​Rice is a carbohydrate staple, but scientists are giving it a protein-rich makeover. Enter ‘designer rice’: a high-protein, low-GI innovation that transforms how we fuel our bodies. Scientists at CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, have developed this rice, which is touted to pack “three times the protein of normal grains while maintaining a low glycemic index to help manage diabetes”. “By transforming broken rice into a nutrient-dense powerhouse, this innovation aims to nourish millions and tackle malnutrition one plate at a time,” CSIR, India states in a post on X.. White rice, often a comfort food for many, fuels over half the global population, but scientists note that polished white rice carries a silent burden owing to its starch content, which the body quickly turns into sugar, contributing to a rising tide of Type 2 diabetes.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. According to CSIR India’s post, this designer rice is not merely a “grain with vitamins and minerals merely sprayed onto its surface”, it is a “fundamental re-architecture of our most basic staple”. “By deconstructing the rice grain into its primary components — starch, protein, and fibre — and then precisely reassembling them, scientists have created a nutrient-dense food that functions as a proactive, structural solution for metabolic health. This process allows the rice to retain its familiar taste and cooking properties while delivering a superior nutritional profile,” it reads.. Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST and the visionary behind the project, noted, “To understand this, imagine a building. If traditional rice is a house made mostly of ‘sugar bricks’ (starch), the CSIR-NIIST team took that house apart. They removed a significant portion of the starch and replaced it with ‘protein beams’.”. Traditional white rice has starch (Photo: Freepik). The team of scientists did not opt for genetic modification. Instead they used “food-processing technology” where they took the broken rice, the bits usually sold at a discount, ground them into flour, and blended them with protein and micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. They then “reformed” this mixture into grains that look, feel, and taste exactly like the rice we know, their press statement read.. According to the scientists, designer rice benefits as it has a low GI which is below 55. “It releases energy slowly, preventing the sugar spikes that plague diabetics.”. Protein powerhouse: While normal rice has about 6–8 per cent protein, this version boasts over 20 per cent.. Story continues below this ad. Fortified defense: It bridges the gap for anaemia by embedding iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 directly into the grain’s structure.. The  

 ​Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, 57, recently recalled facing a health scare in Udaipur Central Jail, where he was lodged due to an alleged Rs 30 crore cheating and fraud case. Bhatt, who admitted to having “a serious autoimmune disorder called axial spondyloarthritis”, opened up about suffering from fever for nights together.. “It must have been three or four weeks since my incarceration in Udaipur Jail. It was the middle of January, and the cold was biting in a way only those who have spent a winter night in prison can truly understand. I remember one particular night in Barrack Number 10. There are no clocks in prison, so I do not know what time it was. But I remember waking up suddenly, shivering uncontrollably. My body felt as though it was on fire. It was obvious that I had a fever, though there was no way to measure it. Even with two blankets wrapped tightly around me, I was shaking as if I had no clothes on at all. The men who slept on either side of me woke up when they saw me trembling. Without saying much, they found two more blankets from somewhere and laid them over me. Even under four blankets, my body kept shaking. I swallowed a paracetamol tablet and hoped it was something that would pass,” he recollected in a detailed post on Facebook.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Bhatt, who came out in February 2026, after spending 71 days behind bars, went on to encapsulate his struggle with fever the following day, which had “worsened”. “I was burning up. We went to the prison hospital. The doctor had not arrived yet, and strangely, there was no thermometer to measure my temperature. They checked my blood oxygen saturation instead and told me everything was fine. I remember looking at the attendant and saying, “You must be joking. I’m shaking with fever, and you say I’m fine?” When the doctor arrived, I explained my condition to him. I suffer from a serious autoimmune disorder called axial spondyloarthritis, and in my case, a high fever can trigger severe complications. I told him clearly that I needed to be taken to a proper hospital. To his credit, he understood the seriousness of the situation and immediately wrote a note recommending that I be taken outside the prison for medical treatment.”. Vikram Bhatt on his ordeal (Photo: Vikram Bhatt/Facebook). However, he was “informed that the prison guards themselves could not escort me”. “And so I waited. I waited the entire day, but no one came. The next morning, my fever had reduced slightly, but my autoimmune condition had flared up, and the pain in my body was terrible. I was told that I would be taken to the hospital by the afternoon. By afternoon, the fever returned. By evening, I was told that a very important dignitary was visiting the city, and all the police were busy with security. There was no one available to take me. T  

 ​Does a normal blood pressure mean all is well? This is a common and dangerous misconception: the belief that a healthy blood pressure reading is a clean bill of health for the entire cardiovascular system. While blood pressure is a vital metric, it is only one piece of a complex puzzle. To get an insight into a similar Quora query — “How can you check if you have a heart blockage? My blood pressure is always good, but aren’t there blood tests that can give us clues?” — we consulted an expert.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Dr Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that while normal blood pressure is reassuring, “it doesn’t rule out blockages in the heart arteries”. “Many people with coronary artery disease have normal blood pressure readings. Blockages develop due to plaque buildup, which includes cholesterol, fat, and calcium. This process can remain silent until it becomes significant. That’s why relying on just blood pressure can be misleading,” said Dr Jenasamant.. Any early warning signs to watch for?. Yes, but they’re not always obvious, mentioned Dr Jenasamant. “Subtle symptoms often get ignored, such as chest heaviness during physical activity, breathlessness when climbing stairs, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or left arm. Some people, especially those with diabetes, may have silent symptoms or no symptoms at all. If something feels new, lasts a while, or is related to activity, it’s worth getting checked out.”. What tests can help detect heart blockage early?. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all test, but a step-by-step approach works best, according to Dr Jenasamant.. – ECG (Electrocardiogram): A basic screening tool that can show past or ongoing heart strain.. – Treadmill Test (TMT): Assesses how the heart performs under stress and is useful for detecting changes during exercise.. – 2D Echocardiography: Evaluates heart function and muscle movement.. When should you be careful? (Photo: Quora). – CT Coronary Angiography: A non-invasive scan that can visualize blockages in coronary arteries.. – Coronary Calcium Score: Helps identify early plaque buildup, even before any symptoms start.. – Coronary Angiography: This is the gold standard for diagnosing blockages in coronary arteries. In this procedure, a contrast dye is injected directly into the arteries to precisely identify any narrowing or obstruction.. Story continues below this ad. Here’s how you should take care of your heart health (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). Who should consider getting these tests done?. Dr Jenasamant said that anyone with risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of heart disease, should think about screening, even if they  

 ​Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo has been training extremely hard to keep fit. And the man behind his current transformation is coach Sagar Ahuja, who believes that maintaining a six-pack all year round is actually possible with the right guidance and mindset.. “He is now leaner and stronger, he lifts more weight than most 20-year-olds going to the gym. Bodyweight went from 82 kgs to 69 kgs, waist went from 36 to 29.5 inches, chubby fat to chiselled six-pack abs at 43. More importantly, better energy, improved posture, and higher consistency in daily routine,” he told indianexpress.com in an exclusive interview.. When someone like Warikoo shares his transformation publicly, it sets a standard. An excited Ahuja, who started working with Warikoo in 2023, expressed, “It feels great, but more than validation, it’s a responsibility. People don’t just see results – they see what’s possible. We started working together in 2023 when he wanted to specifically target belly fat and overall conditioning, without compromising his lifestyle. I connected with him via email first, and then we had a Zoom call. My main goal was not only to help him achieve his best physique but also to improve his eating habits so that he stays in shape year-round.”. Ahuja, who has coached more than 4,000 men, including founders of companies like Urban Company, Zomato, MakeMyTrip, and Eazydiner, apart from CEOs and creators, talks about his mission to help men become sharper physically and mentally, not just lose weight—the main reason why he started Alphamen, a wellness company focused on men’s health.. View this post on Instagram. “Early on, I realised most fitness advice fails because it doesn’t fit real lives. Busy professionals don’t need perfect plans; they need sustainable systems. Over the last few years, I’ve coached many, helping them lose fat, improve energy, and build discipline that carries into every area of life,” Ahuja said.. The duo went on to achieve “shredded physique in 10 months”. “Through his improved eating habits and awareness, now he maintains a six-pack year-round without anyone’s help. Once in a couple of months, I check on him regarding things, that’s it,” Ahuja shared.. The goal was kept “simple”: “Lose fat till he achieves six pack abs, improves strength, and makes it sustainable.”. And the approach? “No crash dieting; no overtraining; flexible workouts as he travels a lot; focus on habits, systems, not motivation; and build a routine that fits his calendar.”. Story continues below this ad. While initially, it was about fat loss, now it’s about maintenance, longevity, and performance –staying fit despite a demanding schedule. “He trains typically 4-5 days a week, and his focus areas are strength training (hitting two muscle groups a day); daily one hour tennis, and light cardio,” mentioned Ahuja, who also coached Warikoo’s parents, who are over 70.. Notably, Warikoo’s current wellness routine  

 ​Bengali New Year 2026 Wishes: Pohela Boishakh Messages, Images, Quotes, WhatsApp Status & Greetings to Share with Loved Ones. Happy Bengali New Year 2026 Wishes, Messages, Images, Quotes, WhatsApp Status & Greetings: Pohela Boishakh marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in West Bengal, Bangladesh, and among Bengali communities worldwide. In 2026, the festival will be observed on April 15.. Happy Bengali New Year 2026 Wishes Messages, Images, Quotes, WhatsApp Status: Download and Send. Celebrated on the first day of the Bengali month of Boishakh, the occasion today will pave the way to fresh beginnings, prosperity, and cultural pride. People shall wear traditional outfits, take part in lively processions, enjoy folk music and dance performances, and indulge in festive delicacies.. Indian Express has curated a selection of heartfelt wishes and greeting cards to help you share joy and connect with loved ones today. Wishing you and your family a very happy Bengali New Year and Pohela Boishakh!. Pohela Boishakh 2026 Wishes:. Shubho Noboborsho! May the new year bring you endless happiness, prosperity, and success.. Wishing you a fresh start filled with positivity, joy, and beautiful moments.. May this Pohela Boishakh bless you with good health, peace, and new opportunities.. Story continues below this ad. Shubho Noboborsho!. Let this Bengali New Year bring new dreams, new hopes, and new achievements into your life.. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous Pohela Boishakh 2026!. May your days be as vibrant and colourful as the celebrations of this beautiful festival.. Pohela Boishakh 2026 Quotes:. “A new Boishakh isn’t just a change of date, it’s a chance to begin again with purpose.”. Story continues below this ad. “Let this Bengali New Year bring clarity to your thoughts and courage to your dreams.”. “Every Pohela Boishakh carries a quiet promise, better days are ahead.”. Choose peace this Boishakh.. “New beginnings feel lighter when you leave the past behind.”. “Step into 2026 with hope in your heart and strength in your journey.”. Story continues below this ad. “The beauty of Pohela Boishakh lies in its reminder, start fresh, start right.”. Pohela Boishakh 2026 Messages:. Shubho Noboborsho! May this new year bring clarity to your path and joy to your everyday moments.. Wishing you a Pohela Boishakh full of fresh energy, new opportunities, and peaceful beginnings.. May this Bengali New Year inspire you to grow, evolve, and embrace life with positivity.. Story continues below this ad. Let this Boishakh be about fresh starts, kind moments, and steady growth.. Sending you warm wishes for a year where happiness feels natural and success feels earned.. May your days ahead be brighter, calmer, and filled with meaningful experiences.. This Pohela Boishakh, may you find balance in life and strength in your journey.. Pohela Boishakh 2026 WhatsApp Status:. New year, new r