv Sena, speaker’s to Congress and deputy chief minister’s to NCP. Thus, Uddhav Thackeray was installed CM, but Congress has now taken the view that it is not keen to nominate the speaker and would rather prefer a deputy CM’s post.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/speaker-likely-from-congress-but-no-clarity-on-second-deputy-cm-post/articleshow/72302629.cms

Uddhav Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance- Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators. The floor test proceeding will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maha-vikash-aghadi-govt-trust-vote-today-sanjay-raut-claims-support-of-over-170-mlas/articleshow/72303042.cms

Cyberabad Police on Friday confirmed that the 27-year-old veterinary doctor was gang-raped and murdered.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/cops-confirm-telangana-veterinary-doctor-was-gang-raped-and-murdered-say-four-arrested/articleshow/72296759.cms

India's GDP growth hit an over six-year low of 4.5 per cent in July-September 2019, triggering a war of words between the government and the opposition.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gdp-at-4-5-worrying-says-manmohan-singh-fundamentals-strong-counters-govt/articleshow/72296474.cms

Despite being in the news for the wrong reasons, 30-year-old, India pacer Abhimanyu Mithun came up with a fine performance in Karnataka-Haryana Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 semis clash. He took 5 for 39 which included a hat-trick -- that helped Karnataka register a resounding eight-wicket win over their opponents at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Friday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/syed-mushtaq-ali-trophy-abhimanyu-mithun-picks-five-wickets-in-six-balls/articleshow/72295627.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/terrorist-remark-pragya-thakur-moves-breach-of-privilege-notice-against-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/72295951.cms

India's gross domestic product growth (GDP) for the second quarter slumped to 4.5% from 5% in the previous June quarter, as per govt data. The GDP figure is a culmination of several months of downbeat figures, from weak consumer demand and private investment to shrinking factory output and an export slump. GDP growth stood at 7% for the same quarter last year.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/q2-gdp-growth-dips-further-to-4-5-from-six-year-low-of-5-in-june-quarter/articleshow/72294355.cms

On the first day in office as Maharahstra CM, Uddhav Thackeray announced stay on construction of metro car shed project at the Aarey Colony, where protests were held last month against cutting of trees. "I am not against development, but this mass murder will not be tolerated. The stay is on the construction of car shed and not on metro project...," said the CM.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-cm-uddhav-thackeray-stays-aarey-car-shed-project/articleshow/72294997.cms

As per the latest data released by the government, GDP growth for July-September quarter fell to 4.5 per cent from 5 per cent in Q1. In first quarter, India's economy has slowed down to its lowest level in more than six years. Stay here for all real-time updates and breaking news on India's second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) numbers.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/growth-rate-of-india-gdp-q2-growth-rate-news-live-updates/liveblog/72292751.cms

For most people, going to the doctor is usually a bit nerve-racking. But for some, the stress of a medical appointment triggers a temporary rise in blood pressure. If that’s the case for you — and if your blood pressure is normal at home and in other nonmedical settings — you may have what’s known as white-coat hypertension. Now, a large study suggests that people with this condition face a greater threat of heart disease than people whose blood pressure readings are always normal.

According to current guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is defined as less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 130/80 and higher.

“If your blood pressure goes up under the relatively nonthreatening situation of seeing a doctor, then what might happen if you’re cut off on the highway, or experience a challenging family or work circumstance?” says Dr. Randall Zusman, a cardiologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates constantly throughout the day. But people with white-coat hypertension may experience more frequent and higher spikes. About one in five people has the condition, which doctors typically don’t treat with medication.

The white-coat effect

For the study, researchers pooled findings from 27 studies involving more than 64,000 people in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Compared with people whose blood pressure was normal both at the doctor’s office and at home, people with untreated white-coat hypertension had a 36% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related events. They were also twice as likely to die from heart disease.

However, people taking blood pressure medication whose blood pressure still rose at the doctor’s office (a phenomenon known as the white-coat effect) did not have a higher risk of heart disease. The study was published June 10 in Annals of Internal Medicine.

According to Dr. Zusman, the findings lend further support for treating people with white-coat hypertension. Research suggests that the condition nearly always progresses to sustained high blood pressure.

What you can do

Treatment doesn’t necessarily mean taking blood pressure medication, however. “Losing weight, exercising, limiting salt, and not smoking are all associated with better blood pressure control. I certainly encourage people to do all those things, whether they have intermittent or sustained high blood pressure,” says Dr. Zusman.

Sometimes, even determined efforts to make these changes aren’t sufficient. If lifestyle changes aimed at controlling hypertension can’t bring your blood pressure down to a normal range, there are many safe, effective medications that can help.

Dr. Zusman advises all of his patients to use a home blood pressure monitor to make sure their treatment is working. “I also have them bring their device in and watch them take their blood pressure to make sure they’re using the monitor correctly,” he says. Doctors often suggest checking your blood pressure once or twice a day for a week or so right after starting or changing medications. After that, two to three times a week at different times of the day is a good idea, says Dr. Zusman.

The post Could white-coat hypertension harm your heart? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from Harvard Health Blog https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/could-white-coat-hypertension-harm-your-heart-2019112918384
via IFTTT

Ramkumar Ramanathan double-bageled 17-year-old Muhammad Shoaib in just 42 minutes in the opening singles match. Sumit Nagal then earned his first-ever Davis Cup win, beating Hufaiza Abdul Rehman 6-0, 6-2 in the second singles match. India have never lost a tie to Pakistan in six meetings so far and the trend does not look like changing.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/davis-cup-ramkumar-sumit-trample-pakistan-on-day-1-india-lead-2-0/articleshow/72293443.cms

Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has taken social media by storm by posting a picture of him with his beard and mustache half shaved. The 44-year-old has actually taken up 'Save The Rhino' challenge in South Africa which required him to shave off half his facial and chest hair in order to raise awareness and money to save the rhino population in the country.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/why-jacques-kallis-shaved-exactly-half-of-his-beard-and-moustache/articleshow/72288335.cms

Former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday attacked the newly formed Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra and alleged that the government in its first cabinet meet preferred to discuss the issue of proving majority rather than giving relief to the farmers of the state

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/first-shiv-sena-ncp-congress-cabinet-meet-discussed-house-majority-devendra-fadnavis/articleshow/72290974.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/thackeray-pawar-ties-across-generations-families-have-melded-political-with-personal/articleshow/72285478.cms

A day after 27-year-old veterinary doctor was allegedly raped and murdered and her body was set ablaze, the victim’s mother on Friday demanded that the accused be burnt alive in full public view. The family members believe that had the Cyberabad police acted promptly the incident could have been avoided.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-veterinary-doctor-rape-murder-burn-alive-accused-in-full-public-glare-demands-mother/articleshow/72290495.cms

"My statements made in Parliament are being distorted. I respect Mahatma Gandhi's contribution to the nation," Pragya Thakur said following a controversy over her comment on Nathuram Godse in Parliament. The BJP MP also tendered an apology for her comment. "If I have hurt anyone with my comments, I regret and tender my apology," she added.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/my-statement-was-distorted-i-respect-gandhis-contribution-to-the-nation-pragya-thakur/articleshow/72289691.cms

How can an “illegally placed” idol, forced on another person’s property, be a deity?

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/can-illegally-placed-idol-be-called-deity-muslim-litigants-to-ask-in-review/articleshow/72285974.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ive-very-high-expectations-from-india-sri-lankan-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa/articleshow/72288904.cms

Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy took a pot shot at BJP leaders during the election rally at Dharmapura in Hunsur on Thursday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/yes-our-family-has-patent-over-shedding-tears-hdk/articleshow/72283860.cms

Medical representatives have revealed widespread use of bribes, including foreign trips, microwave ovens, expensive smartphones, jewellery and even women, by pharmaceutical companies even as the government drags its feet on a 2016 proposal to bring in a Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) "with teeth" in the form of penal provisions.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/pharma-companies-offer-even-women-to-bribe-doctors-study/articleshow/72285147.cms

The Shiv Sena on Friday said PM Modi and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray share brotherly ties and that it is the responsibility of the former to co-operate with his "younger brother" who has taken charge of the state. The Shiv Sena maintained the prime minister does not belong to any single party, but the entire country.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/modi-must-co-operate-with-younger-brother-uddhav-shiv-sena/articleshow/72287831.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/govt-vet-with-flat-tyre-looks-for-help-at-night-raped-killed/articleshow/72285237.cms

The government wants to conduct an audit and inspection of security systems and processes of Facebook-owned instant messenger WhatsApp over the Pegasus spyware controversy. This is the second major action against the American social media giant after the CBI inquiry that was ordered over the data leaks in the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica controversy.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/government-plans-whatsapp-security-systems-audit/articleshow/72285546.cms

Former India pacer Abhimanyu Mithun has been summoned for questioning in the Karnataka Premier League’s betting and spot fixing scandal. Mithun will become the first international to be questioned by Central Crime Branch sleuths probing the scandal.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/former-india-pacer-abhimanyu-mithun-to-be-quizzed-over-kpl-fixing/articleshow/72286874.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/thackeray-sarkar-uddhav-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-cm-6-ministers-take-oath/articleshow/72282182.cms

The government on Thursday gave preliminary approval to defence procurement projects worth Rs 22,800 crore, including six more Poseidon-8I 'submarine-hunting' aircraft for the Navy​. Defence acquisitions council also gave the nod for the indigenous design, development and manufacture of 14 twin-engine heavy-duty helicopters for the Coast Guard.​

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/initial-nod-for-military-projects-worth-rs-22800-cr-but-navy-to-get-less-sub-killing-planes/articleshow/72282109.cms

Do you get joy out of volunteering, helping out with your grandkids, or learning new skills in that class you’ve been taking?

If you said yes, it could help you live longer. As it turns out, being inspired by things in your life doesn’t just help your emotional well-being — it may keep you healthier.

A 2019 JAMA Network Open study found that among a group of nearly 7,000 adults over age 50, those who scored highest on a scale that measured “life purpose” were less likely to die during the four-year study period. They were also less likely to die during the same period from heart, circulatory, or blood conditions, compared with those who scored lower.

“There have been a number of studies suggesting that a higher sense of purpose in life is associated with reduced risk of early death,” says Eric S. Kim, PhD, a research scientist in the department of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “However, this study showed for the first time that sense of purpose in life is associated with specific causes of death, and that’s an interesting advancement of knowledge.”

Defining a purposeful life

So, what exactly is life purpose? Life purpose is defined differently by different people. But in general it indicates that you have an aim in life and goals. This purpose, the study authors said, helps make it more likely that you will engage in behaviors that are good for your health. Some studies have simply asked people what gives them a sense of purpose in life, says Kim. People listed such factors as

• family and relationships
• community
• helping others
• learning new skills
• taking part in leisure activities or hobbies.

“I define it as the extent to which people experience their lives as being directed and motivated by valued life goals,” says Kim.

In this study, having more life purpose was associated with a lower rate of death during the study period overall, from cardiovascular disease and blood conditions, and also from digestive conditions.

However, stronger life purpose didn’t appear to insulate study participants from all health conditions. Researchers did not find an effect on death rates from cancer, tumors, or conditions that affected the respiratory tract. It’s also important to note that the study didn’t prove that having a life purpose resulted in the lower death rates seen in the study.

“This was a well-done observational study. But there are limitations from studies with this kind of design, as they can’t pinpoint causality,” says Kim.

How does life purpose keep you healthy?

There are a few theoretical reasons why having a life purpose might help improve your health. “We’re currently working on a review article about this topic and we found literature suggesting that purpose in life works through three main pathways,” says Kim.

These include the following:

• It makes you more likely to protect your health. For example, you might eat healthier, sleep better, exercise more, or increase your use of preventive health services.
• It could reduce stress. “There’s some evidence from lab studies and studies that track people over time that suggests that people with a higher sense of purpose in life are less perturbed by various stressors, and also recover more quickly when they are more stressed out,” says Kim.
• It could reduce inflammation. Researchers have linked inflammation in the body to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. Stress is known to prompt inflammation in the body, so reducing stress might help to reduce inflammation.

Ultimately, activities that provide life purpose may be prompted by an overarching outlook in which life itself is greatly valued, says Kim. “One caveat is that there are important studies that show no association between a sense of purpose in life and some of these factors, so this is still an active field of research.”

Lacking purpose? Strategies to help

If you feel like you are lacking purpose, seeking out new opportunities may help. Look for activities and roles that will provide a compelling reason to get up every morning. Some research has found that volunteering is a valuable option for many people.

But if you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

“There’s some evidence to suggest that specialized cognitive behavioral therapy can improve a sense of purpose in life, as well as meaning in life, which is a conceptually close cousin,” says Kim.

The post Will a purpose-driven life help you live longer? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from Harvard Health Blog https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-a-purpose-driven-life-help-you-live-longer-2019112818378
via IFTTT

PM Modi congratulated Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on taking oath as Maharashtra CM. "Congratulations to Uddhav Thackeray Ji on taking oath as the CM of Maharashtra. I am confident he will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra," he tweeted. Thackeray, 59, became the third Sena leader after Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane to occupy the top post.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-congratulates-uddhav-thackeray/articleshow/72281081.cms

The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in Maharashtra, has promised to provide food for the common people in the state for Rs 10 and launching 'One Rupee Clinic' at the 'taluka' level facilitating all pathological tests.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cmp-of-maha-vikas-aghadi-food-at-rs-10-one-rupee-clinic-to-be-launched-at-taluka-level/articleshow/72280620.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/experienced-hands-bhujbal-thorat-desai-make-it-to-maharashtra-cabinet/articleshow/72280547.cms

The programme consists of complete loan waiver to farmers in the state as well as one rupee clinic across the state, which will provide basic screening of people across the state, they said. Sena's most discussed promise during the Assembly poll campaign of offering a full meal at Rs 10 also figures in the CMP.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mva-govt-to-waive-farmers-loans-ensure-80-jobs-to-locals/articleshow/72277874.cms

Trinamool Congress won all the three seats in the byelections to three assembly seats in West Bengal on Thursday. Trinamool supremo and Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee described it as a victory of the people and added that it was also a victory for development.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-byelection-results-trinamool-congress-wins-all-three-seats/articleshow/72277139.cms

Trinamool Congress won all the three seats in the byelections to three assembly seats in West Bengal on Thursday. Trinamool supremo and Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee described it as a victory of the people and added that it was also a victory for development.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-byelections-results-trinamool-congress-wins-all-three-seats/articleshow/72277139.cms

Equity indices on Thursday finished at their record peaks with the benchmark BSE sensex rising over 100 points, led by gains in banking, metal and financial stocks, ahead of November derivative (F&O) expiry and second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) numbers.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/markets-scale-fresh-closing-peaks-sensex-finishes-at-41130-nifty-tops-12150/articleshow/72276475.cms

With Maharashtra lost, BJP has witnessed a steep fall. In March 2018, when the party was at its peak, BJP and its allies controlled 76% of the country’s area and over 69% of population. Since then, BJP has lost elections in big states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. After Maharashtra failure, it now controls 37.4% of India’s area and 45.6% of its population.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-a-year-and-a-half-this-is-how-bjps-state-count-has-shrunk/articleshow/72269387.cms

Based on photographs provided by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Bindu Sampath has identified her daughter Nimisha alias Fathima, who went missing in 2016 and was believed to have gone to Afghanistan en route to Syria to join the Islamic State terror group.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-woman-spots-her-daughter-nimisha-among-is-cadres-who-surrendered-in-afghanistan/articleshow/72268992.cms

The BJP’s misadventure in Maharashtra could impact the party’s bypoll prospects in Karnataka. Party leaders say it could have a negative impact on voter sentiment in constituencies where voters share a close connect with Maharashtra. “The drama in Maharashtra has proved the BJP is no different from any other party. It will go to any extent to secure power," said a BJP leader.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/maharashtra-drama-could-impact-saffron-partys-prospects-in-karnataka/articleshow/72269956.cms

A day after he stepped down, there were whispers in the city BJP headquarters that Fadnavis ought to have handled the crisis with greater tact and sagacity. Some think he gave too long a rope to Shiv Sena in a bid to keep the saffron regime going. The BJP high command however will not hold any grudge against him, a BJP functionary said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fadnavis-down-but-not-out/articleshow/72268527.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-political-drama-the-story-so-far/articleshow/72273911.cms

Dedicating the party's victory in the Kaliaganj assembly seat by-poll to the people of West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the BJP is getting paid back for its "arrogance" and for "insulting" the people of the state.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-getting-paid-back-for-its-arrogance-mamata-on-bengal-bypoll-win/articleshow/72273512.cms

Supriya Sule has been occupying centrestage in the NCP with her father, Sharad Pawar, over the past few days after Ajit's short-lived rebellion last Saturday. She was all along with the senior Pawar during the hectic closed-door meetings with the Congress and Sena leaders at a Mumbai hotel.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supriya-sule-seals-party-position/articleshow/72268520.cms

The BJP has condemned the remarks made by its LS MP Pragya Thakur in Parliament on Wednesday referring to Nathuram Godse and said it does not support such statements. BJP working president JP Nadda also recommended Thakur's removal from the consultative committee on defence. "We have decided that Thakur will not attend meetings of BJP parliamentary party during the session," he said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/godse-remarks-pragya-thakur-dropped-from-defence-panel-stopped-from-attending-meetings-of-bjp-parliamentary-party/articleshow/72271531.cms

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday hit out at the BJP for making "shameless attempts to subvert democracy in Maharashtra." Addressing the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia slammed the Maharashtra governor for behaving in "an unprecedented and most reprehensible manner."

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-made-shameless-attempts-to-subvert-democracy-in-maharashtra-sonia-gandhi/articleshow/72271294.cms

The Winter session of Parliament is in progress and two Houses are debating various issues. Stay tuned for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/parliament-session-live-updates/liveblog/72269506.cms

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will to take oath as the chief minister of Maharashtra, capping off a month-long political drama in the state following the assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 6:40pm at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. Stay with TOI for all live updates:

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-government-formation-news-live-uddhav-thackeray-swearing-in-as-cm/liveblog/72270170.cms

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has so far arrested more than 250 students, who were lured to enroll in the now-closed University of Farmington in the Detroit metropolitan area by the Department of Homeland Security. The ICE had in March arrested 161 students from the fake university established by it. When it was closed in March, there were 600 students, mostly Indians, enrolled in it.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/us-canada-news/90-more-students-mostly-from-india-held-from-fake-us-university/articleshow/72269732.cms

In a pace attack which features a lethal trio in Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav has managed to stay in the scheme of things and has now been making every opportunity count. The recent Test season at home is a testimony to his perseverance and evolution as a fast bowler.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/we-decided-we-would-not-play-second-fiddle-to-spinners-anymore-umesh-yadav/articleshow/72269356.cms

Replying to a discussion on the economic situation in the country in Rajya Sabha, she reeled out numbers comparison between five years under Congress-led UPA-II regime from 2009 to 2014 and BJP's first term from 2014 to 2019 to say inflation was lower and growth higher under the Modi government.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/nirmala-sitharaman-says-no-recession-in-indian-economy/articleshow/72261441.cms

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said security of Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka has not been withdrawn but changed to 'Z-plus' with ambulance. Replying to the debate on the SPG (Amendment) Bill, he asserted that the BJP does carry out any action with a vindictive approach and it was the Congress which took many such decisions in the past.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/security-of-gandhi-family-not-withdrawn-but-only-changed-amit-shah/articleshow/72260931.cms

Despite being a surprise choice for the CM’s post and not having an impressive political legacy, he managed to steer a vastly unpopular government because of his realisation that his political future is uncertain after the next general elections. But for now, he is the CM and he knows how to safeguard the position.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/eps-ops-master-survivors-in-their-own-right/articleshow/72249045.cms

Market benchmark BSE sensex surged nearly 200 points on Wednesday to finish above the 41,000-mark for the first time ever, led by gains in banking, auto and financial stocks.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/sensex-finishes-above-41000-mark-for-first-time-ever-nifty-too-at-record-closing-high/articleshow/72259181.cms

The government is considering a plan to exclude more than half of Air India Ltd’s $11 billion of debt to lure investors, sources said. The government plans to ask proposed investors to take over Rs 30,000 cr of the airline’s debt, which are backed by the carrier’s aircraft. The government may call for the so-called expression of interest as early as December 15.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/government-may-exclude-7-billion-of-air-india-debt-to-lure-buyers/articleshow/72256418.cms

As the House took up the SPG (Amendment) Bill for discussion, Shah said the term 'Special' indicates its special purpose and noted that many countries have such elite and compact cover exclusively for their respective head of state. He said a "misconception" exists that the SPG is only about "physical protection".

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/spg-bill-will-restore-original-intent-of-act-home-minister-amit-shah/articleshow/72258912.cms

The AIMPLB on Wednesday said that it will file a petition seeking review of SC verdict on Ayodhya case next month. "Exercising our constitutional right, we are going to file a review petition in the Babri Masjid case during the first week of December," it said. They also said that Sunni Waqf Board's decision of not to pursue the case will not affect them legally.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aimplb-to-file-review-petition-against-sc-verdict-on-ayodhya-case/articleshow/72257289.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/are-rajini-and-kamal-planning-a-2021-tn-election-blockbuster/articleshow/72220955.cms

As the newly-elected MLAs of Maharashtra take oath, the Maha Vikas Aghadi of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena are holding hectic deliberations to give shape to the new government to be formed under Uddhav Thackeray. Stay with us for live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawar-attends-meeting-of-ncp-leaders-in-mumbai/liveblog/72233602.cms

Opener Shikhar Dhawan was on Wednesday ruled out of the T20 International series against the West Indies due to a knee injury, making way for Sanju Samson, who was dropped without getting a chance in the series against Bangladesh. Dhawan suffered a deep cut on his left knee during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game against Maharashtra in Surat, the BCCI said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-in-india/injured-shikhar-dhawan-out-sanju-samson-comes-in-for-t20i-series-against-west-indies/articleshow/72254520.cms

As the newly-elected MLAs of Maharashtra take oath, the Maha Vikas Aghadi of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena are holding hectic deliberations to give shape to the new government to be formed under Uddhav Thackeray. Stay with us for live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/committed-to-taking-maharashtra-forward-says-aaditya-thackeray-after-taking-oath/liveblog/72233602.cms

"I will say the right thing at the right time", said caretaker chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday while replying to a question whether it was a loss for him to go with NCP leader Ajit Pawar and form a government in the state.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/will-say-right-thing-at-right-time-fadnavis-on-ajit-pawar/articleshow/72254526.cms

Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP resigned on Tuesday after three days as chief minister, and by evening Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had expressed gratitude before a meeting of Mahavikas Aghadi legislators for having been given the chance to be the next head of government in the state.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/throne-within-reach-uddhav-thackeray-lets-his-love-for-sharad-pawar-flow/articleshow/72250875.cms

What the senior Pawar achieved by overseeing the downfall of the three-day-old government in the state is not limited to establishing that he is the undisputed boss of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and that he has the ability to take on the Chanakyas of the saffron parties.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/maharashtra-master-of-twists-and-turns-sharad-pawar-shows-whos-boss/articleshow/72250459.cms

BJP's misjudgment of Ajit Pawar's promise to deliver the numbers has earned the party criticism. The party may have underestimated NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar. Questions will be asked about whether BJP was right in trusting Ajit's claim that he had the numbers. Though Fadnavis said the plan was that of the state unit, the party brass is very much in the line of fire.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/push-for-power-despite-dicey-numbers-leaves-bjp-red-faced/articleshow/72249926.cms

With the successful launch of Cartosat-3 onboard PSLV-C47 on Wednesday morning, Isro has added one more to its constellation of remote sensing satellites that can map the earth with better accuracy. Isro has so far launched 8 Cartosat satellites since 2005. Along with Cartosat, PSLV, in its 49th flight, also placed 13 nanosatellites from the US in their orbits.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pslv-c47/cartosat-3-mission-isro-successfully-places-remote-sensing-satellite-13-us-nanosatellites-in-orbits/articleshow/72252052.cms

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) launches earth imaging and mapping satellite CARTOSAT-3 along with 13 other nano-satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Stay with TOI for the latest updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/live-updates-isro-launches-pslv-c47-carrying-cartosat-3-13-nano-satellites-from-sriharikota/liveblog/72250693.cms

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday personally welcomed newly-elected MLAs at Vidhan Bhawan upon their arrival for the oath-taking ceremony in Maharashtra assembly. Sule, daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and an MP, also greeted her cousin and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar with a warm hug when he arrived for the oath-taking ceremony.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ncps-supriya-sule-welcomes-ajit-pawar-with-a-warm-hug/articleshow/72251627.cms

Pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar administers the oath to Maharashtra MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan. Stay here for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/former-cm-devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-an-mla/liveblog/72233602.cms

Indian coach Ravi Shastri made it clear on Tuesday that MS Dhoni's international career is far from over. The good news for the Chennai Super Kings loyalists is that the 2020 IPL won't be Dhoni's last. According to well-placed sources, the former India captain has told his franchise owners that he will play the 2021 edition of the IPL as well.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/no-immediate-retirement-plans-ms-dhoni-to-play-2021-ipl/articleshow/72250918.cms

Indian coach Ravi Shastri made it clear on Tuesday that MS Dhoni's international career is far from over. The good news for the Chennai Super Kings loyalists is that the 2020 IPL won't be Dhoni's last. According to well-placed sources, the former India captain has told his franchise owners that he will play the 2021 edition of the IPL as well.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ms-dhoni-to-play-2021-ipl/articleshow/72250918.cms

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is set to launch earth imaging and mapping satellite CARTOSAT-3 along with 13 other nano-satellites at 9.28am. Stay with TOI for the latest updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/live-updates-isro-to-launch-cartosat-3-13-commercial-nano-satellites/liveblog/72250693.cms

A 19-year-old student with family roots in Hyderabad was sexually assaulted and strangulated to death on Saturday inside a garage at the University of Illinois, Chicago where she was studying. Police arrested the 26-year-old assailant, Donald Thurman on Sunday from a metro station in Chicago and charged him with first degree murder and aggravated sexual assault.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/teen-with-roots-in-hyderabad-sexually-assaulted-killed-in-us/articleshow/72248728.cms

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis now holds the dubious distinction of being the CM with the shortest tenure of four days in the last 59 years. Earlier PK Sawant held the record of being the Maharashtra CM with the shortest term - from November 25 to December 4, 1963. He was made the caretaker chief minister after the death of his predecessor Marotrao Kannamwar.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fadnavis-now-the-cm-with-shortest-tenure-in-maharashtra-history/articleshow/72244830.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawar-yielded-to-persuasion-by-his-clan-and-ncp-leaders/articleshow/72243686.cms

According to sources, MP Supriya Sule, NCP legislature party leader Jayant Patil and Praful Patel were also present at the Tuesday morning meeting between senior and junior Pawar. All the top NCP leaders are believed to have persuaded Ajit that if he comes back to the NCP fold, his prestige will be restored.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/maharashtra/hotel-trident-where-fadnavis-govts-fall-was-scripted/articleshow/72242274.cms

Uddhav is set to lead the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress alliance government, called Maha Vikas Aghadi, in Maharashtra. This is also the first time that the Shiv Sena, a regional party founded in 1966 by Uddhav's father Balasaheb Thackeray, is joining hands with the Congress and the NCP.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uddhav-to-be-first-thackeray-member-to-be-maharashtra-chief-minister/articleshow/72243146.cms

"Uddhav Thackeray will be elected the leader of the three parties to stake claim for government formation at the evening meeting scheduled to be held in a city hotel. The three parties - Sena, NCP and Congress - will then submit a joint statement to the governor to stake claim for government formation," the Sena leader said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uddhav-thackeray-set-to-be-elected-leader-of-sena-ncp-cong-combine/articleshow/72241883.cms

Three days after he was sworn in, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced his resignation, saying the BJP no longer has majority after his deputy, NCP's Ajit Pawar, quit citing "personal reasons".

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/devendra-fadnavis-quits-as-maharashtra-chief-minister/articleshow/72241209.cms

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar told him that he was quitting due to personal reasons. Asked if he thought Ajit Pawar extending support to the BJP was a strategy of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Fadnavis said, "Sharad Pawar will be able to comment on this issue". "Ajit dada has resigned and he is with us. Uddhav Thackeray will be the CM of Maharashtra for five years," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawar-has-resigned-as-maharashtra-deputy-cm-sanjay-raut/articleshow/72240312.cms

Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board on Tuesday passed a majoritarian resolution with seven out of eight members voting to not file a review petition against Supreme Court order in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute. However, the board will hold another meeting to take a final decision on the five-acre land relief granted by the SC to Muslim parties.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ayodhya-verdict-up-sunni-waqf-board-not-to-file-review-petition-no-final-decision-on-5-acre/articleshow/72238477.cms

The Supreme Court today ordered for a floor test to be conducted in the Maharashtra Assembly on November 27. The verdict comes days after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the state's chief minister nixing Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP's bid to form the government. Stay here for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-floor-test-live-updates-ajit-pawar-has-resigned-and-he-is-with-us-says-sanjay-raut/liveblog/72233602.cms

After India won the Test series against Bangladesh with a victory in the day-night Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Inddia's coach Shastri threw light on what made him believe that this team could be world beaters, the future of MS Dhoni, how a talent like Rishabh Pant need to be backed and most importantly the joy of seeing a former cricketer, Sourav Ganguly, take over as the BCCI President.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/dont-speculate-on-ms-dhoni-wait-till-the-ipl-ravi-shastri/articleshow/72238920.cms

Stay here for the latest updates from around the world that you cannot miss

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/breaking-news-live-november-26/liveblog/72234060.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-verdict-on-maharashtra-floor-test-who-said-what/articleshow/72236727.cms

PM Modi on Tuesday said India has strengthened and empowered its democracy in the last 70 years. Addressing members of both Houses of Parliament in the Central Hall of Parliament House, he also said that while November 26 is a happy occasion as India celebrates Constitution Day, it also reminds of the Mumbai terror attacks that took place on this day in 2008.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-has-empowered-strengthened-democracy-in-last-70-yrs-pm-modi/articleshow/72236447.cms

India marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on the eve of Samvidhan Divas today. While PM Modi and President Kovind are slated to address a joint session of Parliament, opposition parties are set boycott the session over political developments in Maharashtra. Stay tuned for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/constitution-day-parliament-winter-session-live-news-updates/liveblog/72233685.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/live-telecast-of-maha-floor-test-highlights-of-sc-order/articleshow/72235567.cms

Equity indices claimed new heights on Tuesday with the benchmark BSE sensex breaching the 41,000-mark for the first time ever. Sensex jumped 218 points or 0.53 per cent to 41,108 in early trade, while the broader NSE Nifty moved 56 points or 0.47 per cent higher to scale lifetime peak of 12,130.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/sensex-hits-41000-mark-for-first-time-ever-nifty-at-lifetime-peak/articleshow/72234706.cms

MLAs Daulat Daroda, Narhari Zirwal, Nitin Pawar and Anil Patil had been “missing” since the day Ajit Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra deputy CM but the MLAs were "rescued" from a Gurgaon five-star hotel on Monday. Following the dramatic “rescue”, the NCP claimed that 51 of its 54 legislators are back with the Sharad Pawar-led party.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drama-as-4-ncp-mlas-rescued-from-gurgaon-5-star/articleshow/72232621.cms

Since Ajit joined the government, over a dozen NCP leaders have urged him to reconsider his move. “We do not know why he took the decision, particularly when we were to stake claim in collaboration with Shiv Sena and Congress. It was decided to offer him the post of deputy CM,’’ an NCP leader said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ncp-keeps-working-on-ajit-pawar-he-refuses-to-play-ball/articleshow/72232659.cms

Bindu Ammini, one of the two women who first entered the Sabarimala temple in January this year, was sprayed with chilli powder by a man outside Ernakulam police commissioner's office on Tuesday morning.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/woman-seeking-entry-into-sabarimala-temple-sprayed-with-chilli-powder/articleshow/72234344.cms

Amid the debate on whether deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is the NCP’s whip or not, the legislature secretariat submitted on Monday that state NCP president Jayant Patil, and not Pawar, is the party’s chief whip, though BJP leader and Union minister Raosaheb Danve insisted that it’s Pawar.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-house-record-ajit-pawar-isnt-ncp-whip/articleshow/72232577.cms

The nail-biting political drama in Maharashtra heats up with the NCP-Sena-Congress combine staking claim to form government, claiming that Fadnavis' BJP-led coalition government would fail the floor test. Keep watching this space for live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-government-formation-live/liveblog/72233602.cms

India, who are yet to drop a point in the nine-team championship, reached 360 points after the comprehensive innings victory in the pink ball Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens. India won 2-0 in the West Indies and beat South Africa 3-0 in a home series before completing a third series win in the day-night Kolkata Test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-world-test-championship/icc-world-test-championship-way-ahead-in-race-team-india-keeps-gaining-steam/articleshow/72233860.cms

Pakistani players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Yasir Shah and Naseem Shah hired a cab to go for dinner in Brisbane; and the driver, who happened to be an Indian, refused to take fare from them. ABC radio presenter Alison Mitchell narrated the story about the driver to former pacer Mitchell Johnson.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/pakistan-in-australia/indian-taxi-driver-refuses-to-take-fare-from-pakistan-cricketers-in-australia/articleshow/72233626.cms

The holidays are a time when family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company — and eat! Indulgent meals, bountiful buffets, cookie swaps, holiday parties… it’s no surprise that maintaining a healthy weight can present even more challenges during the holidays than throughout the rest of the year. Each year, on average, we tend to gain a small amount of weight (about one pound per year). According to some research, most of that weight is gained over the holiday season.

Study suggests you can control holiday weight gain

Does that mean we are destined to see a bigger number when we step on the scale in January? Or can we keep the end-of-year weight gain at bay?

A study published in The BMJ sought to find out. Researchers examined the effectiveness of a brief (four to eight week) behavioral intervention to prevent weight gain over the Christmas holiday period. The researchers randomized 272 adults into one of two groups. The intervention group was given a behavioral intervention intended to increase their restraint of food and beverage consumption. The intervention involved three components: encouraging participants to regularly weigh themselves and record their weight; providing specific weight-management strategies; and providing information on how much physical activity would be needed to burn off the calories consumed in typical holiday foods and drinks. The control group received information on healthy living.

Results showed that the intervention group lost an average of 0.3 pounds, while the control group gained 0.8 pounds. This may not seem like much, but research shows that weight gains are not fully lost in the months following the holidays. Although the yearly gain is small, it can add up to an increase of 10 pounds over 10 years.

10 top tips for weight management

Study participants in the intervention group were encouraged to follow these 10 tips to help prevent weight gain:

• Keep to your meal routine. Try to eat at roughly the same times each day.
• Go reduced-fat. Choose low-fat foods when possible.
• Walk off the weight. Aim for 10,000 steps each day.
• Pack a healthy snack. Choose fresh fruit or low-calorie yogurt instead of chocolate or chips.
• Look at the labels. Check food labels for fat and sugar content.
• Caution with your portions. Don’t heap food on your plate, and think twice before having second helpings.
• Up on your feet. Stand up for 10 minutes every hour.
• Think about your drinks. Choose water or calorie-free drinks, and limit alcohol.
• Focus on your food. Slow down, and don’t eat in front of the TV or on the go.
• Don’t forget your 5-a-day. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

How much activity would it take to burn off this eggnog?

Physical activity — or at least understanding how much physical activity it would take to burn off calories, and possibly considering that information when making choices about what to eat — also played a role in preventing weight gain. In the study, the researchers provided the intervention group with a chart that showed the approximate amount of activity it would take to burn the calories found in a given amount of festive foods. For example, it would take approximately 12 minutes of walking or six minutes of running to burn off the calories in five pigs in a blanket, and it would take approximately eight minutes of walking or four minutes of running to burn off the calories in 5 tablespoons of gravy.

More strategies to prevent holiday weight gain

Here are a few more tips to help you keep your weight in check without foregoing your holiday traditions.

• Mark all of the holiday events you’ll be attending on your calendar so that you’ll remember to plan ahead. If the meal is not at your home, eat lighter the day of the event to balance the extra calories you may consume at the party. If the event is in the evening, have a healthy breakfast and satisfying lunch, with a light snack before the event to avoid overindulging later.
• If you are the host and struggle with tasting while cooking, try chewing sugar-free gum while preparing the meal, or have a small snack before you start cooking. Serve plenty of raw vegetables and yogurt-based dips to start the event and fresh fruit to finish. After the meal, send leftovers home with friends and family.
• The workplace can be hazardous around the holidays; holiday lunches and office parties can make it difficult for even the most health-conscious employee to make smart choices. If the team is going out for a special holiday lunch, choose lower-calorie items and go light on dinner that evening. Move holiday cookies and candies to a high-traffic area to spread the goodies around.
• Start new traditions that don’t revolve around food. For example, attend a holiday concert or show, or take a drive or walk to see holiday lights. Catch up with a friend over a yoga or Zumba class instead of meeting for a peppermint mocha latte.

Preventing weight gain over the holidays can be a challenge. But it is possible!

The post Yes, you can avoid weight gain over the holidays! appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from Harvard Health Blog https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/yes-you-can-avoid-weight-gain-over-the-holidays-2019112518309
via IFTTT

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the BJP to "make way" for the Sena-NCP- Congress alliance to rule Maharashtra and asked the to invite them to form government. The 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress decided to "parade" 162 MLAs in the Mumbai five- star hotel on Monday evening in a show of united strength.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/make-way-for-us-uddhav-thackeray-to-bjp-at-shiv-sena-congress-ncp-mlass-show-of-strength/articleshow/72227691.cms

Investor wealth rose Rs 1.81 lakh crore on Monday driven by a strong rally in the broader market where the BSE benchmark surged 530 points to hit a fresh closing high of 40,889.23. The 30-share BSE sensex closed 529.82 points higher or 1.31 per cent at 40,889.23. During the trade, it zoomed 572.3 points to 40,931.71, its record intra-day high.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/investors-become-richer-by-rs-1-81-lakh-crore-as-stocks-zoom/articleshow/72226500.cms

India's aviation regulator on Monday directed IndiGo to ground an Airbus A320/21 currently in its fleet with unmodified Pratt & Whitney (PW) engines each time it inducts a new A320/21 with modified PW engines under both its wings.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ground-one-old-a320-neo-with-unmodified-pw-engine-for-every-new-a320-neo-with-modified-engines-dgca-directs-indigo/articleshow/72225091.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/acb-closes-irrigation-cases-says-not-related-to-ajit-pawar/articleshow/72224197.cms

The Delhi Police on Monday said a terror strike was averted after it apprehended three persons with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/terror-module-busted-in-delhi-three-held-with-ieds/articleshow/72223012.cms

“It is not today that I changed my Twitter profile. I did it a month ago," former Union minister and senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said. He has changed his Twitter profile, deleting all references to posts he had held in the course of his association with Congress, igniting a political controversy.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jyotiraditya-scindia-shortens-twitter-bio-political-storm-erupts/articleshow/72222598.cms

Why are people being forced to live in a gas chamber? It is better to kill them in one go, said the Supreme Court on Monday while pulling up the Central government for not taking action over deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/get-explosives-better-kill-them-in-one-go-sc-rebukes-govt-over-air-pollution/articleshow/72222811.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/terror-strike-averted-3-arrested-with-ied-delhi-police/articleshow/72223227.cms

Stay here for the latest updates from around the world that you cannot miss

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/breaking-news-live-november-25/liveblog/72216179.cms

What do Aaditya Thackeray, ​Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule have in common? They belong to the most influential families that have defined politics in the western state of 11 crore people.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/all-you-need-to-know-about-thackeray-and-pawar-families/articleshow/72217603.cms

It was once again the pace trio of Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami who stole the show for India as they beat Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs in their maiden pink ball Test at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/india-fast-bowlers-in-the-pink-after-debut-day-night-test/articleshow/72221274.cms

The prestigious black lady is all set to enthrall Bollywood stars yet again as the 65th Filmfare Awards were announced today. For the first time ever the prestigious award function will be hosted outside Mumbai. Assam government has signed an MoU with the Times Group to host the extravagant Bollywood event in Guwahati next year.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/assam-government-joins-hands-with-times-of-india-group-to-host-the-65th-filmfare-awards-in-guwahati/articleshow/72221055.cms

The Supreme Court on Monday said it will pass its order at 10.30am on Tuesday on the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine's plea against the Maharashtra governor's decision to swear in Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister. A bench comprising justices N V Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna is likely to pass an order on holding of a floor test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-to-pronounce-order-tomorrow-on-maharashtra-govt-formation/articleshow/72217668.cms

Congress members jostled with the marshals in the Lok Sabha when they stormed the Well of the House carrying placards, leading to adjournment of Parliament proceedings.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/security-personnel-manhandled-women-parliamentarians-congs-adhir-ranjan-chowdhury/articleshow/72220267.cms

In a pre-emptive move to avoid another spell of President's Rule, the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress' proposed 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' on Monday staked its claim to form the government in the state, a party office-bearer said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sena-ncp-congress-stake-claim-to-form-govt/articleshow/72218549.cms

Democracy has been murdered in Maharashtra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in Lok Sabha on Monday. He made these remarks during Question Hour when Speaker Om Birla told him to ask a supplementary. "There is no question of asking question (in Question Hour) today. Democracy has been murdered in Maharashtra," he said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/democracy-murdered-in-maharashtra-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/72219162.cms

In a major development Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has removed the party's name from his Twitter bio. The new bio said only "public servant and cricket enthusiast". Scindia has been sulking for quiet sometime after he was been denied the top post in Madhya Pradesh. The supporters of Jyotiraditya Scindia have been pitching for him to be made party president in Madhya Pradesh, ever since Kamal Nath was made the chief minister.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jyotiraditya-scindia-removes-congress-from-his-twitter-bio/articleshow/72219261.cms

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said leaders of his party and the NCP and Congress will meet Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Monday to present their side for government formation in the state.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sena-ncp-cong-leaders-to-meet-maharashtra-governor-on-monday-sanjay-raut/articleshow/72217567.cms

The tussle over government formation in Maharashtra has reached the Supreme Court. The apex court has asked the solicitor general to produce by today, letters from the state governor recommending revocation of President's rule and inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form the government. Stay here for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-government-formation-live-updates-supreme-court-to-hear-sena-ncp-congress-plea-at-1030am-today/liveblog/72205001.cms

Creating a buzz around Test cricket with attractive marketing, similar to ODIs and T20s, is a must to change an established psyche among fans for the traditional format, India skipper Virat Kohli suggested on Sunday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/market-tests-like-odis-and-t20is-virat-kohli/articleshow/72216319.cms

Seeking to clear the air of any uncertainty around his party’s stand on government formation, NCP president Sharad Pawar spent all of Sunday with his own MLAs as well as Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/parties-test-their-strength-in-hotel-lobbies/articleshow/72215054.cms

Members of the Pawar family on Sunday made an emotional appeal to Ajit Pawar to put family before power. “Power comes and goes... only relationships matter,” Supriya Sule said in a social media post, a day after Ajit unexpectedly pledged support to BJP and was sworn in as deputy CM.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-maharashtra-drama-supriya-sule-invokes-pawar-of-love/articleshow/72215341.cms

The Shiv-Sena-NCP-Congress alliance is planning to submit an affidavit signed by 154 MLAs to the Supreme Court. The three parties claimed that they had a majority in the Maharashtra assembly. The alliance’s strategists feel the affidavits will bolster its case for an immediate floor test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aghadi-may-submit-affidavits-to-prove-majority/articleshow/72215019.cms

Ajit Pawar replied to congratulatory tweets on being sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. He also updated his Twitter handle @AjitPawarSpeaks with his latest career perch, deputy chief minister, Maharashtra. He visited chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’s official residence, Varsha late on Sunday night.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uncle-our-leader-but-bjp-pact-to-stay-ajit-pawar/articleshow/72215047.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-political-drama-top-10-developments-and-reactions/articleshow/72213337.cms

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar doesn't seem to be too impressed with Virat Kohli crediting Sourav Ganguly for starting the process that has now resulted in India asserting themselves on the cricket field. I know Dada is the BCCI president, so maybe Kohli wanted to say nice things about him. But India were also winning in the 70s and 80s," Gavaskar said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/india-were-also-winning-in-70s-and-80s-sunil-gavaskar-to-virat-kohli/articleshow/72211004.cms

NCP president Sharad Pawar accused his nephew Ajit Pawar, who has aligned with the BJP, of creating confusion and false perception. " No question of alliance with BJP," he tweeted. He was reacting to Ajit's tweets in which the deputy CM said he was still with NCP and Sharad Pawar was his leader but also added that the "BJP-NCP alliance" would provide a stable govt.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/still-with-ncp-says-ajit-bid-to-create-confusion-responds-sharad-pawar/articleshow/72211078.cms

NCP chief Sharad Pawar along with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray met the legislators of Nationalist Congress Party at a Mumbai hotel on Sunday. The legislators told the two leaders that they were getting calls from Ajit Pawar, offering them ministerial posts. "Do not worry. This relationship will go long. Our alliance will go a long way," Uddhav told the MLAs.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/getting-calls-from-ajit-pawar-offering-ministerial-posts-ncp-mlas-tell-sharad-pawar-uddhav/articleshow/72210844.cms

Emerging triumphant in the mental battles that Test cricket throws began in the era of Sourav Ganguly and the current Indian side has taken it forward with sheer hard work and self belief, skipper Virat Kohli said. India completed a dominating 2-0 series win against Bangladesh after recording an innings and 46 runs victory over the visitors in their maiden Pink Ball Test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/it-all-started-with-dadas-team-virat-kohli-on-indias-test-success/articleshow/72208865.cms

For the second consecutive day on Sunday, a five-member civil society delegation, led by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, was not allowed to move outside Srinagar by police. "We are not allowed to go out of Srinagar district. So, the people, (from) where we were to go, are coming here to meet us," activist Sushoba Bharve, who is part of the Concerned Citizens' Group, said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/civil-society-delegation-not-allowed-to-move-out-of-srinagar/articleshow/72209691.cms

A meeting of Maharashtra BJP MLAs is being held here on Sunday, a day after the sudden swearing in of party leader Devendra Fadnavis as the chief minister.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fadnavis-attends-meeting-of-maharashtra-bjp-mlas/articleshow/72208948.cms

The Sena chief was joined by senior party leaders and son Aaditya Thackeray, who won the last month's Maharashtra assembly polls from Worli seat in Mumbai, during his discussion with Pawar, sources said. The Sena was helping the NCP and Congress to keep their flock together, they said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-crisis-sharad-pawar-uddhav-meet-at-resort-hosting-ncp-mlas/articleshow/72208623.cms

The role of 29 MLAs belonging to smaller parties or elected as independents will be crucial as BJP is slated to prove its majority. Fadnavis took oath as CM on Saturday after staking claim to form the government with the support of BJP’s 105 MLAs, NCP’s 54 and 11 independents. Shiv Sena claims it has the support of 7 independents and MLAs of smaller parties.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/29-independents-mlas-from-small-parties-may-hold-key-to-vote/articleshow/72204441.cms

Speaking to media outside NCP Chief Shard Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Patil said, "I have come here to meet Ajit Pawar and convince him that he is part of our NCP family. Let see what happens. Those who try are never defeated. All our MLAs are in touch with us."

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trying-to-convince-ajit-pawar-says-ncp-leader-jayant-patil/articleshow/72208454.cms

When one of the cadets asked him "had you not been a politician, what would you have been," Modi described it as a "difficult question". "Now this is a very difficult question because every child goes through multiple phases in life. Sometimes one wants to become this, sometimes one wants to become that, but it is true that I never had the desire to enter politics, nor I ever thought about it," he said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/never-had-desire-to-enter-politics-pm-modi-in-mann-ki-baat/articleshow/72208030.cms

An untested pink ball was not able to reduce the glaring gulf between the two teams as India bulldozed Bangladesh by an innings & 46 runs in first ever day-night Test to record a 12th home series win. With Bangladesh resuming second innings at 152 for 6 on day 3 and trailing India by 89 runs, it was simply a matter of time for the home team to complete formalities.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/pink-ball-test-india-crush-bangladesh-by-an-innings-and-46-runs-record-12th-successive-series-win-at-home/articleshow/72207789.cms

In the special hearing on a holiday, the SC also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra govt on the petition filed by Shiv Sena-NCP-Cong combine against the Maharashtra Governor's decision to swear in Fadnavis as CM. A bench of Justices N V Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna also issued notice to Fadnavis and Dy chief minister Ajit Pawar.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-crisis-sc-issues-notice-to-centre-state-govt-hearing-to-continue-on-monday/articleshow/72206707.cms

The NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena have shifted their legislators to different luxury hotels in Mumbai. While the Congress moved its MLAs to the J W Marriott hotel in Juhu area, the NCP legislators were staying at The Renaissance hotel in Powai, sources said. Besides, the Shiv Sena MLAs are staying at The Lalit hotel located near the international airport, they said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ncp-sena-congress-shift-mlas-to-hotels-amid-poaching-threat/articleshow/72207214.cms

Check live score, ball-by-ball commentary, cricket scorecard of Pink-Ball Test match between India and Bangladesh on Times of India.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/india-vs-bangladesh-pink-ball-test-live-cricket-score-updates/articleshow/72206188.cms

PM Modi to share his thoughts in the 59th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' today at 11am. Stay with TOI for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/live-updates-pm-modis-mann-ki-baat-with-nation/liveblog/72205414.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/nithyananda-making-cows-talk-industrialists-open-wallets-and-gopikas-dance-to-his-tune/articleshow/72201844.cms

In a surprising turn for the Maharashtra government formation, Devendra Fadnavis today took oath as Maharashtra chief minister for the second consecutive term while Ajit Pawar became the deputy chief minister. Stay here for all live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-government-formation-live-updates/liveblog/72205001.cms

PM Modi used the special powers conferred on him under rules for transaction of government business to recommend revocation of President’s rule in Maharashtra. This allows the PM to allow a departure from the procedure requiring convening of Cabinet meet to approve cases relating to Article 356.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-cabinet-meet-pm-uses-powers-to-revoke-article-356/articleshow/72204459.cms

No one, except for Ajit Pawar himself and those in his innermost circle, can tell for sure why he revolted against his uncle Sharad and joined forces with the BJP at the last minute. In the absence of a definitive reason, political analysts have little option but to fall back on theories. Here are a few:

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/theories-why-nephew-broke-with-uncle/articleshow/72204475.cms

Post-poll partners NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress moved the Supreme Court demanding immediate floor test in Maharashtra. They requested video-recording of House proceedings after appointment of pro-tem Speaker, who should conduct the composite floor test.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-to-hear-ncp-sena-congress-plea-for-floor-test-today/articleshow/72204693.cms

When Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra, one big question was whether his uncle Sharad Pawar was on board. Sharad Pawar however soon made it clear that Ajit's decision was personal. He also denied that Ajit's move had anything to do with the power struggle with Supriya Sule.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/did-sharad-pawar-know-can-he-hold-ncp/articleshow/72204427.cms

NCP leader Ajit Pawar was not at ease with the idea of an alliance with the Shiv Sena. He was getting increasingly anxious over his future in NCP. The back-channels had been at work over the past few days and on Friday, Ajit Pawar indicated he might be ready to make his move

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-bjp-back-channels-opened-a-few-days-ago-operation-began-friday-evening/articleshow/72204418.cms

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis was, at 8am, sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister for the second time running. NCP leader Ajit Pawar will be the deputy chief minister of the state. Sharad Pawar said the decision to go with BJP was Ajit’s own and not that of his party.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/devendra-fadnavis-back-as-cm-ajit-deputy-cm-sena-ncp-congress-rush-to-sc/articleshow/72204326.cms

Ajit Pawar got himself crowned as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra by attempting to split the NCP founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar. The move came as a shock to many. It is speculated that Ajit Pawar was upset that his name for deputy CM was brought up late by NCP.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/game-changer-ajit-packs-pawar-play-with-late-reverse-swinger/articleshow/72204295.cms

Skipper Virat Kohli embellished the pink-ball Test with a sparkling century and his quick bowlers reduced Bangladesh to 152/6 as the hosts closed on a 2-0 series sweep on day two of the second and final Test on Saturday. Armed with the heavily-lacquered ball, Ishant, who had taken 5-22 in the first innings, wrecked Bangladesh top order to return figures of 4-39.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/india-vs-bangladesh-d/n-test-virat-kohli-ishant-sharma-put-rampant-india-on-verge-of-series-sweep/articleshow/72201331.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/not-in-touch-with-five-mlas-rest-intact-claims-ncp/articleshow/72202134.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-led-maharashtra-govt-will-be-defeated-in-speakers-election-ncp/articleshow/72201483.cms

The NCP on Saturday evening removed Ajit Pawar as the party's legislature unit leader after he joined hands with the BJP and took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. The resolution passed at the NCP meeting also said that Ajit Pawar's right to issue a whip were also revoked.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawar-sacked-as-ncps-legislature-party-leader/articleshow/72200803.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maha-coup-sena-ncp-congress-approach-sc/articleshow/72199717.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-contract-killer-of-democracy-congress/articleshow/72198509.cms

The BJP leadership seems to have cashed in on a long-standing feud within NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar's family by managing an overnight coup just as final contours of a coalition between the Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena to form government in Maharashtra were emerging.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rift-within-pawar-family-helped-bjp-execute-its-plan-b/articleshow/72199121.cms

"Earlier EVM 'khel' was going on and now this is new 'khel'. From here onwards, I don't think elections are even needed. Everyone knows what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did when betrayed and attacked from behind," Thackeray told reporters.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/this-is-surgical-strike-on-maharashtra-uddhav-thackeray/articleshow/72197352.cms

In a stunning political development, Maharashtra governor BS Koshyari on Saturday morning administered the oath of office to BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as the new chief minister of Maharashtra and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar as the new deputy chief minister.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/will-challenge-politically-and-legally-ahmed-patel-on-maharashtra-drama/articleshow/72197085.cms

Claiming that Ajit Pawar has the support of 10-11 NCP MLAs, party chief Sharad Pawar termed his nephew's decision to support a BJP-led government in Maharashtra against the party line and an act of indiscipline. Sharad Pawar asserted that the alliance of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena has the support of 170 MLAs.​

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawars-decision-against-party-line-an-act-of-indiscipline-sharad-pawar/articleshow/72196158.cms

Check live score, ball-by-ball commentary, cricket scorecard of Pink-Ball Test match between India and Bangladesh on Times of India.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/india-vs-bangladesh-pink-ball-test-live-cricket-score-updates/articleshow/72194893.cms

A fuming Sanjay Raut lashed out at Ajit Pawar who took oath as the deputy chief minister in Maharashtra government with Devendra Fadnavis at the helm. "Sharad Pawar saheb has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra," Raut told reporters shortly after the oath-taking ceremony.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawar-has-backstabbed-people-of-maharashtra-shiv-senas-sanjay-raut/articleshow/72194265.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/paap-ke-saudagar-sanjay-rauts-tweet-and-a-political-twist-in-maharashtra/articleshow/72194004.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/realme-x2-pro-vs-oneplus-7t-vs-asus-rog-ii-vs-nubia-red-magic-3s-how-the-fastest-phones-from-oneplus-asus-and-realme-compare/photolist/72188156.cms

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted on Saturday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawars-decision-to-side-with-bjp-his-own-not-that-of-ncp-sharad-pawar/articleshow/72194106.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjps-devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-cm-who-said-what/articleshow/72193639.cms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar on taking oath as Maharashtra chief minister and deputy chief minister, respectively on Saturday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-congratulates-maharashtra-cm-fadnavis-and-deputy-cm-ajit-pawar/articleshow/72193480.cms

In a surprise development on early Saturday morning, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's chief minister in Raj Bhawan. NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister of the state. The oath was administered by governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/devendra-fadnvais-takes-oath-as-cm-ncps-ajit-pawar-deputy-cm/articleshow/72193254.cms

Eight out of every 10 teenagers in the world are not as physically active as the World Health Organisation. In India 73.9% of its teenagers classified as “physically inactive’’ in a WHO report published in ‘The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health’ medical journal.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/74-per-cent-of-indias-teenagers-physically-inactive-who/articleshow/72192306.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uddhav-ready-to-be-cm-after-pawar-says-sena-chief-unanimous-choice/articleshow/72189484.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/us-warns-pakistan-about-china-projects-in-effort-to-regain-lost-ground/articleshow/72188925.cms

Ishant Sharma and his pace colleagues wreaked havoc with the pink ball to put India in charge of their maiden day-night Test against Bangladesh at a heaving Eden Gardens. India's three-pronged pace attack bundled out the tourists for 106. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli then smashed fifties as India finished day one on 174/3, to be course for their 12th consecutive home series victory.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/india-vs-bangladesh-day/night-test-india-exploit-bangladeshs-pink-chink-to-lord-in-kolkata/articleshow/72188474.cms

Virat Kohli on Friday became the fastest to score 5000 Test runs as captain. Kohli has taken 86 innings to get to the milestone, thus pipping former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting who took 97 innings to get there. Kohli reached the figure when he took his 32nd run during the Indian innings on Day 1 of their second Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/virat-kohli-fastest-to-5000-test-runs-as-captain/articleshow/72187370.cms

The Congress and NCP leadership on Friday discussed Common Minimum Programme with Uddhav Thackeray as the process of government formation in Maharashtra involving the three parties gathered pace. Sharad Pawar said that discussions will continue tomorrow, adding that there is consensus among the three parties that Uddhav should lead the new government.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/consensus-that-uddhav-should-lead-maharashtra-govt-sharad-pawar-after-cong-ncp-sena-meet/articleshow/72186737.cms

In a special programme during the lunch break on the opening day of the India-Bangladesh pink-ball Test, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman relived some of the iconic moments at the famous venue, including the 1993 Hero Cup final versus West Indies and the 2001 Test versus Australia.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/bangladesh-in-india/pink-ball-test-legends-relive-glorious-eden-gardens-moments/articleshow/72185172.cms

It’s something I’ve heard countless times from patients with fibromyalgia. They’re telling a friend or family member about their condition and the response is, “But you don’t look sick” or “But you look so well.” Sometimes, the reaction is more of an eye roll or some other response that reflects skepticism that the problem is even “real.”

Those are issues addressed head-on in a TV ad for Lyrica (pregabalin), a treatment for fibromyalgia. “To most people, I look like most people,” a woman says. “But on the inside I feel chronic, widespread pain.” After clarifying that the pain is real, this direct-to-consumer drug advertisement moves on to say one of the current theories about the origin of pain in fibromyalgia is that it’s “thought to be caused by overactive nerves.”

The mood of the ad is somber at first. Sad music serves as backdrop to a woman who is clearly suffering as a man — perhaps her husband? — plays in the park with two adorable kids. That all changes when she talks about taking Lyrica. Then the music soars and the voiceover tells us that “Lyrica is believed to calm these nerves.” The now-smiling woman looks into the camera and pronounces, “I’m glad my doctor prescribed Lyrica.” The scene brightens and she’s smiling as she goes about setting up for a neighborhood block party. The voiceover informs us that, “For some, Lyrica delivers effective relief for fibromyalgia pain and improves function.”

Then comes the litany of side effects that might accompany treatment. More on those shortly.

The good

The ad gets a number of things right, including:

• the fact that the condition may be “invisible” to others
• the notion that the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but experts believe it may be due to “overactive nerves”
• the character in the ad who has fibromyalgia is a woman — in fact, the condition is up to six times more common in women than men
• mentioning the risks (and not just benefits) of a medication is important. The most common, and many rare, potential side effects are described. Keep in mind, though, that including a description of side effects or referring consumers to more information is required by the FDA, as I noted in my initial blog on direct-to-consumer ads describing pros, cons, and words to consider very carefully).

What’s missing

Some important information is missing from this ad, including:

• The limited effectiveness of the drug. Note the language in the ad: Lyrica works well “for some.” You might wonder just how many “some” is! A recent analysis of past studies found that only about 10% of treated study subjects reported excellent results, and only about 40% reported very good or excellent results. Lyrica was only modestly better than a placebo pill. Another analysis found that among prior studies, only 20% to 25% of study subjects experienced “at least 50% pain intensity reduction” within two to three months of treatment.
• The ad only mentions one treatment option: medication. But that’s not the only option. In fact, nondrug options, such as regular exercise and improved sleep, are considered vital for the successful treatment of fibromyalgia.
• No comparison to other medications. A number of other medications are approved and prescribed for fibromyalgia, yet there’s no mention of how Lyrica measures up to these other medications prescribed. According to a recent review, Lyrica seems to be no better (or worse) than other approved medications, including milnacipran (Savella) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• As with nearly all drug ads, the price of the drug is not mentioned. In November, the price of Lyrica was about $12 per 75-mg capsule, according to Drugs.com. The recommended starting dose is 75 mg twice daily, which adds up to around $24/day or more than $760/month. Often, higher doses are needed, which pushes the price even higher. Of course, medication costs are a moving target, because health insurance coverage, copayments, deductibles, drug company coupons, and other factors may affect the price you pay.

The risks of treatment

The list of side effects in this commercial is so long that many (or perhaps most) viewers will tune out. While common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain, or swelling of the extremities, “severe allergic reactions” and “suicidal thoughts or actions” are the first ones mentioned. These risks are listed against a visually interesting and wonderfully distracting backdrop — in this ad, it’s giant bubbles and puppies. Yes, bubbles and puppies! Maybe providing a distraction from the list of things that could go wrong if you take Lyrica is not a coincidence. In fact, most drug ads do this.

The bottom line

Ads for drugs are not meant to be thorough or balanced. Their intent is to increase sales of their drug. Drug makers often talk about the importance of these ads to educate the public about treatment options. But the obvious (and understandable) bias toward the drug being advertised — Lyrica, in this case — makes the quality of the education suspect. That’s why I’m opposed to direct advertising to consumers for medications and medical procedures, and that’s probably a reason most countries don’t allow it.

Yes, fibromyalgia is a real and troublesome condition that’s invisible to others. But medication treatment, such as Lyrica, is only one part of standard treatment. And it’s not always effective. Want more complete and balanced information about fibromyalgia? Talk to your doctor or consult unbiased sources that aren’t trying to sell you anything. A pharmaceutical advertisement may not be your best bet.

The post Harvard Health Ad Watch: A fibromyalgia treatment (“But you look so good!”) appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from Harvard Health Blog https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/harvard-health-ad-watch-a-fibromyalgia-treatment-but-you-look-so-good-2019112218358
via IFTTT