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Simple Lifestyle Changes To Reduce Your Risk Of Kidney Disease

(By Dr. Sukanto Kishore Das) Kidney disease usually manifests "quietly," for many years, until the disease itself produces symptoms such as tiredness, swelling of the hands and feet, and possibly changes in urine output or physical activity. By the time a patient is experiencing and noticing those symptoms, there may be significant damage to the kidneys in place. The positive aspect is that there may be relatively simple, small, and ongoing lifestyle choices that produce sustained overall health and benefit kidney health, thus the risk for kidney disease may be considerably reduced. From a physician perspective, being preventative begins with awareness on an individual level and commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. ALSO READ: Why Heart Attacks Spike In Winter: Know About The Hidden Cold-Weather Triggers Protecting Your Kidneys Naturally Kidneys are the body's filtration system to naturally eliminate toxins and regulate vital minerals and fluids in the body. It is important to adopt habits and strategies that minimise excess "stress" on the kidneys to empower them to remain healthy and well-functioning. Generally, adopting a "healthy" eating pattern that consists of more fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, and lean prote in is the goal. Reducing excess processed foods, refined sugar, and excessive salt will also be helpful in managing hypertension, which will contribute to long-term damages done to the kidneys. Furthermore, when protein, primarily animal protein, intake is moderate, it can help alleviate strain on the kidney over time. Hydration Is The Key Another key pillar of kidney health is hydration. Drinking enough water during the day aids with waste excretion and decreases the risk of kidney stones. However, like all things, balanced consumption is important, as excess fluid intake can also put pressure on the kidneys, particularly among patients suffering from other conditions. Besides drinking water, limiting alcohol intake and sugary beverages further decreases the kidney's burden and assists in maintaining an ideal body weight. The Role Of Physical Activity Regular exercise improve blood circulation, manages blood pressure, and reduces the risk of diabetes which are both major risk factors for kidney disease. Simple activity such as brisk walking, yoga, or swimming for 30 minutes per day can make quite a difference. Equally as important, is maintaining a healthy body weight as obesity is strongly related to diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which lead to faster progression of kidney damage. Key Prevention Tip One of the best things someone can do for prevention is to have health checks on a regular basis. Having routine checks of blood pressure, random urine tests, and kidney health checks can identify early warning signs before they evolve to observable symptoms. It is especially important to monitor hydration and regular medical follow-up, for anyone with a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.  The health of your kidneys is tied directly to your general health. By taking care to consider your nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and the avoidance of tobacco, individuals can reduce their likelihood of developing kidney disease and promote long-term health perspectives. Although these preventive actions normally seem simple, establishing everyday healthy habits is still the best way to protect kidney function and promote long-term health. Dr. Sukanto Kishore Das is Senior Consultant - Nephrology at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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11 months ago

IPL 2026 Set To Miss Two Legendary Match-Winners

The countdown to the 19th edition of Indian Premier League - IPL 2026 - has officially begun, with the player auction set for December 16. However, the excitement has been mixed with disappointment, as two iconic IPL performers have announced their retirement, leaving fans and franchises emotional. Both players were released ahead of the new season, and their decision to retire has hit the cricketing community hard. One was known for his fiery pace, while the other dominated with his all-round brilliance. Let’s take a detailed look at the two stars who have bid farewell. 1. Mohit Sharma The first to call time on his career is Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who shocked everyone by retiring from all forms of cricket just before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Mohit’s IPL journey began in 2013 with Chennai Super Kings, where he instantly made an impact by picking 20 wickets in his debut season under MS Dhoni. He raised his game even further in 2014, winning the Purple Cap. His final IPL stint came with Delhi Capitals in 2025. Mohit Sharma’s IPL Journey Across his IPL career, Mohit consistently delivered strong performances. From 2013 to 2020, he represented CSK, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals. After going unsold in 2021, Gujarat Titans revived his career in 2022. His standout season came in 2023, when he took 27 wickets at the age of 35. He followed it with 13 wickets in 2024 and played a handful of games for Delhi in 2025. In total, Mohit featured in 120 IPL matches, taking 134 wickets, and built a reputation as a reliable death-overs specialist. 2. Andre Russell The second major name to retire ahead of IPL 2026 is West Indies superstar Andre Russell, one of the most feared all-rounders the league has ever seen. Russell made his IPL debut for Delhi in 2012, but his rise to superstardom began after joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. He became the backbone of KKR for more than a decade. With KKR releasing him ahead of 2026, Russell chose to retire gracefully. Andre Russell’s IPL Legacy Russell carved out a legendary IPL career with his explosive batting, sharp bowling, and electric fielding. In 140 matches, he smashed 2,651 runs and picked up 123 wickets. He won the IPL MVP award twice - in 2015 and 2019 - and played a key role in KKR’s title victories in 2014 and 2024. Though he has retired as a player at 37, Russell will continue with the franchise as “Power Coach” starting IPL 2026.

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11 months ago

New Petrol Engine Is Key For Tata Sierra To Gain An Upper Hand In This Segment

The Tata Curvv comes with a 1.2l turbo petrol engine but the Sierra comes with a 1.5 litre TGDI engine which develops 160bhp and 255Nm with a 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged powertrain. This engine interestingly comes with an AISIN automatic torque converter gearbox and not a dual clutch automatic. Engine And Gearbox Combinations The 1.5l naturally aspirated petrol engine meanwhile comes with the DCA dual clutch automatic and that is interesting for sure. Typically the more expensive and the more powerful engines comes with a dual clutch automatic option while here it is the opposite. However, this new petrol engine is the key to the Sierra in gaining an upper hand in this segment. The naturally aspirated unit for example is crucial as similarly the majority of the sales for many other compact SUVs come from the naturally aspirated versions and that's something Tata Motors finally has with the Sierra now. Power Outputs And Future Model Integration The naturally aspirated unit of the Sierra petrol develops 106ps and 145Nm along with a 6-speed manual being standard plus the DCA automatic. This new petrol engine for now is available with the Sierra while the Safari as well as the Harrier will get the turbo petrol as well. It is important for any carmaker to have the right combination of engines and that's what exactly Tata Motors has done with the Sierra. The naturally aspirated unit could also make its way into some of the future Tata Motors products and is their most crucial powertrain for sure.

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11 months ago

Updated BMW iX1 LWB: What's New?

For BMW, its iX1 LWB has been one of its best selling cars and its best selling EV. The iX1 LWB was launched at the Auto Expo and comes with a 204 bhp electric powertrain with a single motor. The range on offer is 531km per charge with the high-voltage lithium-ion battery being placed in the floor along with a capacity of 66.4 kWh. New Exterior And Interior Options Now, BMW has given it an update with more options for the colours as well as the interiors. In terms of the exteriors, iX1 LWB has new colour options with the new one being Night Dusk Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Skyscraper Grey. The interior meanwhile has a new Veganza Castanea upholstery choices, crafted from sustainably sourced vegan leather. There is also a new 3D stitching pattern that's been added. The new dual tone upholstery looks more luxurious than the current version and gives more options. Pricing And Market Strategy The price for the iX1 LWB is Rs 49.9 lakh and it's much lower than other EVs especially in the entry level luxury space. The X1 is available with a long wheelbase only for the electric version and this has been a masterstroke of sorts and also assembling it in India which helped in enabling the price to be more competitive. The iX1 LWB with this colour adds more options for now and the interior gets more premium while the pricing remains the same being under Rs 50 lakh.

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11 months ago

Scientists discover 16,600 fossil footprints: Largest dinosaur gathering ever

Scientists uncovered a massive dinosaur footprint site in Bolivia. Over 16,600 tracks from predatory theropods were found. This site is the largest ever discovered. The prints offer rare evidence of dinosaur swimming and tail dragging. Researchers are exploring reasons for this predator-only gathering. The findings are changing our understanding of prehistoric life.

Times of India

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11 months ago

Did the world’s first solar eclipse change Earth’s rotation? Scientists decode a 709 BCE mystery

Ancient Chinese astronomers observed a solar eclipse in 709 BCE with remarkable detail. These old records are now helping scientists understand Earth's rotation changes over thousands of years. They also reveal patterns in solar activity. This ancient data improves modern astronomical models and our understanding of planetary dynamics and climate links.

Times of India

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11 months ago

Doctors warn about the sleep they fear most: Your brain shutting down without you knowing

Microsleep is a brief, involuntary shutdown of the brain lasting 1–30 seconds, often arriving with tiny dream-like flashes and no warning. Anaesthesiologist Dr Myro Figura describes it as the brain “blacking out” after severe sleep deprivation, a danger linked to thousands of road crashes. Sleep clinics warn that inconsistent sleep, long wakeful hours and late-night driving make these episodes far more likely.

Times of India

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11 months ago

The Cold Moon of 2025: Why the final supermoon looked bigger, brighter and sharper in the December sky

Skywatchers witnessed a spectacular Cold Moon on December 5, 2025, the year's final supermoon. Its proximity to Earth made it appear larger and brighter, enhanced by winter's clear skies and the Moon's high elevation. This celestial event, steeped in tradition, also influenced nocturnal wildlife, showcasing the interplay between astronomical phenomena and Earth's ecosystems.

Times of India

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11 months ago

Nashik residents unite to protest tree felling at Tapovan and promote environmental awareness

Times of India

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11 months ago

Tata Sierra Near Top-End Variants Are Priced Less Than Rivals!

Tata Motors has finally revealed the pricing for the Sierra and the near top-end Adventure+ trim which is below 19 lakh for the diesel AT and below Rs 18 lakh for the top-end petrol turbo AT. The new Sierra prices are not for the top-end variants though as that is Accomplished and Accomplished+.  The new Sierra comes in Smart+, Pure, Pure+, Adventure and Adventure+, Accomplished and Accomplished+. Not all variants and colours are offered on all of the variants of the Sierra though. We already had the starting price of the Sierra being 11.49 lakh while now the rest of the variants have had their pricing revealed.  The 1.5l turbo petrol AT is only available with a single trim at Rs 17.99 lakh for the Adventure+ while the 1.5l turbo petrol manual comes in all trims till Adventure+ with a price starting at Rs 12.99 lakh and top-end being Rs 17.19 lakh. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine is more affordable while the top-end NA petrol AT Adventure with the DCA is Rs 16.7 lakh while the top-end manual NA petrol Adventure+ is Rs 15.99 lakh.  The new Sierra comes with two petrol engines and one diesel while it debuts a new engine family for the first time. In terms of features the new Sierra comes with a lot of features including three screens and a lot more. The signature colours of the Sierra though are not available with some of the lower trims but for now these prices are competitive 

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11 months ago

60,000 African penguins died: Study finds shocking truth behind the mass die off

A devastating collapse in sardine stocks led to the starvation of over 60,000 African penguins on South Africa's Dassen and Robben Islands between 2004 and 2012. This food shortage, exacerbated by environmental shifts and fishing pressure, wiped out 95% of colonies. The crisis highlights the species' critical endangerment, with urgent fishing limits now crucial for survival.

Times of India

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11 months ago

Emotion, Attention, Overstimulation: Massive meta-study reveals how TikTok, Shorts, and Reels are rewiring your brain

Short-form video wasn’t supposed to become our generation’s Matrix, yet here we are, scrolling ourselves into a new cognitive baseline. Drawing on Feeds, Feelings and Focus, a meta-analysis of 71 studies and nearly 100,000 people, this piece maps how TikTok, Reels and Shorts quietly retrain the mind. Attention thins, emotions accelerate, adults prove no more resilient than teenagers, autonomy erodes in micro-increments, and identity becomes whatever narrative the algorithm reflects back. No machines, no pods, no cables — just a device we willingly consult. The dreamworld didn’t need to trap us. We walked in, thumb first, without noticing the door.

Times of India

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11 months ago

Skoda Kushaq Facelift Launch In January 2026

Skoda India will likely launch the new Kushaq facelift by January 2026 and it will be an extensive update for this SUV. The Kushaq will get the first update and this will involve exterior plus interior. Exterior And Interior Updates The exterior will get a new look with a revised exterior lighting as well as a new bumper. There would be new alloy wheels too. Skoda could also add new colour options. The bigger change would be on the inside with new features. The biggest feature update would revolve around the panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of features like ADAS. Then it could also get a 360 degree camera feature. These updates are needed since the segment has witnessed immense disruption with many new rivals having a lot of features. Engines, Positioning And Launch Timeline The new Kushaq facelift will continue to offer the same engine options including a 1.0l TSI turbo petrol and the 1.5 TSI turbo petrol unit. The gearbox options would stay the same as well. The new Kushaq facelift will be an important update and these new features will keep it competitive in this market. Skoda will unveil or launch the new Kushaq in India by January next year. The new exterior lighting and the interior will further differentiate the Kushaq and the Kylaq with the Kushaq being positioned higher now. We will know more about the new Kushaq facelift by next year as Skoda has a lot in store for us. The Kushaq was the start of an important India centric product onslaught and now this update is the biggest for this compact SUV.

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11 months ago

Tata Sierra On-Road Price Comparison With Victoris And Creta

The starting price for the Tata Sierra has been announced and here we compare the on-road prices of the Sierra starting variant as well as the Victoris along with the Creta. The Creta and the Victoris are the biggest rivals to the Tata Sierra in this fiercely competitive 4m plus segment. Starting Prices and Engine Options The Sierra on-road starting price is Rs 13.3 lakh for the 1.5l NA petrol manual which despite being the base variant gets a good amount of features as standard. The Creta has a lower starting price which is Rs 12.56 lakh. The Creta also has a 1.5l petrol as standard and like the Sierra there is a 1.5l turbo petrol as well along with various gearbox options. The Victoris on the other hand has a 1.5l NA but no turbo petrol while it does get a strong hybrid. The Victoris starting price is Rs 12.16 lakh on-road. Affordability and Positioning in the Segment On-road pricing varies but these prices indicate that the 4m plus SUV is affordable if one goes for the base variant even though it is not as well equipped as the other variants but it does offer a more aggressive starting price. These SUVs are bigger than the sub 4m SUVs while offering more size as well as space. The GST cuts have resulted in lesser prices and here the Victoris is the cheapest above 4m SUV in India while it is followed by the Creta and the Sierra. These are for the base variants and hence won't come with the talked about features as seen on the other variants but as said before form an entry point into the range.

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11 months ago

What Is Ayurveda Face Mapping? How Your Face Reveals Hidden Health Issues

Our face often reveals more than we realise. According to Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic healing system, the skin acts as a mirror reflecting the state of our internal health. Ayurveda face mapping is a centuries-old diagnostic approach that connects specific areas of the face with different organs, doshas, and body systems. Today, this traditional wisdom is making a strong comeback as people seek natural ways to understand their bodies better. ALSO READ: Ayurveda For Office-Goers: Know How To Stay Healthy While Breathing Polluted Indoor Air What Is Ayurvedic Face Mapping? Ayurveda face mapping, or Mukh Pariksha, is an ancient technique where practitioners examine the face to identify possible internal imbalances. Unlike modern dermatology that focuses mainly on the skin’s surface. Ayurveda believes that your face reflects the harmony or disharmony, of your doshas and internal organs. When the body struggles, the skin expresses these issues through visible signs like pigmentation, acne, dullness, premature wrinkles, or swelling. This method is not meant to replace medical diagnosis but to help people understand their body’s signals early. It offers a natural, holistic way to identify patterns, adjust lifestyle choices, and support inner healing. Forehead Zone: Linked To Digestion And The Nervous System (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) In Ayurveda, the forehead corresponds to the Vata dosha and reflects the health of your digestive system and nervous system. Issues like forehead acne, fine lines, dryness, or dullness may indicate stress, poor sleep, irregular meals, excessive screen time, or an overworked mind. Constipation, indigestion, and dehydration are also common contributors. Practices like drinking warm water, minimising caffeine, eating freshly cooked meals, massaging the forehead with warm oils, and improving sleep rhythms can help. If your forehead constantly feels tight or troubled, it may be your body’s way of asking for rest. Between The Brows: Liver And Stress Indicators (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) The space between the eyebrows is associated with Pitta dosha and represents the liver, emotional processing, and chronic stress levels. Breakouts or redness in this region may point to overheating in the body, excess alcohol, spicy foods, anger, frustration, or pent-up emotions. Since the liver plays a key role in detoxification, signs here often appear when the body is overloaded or struggling to process toxins efficiently. Ayurveda recommends cooling practices for this zone like, hydration, green vegetables, herbal teas, meditation, and avoiding excessive heat. Cheeks: Lungs, Circulation, And Heat Imbalance (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) The cheeks are connected to the respiratory system, circulation, and Pitta–Kapha balance. Redness, pigmentation, puffiness, or frequent breakouts on the cheeks may signal poor air quality exposure, allergies, weak digestion, or an overheating body. Cheek puffiness is often linked to water retention or Kapha imbalance, while excessive redness hints at Pitta aggravation. Ayurveda recommends practices like pranayam, staying hydrated, limiting dairy during flare-ups, and choosing cooling, antioxidant-rich foods. Nose Area: Heart Health And Circulation (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) In Ayurveda, the nose reflects the heart and circulatory system. Blackheads, enlarged pores, or oiliness around the nose may indicate poor circulation, high stress, or sluggish metabolism. Redness around the nose could be a sign of internal heat or Pitta imbalance. Ayurvedic suggestions include incorporating heart-friendly foods like nuts, oats, and leafy greens, staying active, and practising calming breathwork. Supporting healthy blood flow often improves the appearance of this zone. Mouth And Jawline: Hormones, Sleep, And Kapha Imbalance (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) The mouth, chin, and jawline are closely tied to hormonal health, sleep patterns, and Kapha balance. Breakouts in this region, especially recurring chin acne, often point toward hormonal fluctuations, stress-related cortisol spikes, or poor sleep cycles. Jaw tension may also reflect emotional stress, suppressed feelings, or nighttime teeth grinding. Ayurvedic practices for this area include reducing refined sugars, maintaining consistent sleep routines, incorporating warm herbal teas, and balancing Kapha with movement and light foods. Women often notice this zone shifting during menstrual cycle changes, making it an essential facial area to observe. Under-Eye Area: Kidneys, Fatigue, And Hydration Levels (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Dark circles, puffiness, or sunken eyes are commonly associated with Vata imbalance and the health of the kidneys. In Ayurveda, this zone is extremely sensitive and reveals hydration levels, energy reserves, and emotional strain. Lack of sleep, excessive salt, chronic stress, dehydration, and long hours of screen exposure all contribute to under-eye issues. Ayurveda recommends warm oil massages, proper water intake, cooling foods like cucumbers and coriander, and grounding practices to restore vitality. [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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