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Covid cases increase in Asia: What is causing the spike and what should we do? Doctors explain new symptoms

Testing is very crucial to identify which particular strain is the prominent one causing the outbreak. And so that data then needs to be shared between the countries and within the country between different states.

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India and parts of Asia are witnessing a noticeable surge in COVID-19 cases. Health experts link this increase primarily to the emergence of new subvariants of the Omicron strain, particularly the JN.1 lineage.


What’s Causing the Spike?

Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, Associate Director & Head – Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, outlines several contributing factors:

1. Highly Transmissible Omicron Subvariant – JN.1

  • The JN.1 variant is highly infectious and exhibits greater ability to evade immunity.

  • Though not more lethal, it spreads rapidly, especially in populations with declining immunity.

  • Symptoms tend to remain mild in vaccinated individuals.

2. Waning Immunity

  • Many people in Asia received vaccines over a year ago.

  • With low booster dose uptake, immunity has decreased over time.

  • Vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at increased risk.

3. Relaxation of COVID Protocols

  • Mask-wearing, social distancing, and hygiene practices have significantly declined.

  • Resumption of large public gatherings and international travel has increased opportunities for viral spread.

4. Seasonal and Environmental Factors

  • Cooler weather is driving people indoors, where poor ventilation increases transmission risk.

  • Underreporting due to reduced testing may mean the actual case count is much higher than reported.


Symptoms Associated with the JN.1 Variant

  • Headache

  • Sore throat

  • Fever

  • Dry cough

  • Diarrhoea (more frequently observed with JN.1)

  • Runny or blocked nose

  • Fatigue or exhaustion

  • Loss of taste or smell


What Should India Do?

Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Senior Director, Institute of Internal Medicine & Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare, advises the following:

  • Remain vigilant and monitor incoming international travelers.

  • Track the rise in flu-like illnesses to catch any unusual surges.

  • Genomic surveillance testing is crucial, especially for symptomatic or at-risk individuals.

  • Isolation is necessary when symptoms or positive tests arise.

“If the cases increase, we must reconsider our vaccination strategy, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic health conditions,” Dr. Budhiraja emphasized.


Preventive Measures Remain Crucial

Both experts reinforce the importance of continuing preventive practices:

  • Regular hand washing

  • Wearing masks in crowded places

  • Social distancing

  • Staying home if infected

“There is absolutely no need to panic. But we must stay alert in the coming weeks to assess how this outbreak progresses, especially across parts of Asia,” Dr. Budhiraja added.


Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness regimen.

Veer Rana

Veer Rana is a seasoned journalist with a sharp eye for current affairs and public policy. With in-depth knowledge in politics, economy, education, and environmental issues, Veer delivers fact-based, insightful content that drives understanding in complex domains. He also covers health and wellness under lifestyle, bringing credible and actionable advice to readers.

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Health & Wellness

Haridwar Temple Tragedy: Panic Over False Electric Shock Rumor Claims 6 Lives

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On Sunday morning, an ordinary day of devotion turned into a scene of horror at Haridwar’s renowned Mansa Devi Temple, one of the most visited shrines in northern India. Around noon, a sudden shout about electric current leakage on the temple path caused widespread panic among devotees.

Without verification or confirmation, people began running in all directions. This confusion and fear snowballed into a stampede, especially at the narrow passage leading up to the temple.


Where the Incident Took Place

The incident occurred on the main trek route leading to Mansa Devi Temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar. Pilgrims either take the ropeway or walk the sloped path, especially on weekends and during religious festivals.

The exact point of the stampede was reportedly near a bottleneck zone where crowd flow is often slow and unregulated.


Eyewitness Accounts

According to eyewitnesses, the shout came from someone in the middle of the crowd, prompting immediate chaos. “People began screaming and pushing, some tripped on the steps and were crushed,” said one devotee.

Others reported children getting separated from their families, slippers and bags strewn across the ground, and no immediate help visible in the first few minutes.


Death Toll and Injuries

As per the latest reports, six people lost their lives, and more than a dozen were injured, some critically. The deceased include both men and women from various parts of India.

Injured devotees were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals including Haridwar District Hospital and Jwalapur Civil Hospital.


What Officials Are Saying

District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police reached the scene quickly. In a press briefing, they confirmed there was no electric fault or current leak.

“This was a case of misinformation-induced panic. We’re investigating how and by whom the false alert was triggered,” a police spokesperson said.


Crowd Management in Pilgrimage Spots

The tragedy raises serious questions about crowd control, emergency communication, and surveillance at India’s key pilgrimage sites. Mansa Devi Temple alone draws tens of thousands every week.

Experts have urged for real-time monitoring, better fencing, emergency alert systems, and trained crowd management teams.


Social Media Reactions

As soon as the news broke, the incident trended on social media with hashtags like #HaridwarTragedy, #MansaDeviStampede, and #TempleSafety.

While many expressed condolences, others criticized local administration for lack of preparedness.


Political and Religious Leaders React

Uttarakhand Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased. Religious leaders have called for peace and appealed to devotees not to panic over unverified information.


What Happens Next?

Authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry. Meanwhile, access to the temple route was restricted for several hours. Police are scanning CCTV footage to identify the person(s) who triggered the panic.

The temple trust is also reviewing emergency procedures to prevent such future mishaps.

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Health & Wellness

Celebrity Filler Craze: What’s Real and What’s Not? Aesthetic Expert Breaks It Down

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From red carpet transformations to casual selfies that look too good to be true — the era of celebrity fillers is in full swing. But how much of it is natural beauty, and how much is the art of injectables? We decode what’s fact, what’s filtered, and what the experts really think.


Why Fillers Are Trending Like Never Before

Just scroll through Instagram or spot a before-and-after paparazzi click — and the difference is hard to miss. Defined cheekbones, plump lips, sharper jawlines — it’s not always genetics.

So why are fillers booming?

According to Dr. Meher Sharma, a Mumbai-based celebrity aesthetic dermatologist, “Fillers are the fastest route to subtle transformation. No surgery, no scars — just 20 minutes and you’re red carpet-ready.”

It’s the instant gratification plus the fact that results are temporary, which makes fillers super attractive. Celebrities don’t have to commit for life — they can tweak, top-up, or dissolve anytime.


What Kind of Fillers Do Celebrities Get?

Here are the top 5 filler procedures popular in both Hollywood and Bollywood:

  1. Lip Fillers: Adds volume and shape. Think Kylie Jenner or Janhvi Kapoor’s sudden lip definition.
  2. Cheek Fillers: Lift sagging or flat cheeks for that sculpted, model-like look.
  3. Jawline Fillers: Sharpen and lengthen the jaw — especially popular among male stars.
  4. Tear Trough Fillers: Reduce the appearance of dark circles or hollowness under the eyes.
  5. Chin Fillers: Improve facial symmetry by enhancing chin projection.

In India, cosmetic dermatology is often under wraps — but social media detectives aren’t fooled. Pages like “@celebface” highlight subtle (and not-so-subtle) tweaks that celebs undergo.


Real Talk: What’s Natural vs What’s Touched-Up?

Let’s bust a myth — not all celebrities are surgically enhanced, but many get minor filler tweaks to stay “camera perfect.”

So how do you tell? The best fillers are the ones you can’t see,” says Dr. Meher. “If someone looks fresh, youthful, and symmetrical — without looking fake — that’s usually good filler work.

Here are some signs that fillers might be at play:

  • Lips look swollen and slightly stiff
  • Cheeks are puffy even when smiling
  • Nose bridge appears unnaturally high (non-surgical nose job)
  • Lack of fine lines, but limited facial expression

But many A-listers use micro-doses, known as “Baby Botox” or “Skin Boosters,” which give that glassy skin glow without dramatically altering features.


The “Overfilled Face” Phenomenon

Too much of a good thing? Absolutely.

The term “filler fatigue” or “pillow face” describes what happens when people (celebs included) overdo injectables:

  • Facial distortion
  • Puffy, unnatural skin
  • Plastic-like expressions
  • Loss of individual facial charm

Even celebs like Courteney Cox, Simon Cowell, and Blac Chyna have admitted to reversing their fillers. You get to a point where people stop recognizing you. That’s when you know it’s time to scale back,” Courteney said in a candid interview.


Are Filters Making Us All Filler-Hungry?

Instagram filters, TikTok face effects, and Snapchat’s smooth skin lens are creating a dangerous beauty standard.

Filtered images:

  • Slim the nose
  • Plump the lips
  • Add glow and symmetry
  • Smooth out any texture

This pushes even celebrities to replicate these digital looks in real life — via fillers. It’s the Snapchat dysmorphia in full effect. We see patients bringing filtered selfies and saying, ‘I want to look like this,’” shares Dr. Meher. “That’s a red flag. No one looks like that in real life.


What Are Fillers Actually Made Of?

Most modern fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA) — a substance that occurs naturally in the body and retains moisture.

  • Popular brands: Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero
  • Duration: 6 to 18 months
  • Reversible? Yes — an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve it if needed

Other types (for longer effects) include calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) — but these are used more cautiously.


Is It Safe?

Yes — if done right. Fillers are minimally invasive but carry risks when:

  • Injected by unqualified professionals
  • Done in unsafe or unhygienic conditions
  • Overused for drastic changes

Complications can include:

  • Bruising or swelling
  • Lumps or asymmetry
  • Vascular occlusion (when filler blocks blood flow — rare, but serious) Always choose a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon,” warns Dr. Meher. “A bad filler job isn’t just aesthetic — it can be medically risky.

Avni Trivedi

Avni brings sparkle and depth to entertainment and lifestyle writing. Her stories span Bollywood, celebrity culture, fashion trends, and festive flair. She blends aesthetic sensibilities with real-world insights to create engaging and relatable content for modern readers.

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Health & Wellness

Instant Ramen Cancer Warning: What You Need to Know About the Viral Packet Label

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“WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm” — this tiny line on the back of a popular ramen packet has sent the internet into a spiral. But is your snack really dangerous?


The Video That Went Viral

Late June 2025: A TikTok and Instagram reel showing the back of a Buldak spicy ramen packet gained millions of views. The label, which reads:
“WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm
was enough to send shockwaves through social media.

Many viewers expressed disbelief: Why has no one told us this before?”
“I’ve been eating ramen for years—what does this mean

It sparked concerns among students, office-goers, foodies, and even influencers who frequently promote these noodles as spicy food challenges.

But what’s the real story?


What is Prop 65?

The warning is a result of California Proposition 65, also called the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

Prop 65 requires businesses to disclose if their product contains any of the over 900 listed chemicals that are known to cause cancer or reproductive harm in any detectable quantity, even if the exposure risk is extremely low.

This is important: the presence of the label doesn’t mean the product is unsafe or illegal. It means the manufacturer is choosing to comply with California’s unique laws, which are stricter than federal or international standards.


Why Is Ramen Labeled With a Cancer Warning?

There are several possible reasons why your favorite ramen brand might carry the Prop 65 warning:

Chemical Residue in Packaging

Many packaged foods use inks, adhesives, and plastic films in their packaging that may contain trace amounts of phthalates, styrene, or acrylamide — all of which are on California’s Prop 65 list.

These substances can potentially migrate into the food, especially when heated (microwaving is common for instant noodles).

Flavor Enhancers and Additives

Artificial flavoring agents like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium inosinate are widely debated. Some of these additives are not directly on the Prop 65 list but may contribute to chemical reactions during cooking that release trace compounds.

Cooking Oil Contaminants

Many instant noodles are pre-fried in palm or vegetable oil before packaging. During high-heat frying, compounds like acrylamide (a known carcinogen when consumed in large quantities) can form.

Preservatives Like TBHQ

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is commonly used to extend shelf life. While approved by the FDA in limited quantities, it is still a Prop 65-listed chemical due to potential long-term health concerns in higher exposures.


Does This Mean Ramen Causes Cancer?

No. A Prop 65 label does not mean the product will cause cancer — only that it contains chemicals that may increase risk with long-term or excessive exposure.

California’s Prop 65 is notorious for being overcautious. Common items with Prop 65 warnings include:

  • Coffee
  • Toothpaste
  • Bluetooth earphones
  • Vinyl handbags
  • French fries

So, your ramen isn’t in any special danger zone—it’s just complying with California’s labeling law.


What’s the Real Health Concern With Instant Noodles?

Even beyond chemical warnings, nutritionists have been warning against regular ramen consumption for years. Why?

Extremely High in Sodium

One pack of instant noodles may contain 1,600 mg or more of sodium, which is 70–90% of your recommended daily limit. High sodium intake is directly linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

High in Saturated Fats

Instant noodles are pre-fried. A single pack can contain 5–7 grams of saturated fat, which raises cholesterol levels and increases cardiovascular risks.

Contains Additives and Preservatives

Common ingredients like TBHQ, MSG, and color additives (like Red 40, Yellow 6) may be tolerated in small doses, but are not ideal for daily intake.

Low in Nutritional Value

Ramen lacks fiber, protein, and vitamins—it provides calories without meaningful nourishment.


So Should You Stop Eating Ramen?

No—but treat ramen as a sometimes food, not a meal plan.

Here’s how to enjoy your spicy favorite responsibly:

Add real vegetables

Spinach, broccoli, carrots, or even frozen peas boost nutrition and fiber.

Use half the seasoning packet

Most sodium is in the “magic powder”. Using less can cut salt intake by 40–60%.

Add eggs or lean meat

Boiled eggs or grilled chicken add protein, helping make the meal more filling and nutritious.

Rinse noodles before cooking

This can remove some surface oil and chemicals used during pre-frying.

Try air-dried or whole grain ramen

Several brands now offer non-fried, low-sodium, or organic alternatives.

Veer Rana

Veer Rana is a seasoned journalist with a sharp eye for current affairs and public policy. With in-depth knowledge in politics, economy, education, and environmental issues, Veer delivers fact-based, insightful content that drives understanding in complex domains. He also covers health and wellness under lifestyle, bringing credible and actionable advice to readers.

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