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Commonwealth Games 2030 in India’ Ahmedabad: See How It Boosts 2036 Olympic Bid

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India has officially secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad selected as the host city. The announcement came after the Commonwealth Sports Executive Board meeting held in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha signed the agreement formalizing India’s role as host.

This will be India’s second time hosting the Commonwealth Games, coming 15 years after the 2010 Delhi Games, where Indian athletes delivered a historic performance with 101 medals, including 38 gold.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated people of india on the occasion and termed it as collective commitment and spirit of sportsmanship.

First Multi-Sport Global Event in India in Two Decades

The 2030 edition will mark the first major multi-sport international event in India since 2010. Prior to that, India also hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. Additionally, the Afro-Asian Games were held in Hyderabad in 2003.

Why Winning the Bid Matters

Hosting the Commonwealth Games is seen as a major milestone—not just in sports, but in global positioning. It signifies:

  • Strong infrastructure
  • Sporting ambition
  • International credibility
  • Readiness for future global events

So far, only nine countries have hosted the Games, including Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand, and India.

Australia holds the record, having hosted the event five times.

Boost for India’s 2036 Olympic Dream

The successful Commonwealth Games bid is expected to bolster India’s chances of securing the 2036 Olympic Games. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier confirmed India’s intention to host the Olympics, and the country officially submitted its bid in November last year.

India’s Recent CWG Performance

At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, India won 61 medals — including:

  • 22 Gold
  • 16 Silver
  • 23 Bronze

A major chunk of the medals came from wrestling, weightlifting, and athletics. The Indian women’s cricket team also claimed a silver medal.

100 Years of the Commonwealth Games

The 2030 edition will mark the centenary year of the Commonwealth Games, which began in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada.

Originally known as the British Empire Games, the name changed to the Commonwealth Games in 1978. Today, the event brings together athletes from 54 member nations of the Commonwealth.


Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing: Union Cabinet Approves ₹7,280-Crore Scheme

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The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹7,280-crore incentive scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs). The initiative is a key step in India’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on imported critical minerals and develop a resilient supply chain for high-tech industries.

Objective of the Scheme

The scheme—formally titled the “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets”—aims to establish an annual production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes (MTPA) of REPMs. These magnets are essential components in sectors such as:

  • Electric vehicles
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Defence and aerospace
  • Medical devices
  • Consumer electronics

Duration and Implementation

The programme will span seven years, including:

  • Two years for setting up integrated manufacturing facilities
  • Five years of incentive disbursement linked to actual REPM sales

The Ministry of Heavy Industries will oversee implementation in coordination with relevant technical ministries. The incentive structure is designed to boost production efficiency and enhance global competitiveness.

Strategic Importance for India

India currently imports a significant portion of its rare earth materials—primarily from China. The new scheme is expected to:

  • Build a domestic ecosystem for rare earth processing, sintering, and magnet manufacturing
  • Strengthen India’s position in global supply chains
  • Support national initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
  • Accelerate growth in sectors heavily dependent on rare earth magnets, including clean energy and electric mobility

Facts

  • Total scheme outlay: ₹7,280 crore
  • Annual production target: 6,000 MTPA of REPMs
  • Scheme duration: 7 years (2-year setup + 5-year incentives)
  • Key beneficiary industries: EVs, defence, aerospace, renewable energy, electronics

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

The government expects the scheme to attract significant private investment and stimulate advanced R&D in magnet technologies. The development of domestic REPM manufacturing capabilities will:

  • Strengthen industrial resilience
  • Support India’s clean energy and sustainability goals
  • Generate high-skilled employment across technology-driven sectors

Overall, the initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s self-reliance in critical mineral and high-tech manufacturing domains.

Kumari Kamala, Child Star Who Transformed Classical Dance in Indian Cinema, Dies at 91

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Kumari Kamala, one of Indian cinema’s earliest child prodigies and a pioneering classical dancer on screen, has passed away in the United States at the age of 91. Known for popularising Bharatanatyam in mainstream cinema, her career spanned decades and left a lasting impact on Indian performing arts.

A Prodigy from the Start

Born in 1934 in Mayuram (now Mayiladuthurai), Kamala demonstrated extraordinary talent as early as age three, performing at cultural events in Bombay. Her early stage appearances in productions such as Desa Bhakti drew the attention of filmmakers, leading to acting and dance roles in films like Valibar Sangam and Rama Nama Mahimai by the late 1930s.

Rise to National Fame

Kamala emerged as a prominent figure in Hindi cinema during the 1940s, with appearances in Shaadi, Kanchan, and notably Kismat (1943), one of the first major commercial hits in Hindi film history. Her Kathak number in Ram Rajya became widely celebrated.

A defining moment came when her mother moved south to place her under the renowned Bharatanatyam guru Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai. Under his mentorship, she evolved into a key exponent of the Vazhuvoor style.

Iconic Performances in Film

Kamala’s dance sequences soon became landmarks in Indian cinema. Her snake dance in Jagathalaprathapan (1944) and the innovative double-exposure drum dance in Naam Iruvar (1947) were widely acclaimed.

Her performances in films such as Parasakthi (1952), Chori Chori (1956), Paavai Vilakku (1960), and Konjum Salangai (1962) secured her place among the finest cinematic dancers of her era.

Facts

  • Trained under celebrated guru Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai
  • Appeared in nearly 100 films across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada
  • Notable performances: Kismat, Ram Rajya, Naam Iruvar, Konjum Salangai
  • Married to artist R. K. Laxman until 1960

Enduring Legacy

Kumari Kamala bridged classical Bharatanatyam with popular cinema at a time when traditional dance was rarely showcased on film. Her electrifying Tandava in Sivagangai Seemai remains iconic. In her later years, she devoted herself to teaching in the United States, continuing to shape generations of dancers.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence remains woven into the history of Indian cinema and classical dance.

Assam Polygamy Ban Bill Introduced in State Assembly

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Assam has moved a significant legislative step with the introduction of a bill aimed at prohibiting polygamy across the state. The proposal seeks to criminalise the practice, define clear punitive measures, and extend protections to affected women. The move forms part of a broader policy drive to reform personal laws and strengthen women’s rights.

Scope and Applicability of the Proposed Law

The bill is designed to operate across Assam, with specific exclusions. It will not apply to areas under the Sixth Schedule, nor will it cover members of Scheduled Tribes outlined in Article 342. The legislation’s scope focuses on communities where the state holds jurisdiction to regulate civil and family matters.

Key Penal Provisions and Offences

The bill categorises polygamy as a criminal offence. A first offence may attract imprisonment of up to seven years. If an individual enters into another marriage while concealing an existing one, punishment may extend to ten years along with a financial penalty. The draft further defines polygamy clearly to avoid ambiguity, covering all marriages where a previous union has not been legally dissolved or annulled.

Punishment for Repeat Offenders and Facilitators

Repeat offenders may face double the punishment prescribed for each subsequent violation. The bill places accountability not only on the individuals contracting such marriages but also on facilitators. Village heads, qazis, parents, or guardians who knowingly conceal facts may face up to two years’ imprisonment or a monetary fine. Those solemnising marriages in violation of the law may also be penalised.

Facts

  • The bill excludes Sixth Schedule areas from its jurisdiction.
  • Members of Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 are not covered.
  • First-time offenders may face seven years of imprisonment.
  • Convicted individuals may lose access to state-funded jobs and schemes.

Restrictions on Employment and Electoral Participation

A person convicted under the proposed law will be barred from seeking employment in posts funded or aided by the state. The restrictions extend to welfare schemes, with convicted individuals ineligible for state-supported benefits. The bill also proposes disqualification from contesting elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, adding a civic dimension to the penalties

Jammie Booker Wins World’s Strongest Woman 2025, Sparks Global Debate

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Jammie Boooker: The 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition, held in Texas, has ignited widespread controversy after American athlete Jammie Booker secured the title. The victory triggered debate across the sporting world, with several athletes and spectators alleging that Booker is a biological male—a claim that has raised questions about fairness in women’s strength sports.

The issue gained momentum after runner-up Andrea Thompson’s reaction on stage drew attention, eventually turning the podium moment into a global talking point.

Podium Flashpoint and Athlete Reactions

Andrea Thompson’s visible displeasure—captured on cameras as she stepped down from the podium—became the defining image of the event. Her short, frustrated remark, overheard by nearby competitors, quickly spread online and fueled intense public scrutiny.

Within hours, strongwoman athletes, coaches and supporters openly questioned the eligibility criteria governing the competition. Many argued that women’s divisions should be strictly reserved for participants assigned female at birth.

Support from Fellow Competitors

Three-time champion Rebecca Roberts publicly expressed concern, stating that many participants were unaware of Booker’s background. She emphasised the importance of transparency in strength sports and insisted that major rule changes should be clearly communicated ahead of competition.

Thompson later liked Roberts’ statement on social media—a move interpreted as silent agreement—leading many fans to label Thompson the “real winner.”

Role of Sponsors and Coaches

Andrea Thompson’s coach, Laurence Shahlaei, supported his athlete, arguing that official category boundaries exist to maintain competitive fairness. He added that Thompson’s overall performance demonstrated she was the strongest athlete on the day.

In a major development, one of Booker’s sponsors, Iron Ape, announced it was ending its partnership, citing concerns over incomplete or inaccurate information provided to event officials. The company described its decision as a step grounded in sportsmanship and transparency.


Key Points

  • The controversy stems from athlete eligibility rules in the women’s division.
  • Andrea Thompson placed second despite winning several major strength events.
  • Sponsor Iron Ape terminated its association with Jammie Booker following the dispute.
  • Leading strongwoman athletes have demanded clear and enforceable category regulations.

Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025: Jaipur’s Iconic Fort Gears Up for a Spectacular Cultural Celebration

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The Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025 is set to return on 6–7 December 2025, transforming the majestic Jaigarh Fort into a vibrant cultural destination. Announced at an official press conference in Jaipur, this two-day heritage festival promises an unforgettable blend of music, crafts, cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences—cementing its position as one of India’s premier heritage festivals.

Produced by Teamwork Arts in collaboration with His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and presented by Vedanta, the festival is designed to bring Rajasthan’s rich history and artistic traditions to life in a dynamic, contemporary format.

A Living Celebration of Rajasthan’s Heritage

The Jaigarh Heritage Festival aims to redefine the historic fort as a living cultural space, where visitors can experience the depth of Rajasthan’s artistic traditions against the backdrop of one of Jaipur’s most iconic monuments.

Speaking at the press conference, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh highlighted the festival’s vision: “The Jaigarh Heritage Festival is a celebration of Jaipur’s rich and vibrant heritage… This festival is a bridge between generations, welcoming contemporary expressions while honouring the legacy of our past.”

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd and Chairperson Hindustan Zinc Ltd emphasised the event’s cultural significance:
“Vedanta is proud to support the Jaigarh Heritage Festival… it stands as a marquee event in India’s cultural calendar, bringing Jaipur’s history and artistry to life for audiences across the world.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, added:
“By reimagining Jaigarh Fort as a vibrant cultural space, we want to bring alive Rajasthan’s heritage in a living, evolving tradition.”

Musical Line-up: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Art

The 2025 edition features an exciting range of performances across the fort’s courtyards and terraces:

Morning Concerts

  • Echoes of Rajasthan
  • Noor-e-Khusrau
  • Sarod at Dawn
  • One Size Fits All

Evening Showcases

  • Papon Live
  • Kabir Café
  • The Anirudh Varma Collective
  • Roysten Abel’s iconic production The Manganiyar Seduction

Folk Performances

  • Nathoolal Solanki
  • Puppetshala
  • Shyopat Julia

The festival weaves together classical, folk, and contemporary music, offering audiences an immersive journey through the soundscape of Rajasthan.

Experiences: Craft Workshops, Heritage Walks & Culinary Journeys

Beyond music, the festival offers a curated selection of cultural experiences that spotlight Jaipur’s heritage:

  • Heritage walks through Jaigarh Fort
  • Hands-on craft workshops led by Rajasthani artisans
  • Culinary masterclasses featuring traditional and royal recipes
  • Panel discussions on sustainability, urban identity, architecture, and conservation
  • Crafts bazaar showcasing local artistry
  • Food trails inspired by Jaipur’s royal kitchens

These experiences make the festival a one-of-a-kind platform for heritage enthusiasts, travellers, and families alike.

Why Jaigarh Heritage Festival Is Emerging as India’s Top Heritage Event

The festival stands out for its commitment to:

  • Sustainable heritage tourism
  • Preservation of Rajasthan’s folk traditions
  • Revitalising historical spaces
  • Promoting craft heritage and local artists
  • Creating global cultural dialogue

Its unique blend of art, architecture, and cultural storytelling positions it as a leading heritage festival not just in Rajasthan, but across India.

How to Attend: Ticket Information

Tickets for the Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025 are available at:
👉 twagateway.com/jaigarh25

Options include:

  • Royal Pass
  • Festival Pass
  • Evening Pass
  • Day Pass

Each pass offers curated access to concerts, workshops, heritage walks, and exclusive festival experiences.

About the Organisers

Teamwork Arts

A global leader in arts and cultural festivals, Teamwork Arts produces over 33 festivals across 45 cities and 19 countries, including the world-renowned Jaipur Literature Festival.

Sawai Jaipur Experiences

SJE curates luxury heritage experiences across Jaipur, including guided palace tours, royal dining experiences, and bespoke event planning.

Conclusion

With its spectacular line-up, immersive cultural programming, and the grandeur of Jaigarh Fort, the Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025 promises to be one of the most significant cultural celebrations in India. For travellers, heritage lovers, and art enthusiasts, this is an event that brings Rajasthan’s traditions to life like never before.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Stunning Bicycle Kick at 40 Proves One Thing: Legends Don’t Age, They Evolve

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On a Sunday night in Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo reminded the world why his name still echoes louder than almost any other in football.
In the 96th minute against Al Khaleej, with Al Nassr already leading 3–1, Ronaldo did something only Ronaldo would even think of attempting, he launched into the air and delivered a spectacular bicycle kick that stunned the stadium.
It was an acrobatic strike, a perfect connection and a goal too fierce for the goalkeeper to stop.

At 40 years old, he produced one of the goals of the season, a moment instantly compared to his legendary 2018 bicycle kick for Real Madrid against Juventus. It was his 954th career goal and sealed Al Nassr’s 4-1 victory, extending their scoring streak to 62 consecutive matches. Most players at 40 slow down. Ronaldo is still raising the bar. But moments like this don’t appear out of thin air.
They come from a life built on hardship, sacrifice, and obsession.

From sleeping on the floor to owning the world stage
Ronaldo was not born a superstar. He was born into poverty in Madeira, living in a tiny apartment, sharing a room with siblings, and at times sleeping on the floor. His family struggled; his dreams were bigger than his circumstances.

At 11, he left home for Lisbon alone, a terrified child crying himself to sleep but refusing to quit. His determination became his identity. He trained harder than anyone else. He played with anger, hunger, and purpose. At 18, he joined Manchester United. At 23, he won the Ballon d’Or. But trophies were just milestones, he was building something larger.

Football built the fame. Discipline built the legend.
Today, Ronaldo is more than an athlete. He is a global empire. CR7 Fragrances, Pestana CR7 Hotels, CR7 Fitness, CR7 Fashion, Insparya Clinics, every venture reflects ownership, not endorsement. He earns more off the field than on it, a billionaire who built himself from nothing. And yet, goals like the bicycle kick remind us that he is still the same boy from Madeira: relentless, fearless, obsessed.

The message behind the magic
Ronaldo’s journey is proof that greatness is not talent alone. It is the courage to outwork everyone, every day. It is the refusal to slow down, even at 40. It is the belief that limits are only for those who accept them. He once slept on concrete. Now he still scores goals the world cannot forget.

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just rise, he keeps rising.

Why Rajasthan Has Become Bollywood’s Favourite Royal Wedding Destination. Know Couples Who Tied Knotty Knot Here…

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Rajasthan has quietly yet unmistakably become India’s reigning capital of celebrity weddings, drawing some of the biggest names in Bollywood and beyond. With its grand palaces, centuries-old forts, and unmatched royal ambience, the state has transformed into the country’s most sought-after backdrop for luxury nuptials.

Over the last decade, a striking pattern has emerged: when celebrities want a wedding that feels larger than life, they look to Rajasthan.

A royal trend led by Bollywood’s biggest couples
The wave began with iconic celebrations like Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ fairytale wedding at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, a venue often counted among the world’s most opulent palace hotels. Then came the serene yet grand ceremonies of Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal at the Six Senses Fort Barwara, Sawai Madhopur, a 700-year-old fort restored with modern luxury while keeping its heritage intact.

The momentum only grew stronger when Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra sealed their love at the mystical Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer, a venue known as the ‘Gateway to Thar’, blending desert charm with regal splendour.

Udaipur, meanwhile, continues to remain a hotspot. From Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani at the breathtaking Jag Mandir Palace, to Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha at the majestic Leela Palace, the lake city hosts weddings that look straight out of a royal chronicle.

Even earlier, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay’s wedding at Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur set social media abuzz, signalling Rajasthan’s rise as a top celebrity wedding hub.

More stars, more forts, more majesty
Adding to Rajasthan’s growing global spotlight, the recent wedding celebrations of Netra Mantena and tech entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur further reinforced the state’s unmatched pull. The festivities drew international attention when Jennifer Lopez delivered a show-stopping performance at their reception.
From haldi and mehendi ceremonies at the ethereal Taj Lake Palace to the wedding set against the stunning backdrop of Jagmandir Island Palace, the event once again proved why Rajasthan stands unrivalled as the world’s most desirable royal wedding destination.

Why celebrities can’t resist Rajasthan
It’s not just the grandeur. Rajasthan offers privacy, exclusive experiences, heritage charm, and picturesque landscapes. Every palace becomes a stage, every courtyard a memory, every view a cinematic shot. For couples seeking a royal beginning, one truth is clear:
Rajasthan doesn’t just host weddings, it creates legacies.

When a Priest Became a ‘DJ’ and the Pope Joined the Party

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When a Priest Became a ‘DJ’ and the Pope Joined the Party – Slovakia Just Witnessed the Most Unexpected Church Celebration Ever!
Imagine beams of neon light dancing across a 14th-century cathedral a priest behind a DJ console and the Pope greeting the crowd on a giant LED screen. No, this isn’t a movie script, this actually happened.

The night St. Elizabeth Cathedral turned into a gathering
On 8 November, Padre Guilherme, now world-famous as the ‘DJ Priest’ transformed the space outside St. Elizabeth Cathedral in Košice, Slovakia, into a full-blown festival to celebrate Archbishop Bernard Bober’s 75th birthday. Lasers sliced through the night sky. Projection mapping lit up the cathedral’s ancient façade. And the priest? He was at the DJ booth, dropping beats as the crowd: teens, families, and even elderly parishioners danced under the open sky.
It was, as many described it, a night to remember.

And then the Pope appeared on the LED screen
The moment that stunned everyone came when Pope Leo XIV appeared in a surprise video message.
The crowd fell silent. “Dear young people,” he began instantly electrifying the atmosphere. Calling the cathedral a beating heart of faith and hope, the Pope praised the unity of young Catholics from different nations. Then came the line that became the night’s anthem:
“Do not be afraid to show that you are Christians… Live the gospel with enthusiasm.”
The message didn’t just play once, it became part of Padre Guilherme’s original track “Dear Young People.”

Padre Guilherme is no ordinary priest. He’s performed at Dreamfields Mexico, released an EP titled Integral Ecology, and is quietly redefining what modern faith engagement looks like. For him, music isn’t a hobby, it’s a ministry.

Praise, shock, and a whole lot of online buzz
Supporters hailed the event as a bold, refreshing way to reconnect the Church with youth culture. Critics like writer Andy Roman called it “a departure from tradition.” But the crowd’s joy told a different story: Faith didn’t fade. It danced.

The Oh-moment
* A priest DJing under cathedral towers…
* The Pope addressing the crowd in sync with electronic beats…
* Centuries-old tradition mixing with modern youth culture
* It wasn’t just an event, it was a glimpse of what the future of faith might look like.
* A little louder.
* A little brighter.
* A little more alive.

The Protein Deficiency Problem No One Is Talking About Is India’s Hidden Crisis…

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Protein Deficiency: For decades, India has followed the global benchmark of 0.8 g/kg/day as the minimum protein requirement. But experts now warn that this number is designed for survival, not long-term health and is dangerously outdated for a country battling widespread nutritional gaps.

The alarming protein gap in India

Studies reveal that 7 out of 10 Indians are protein-deficient, and over 90% don’t even realise it. According to IMRB, 73% of Indian diets lack adequate protein, while many mistakenly believe carbohydrates like roti, rice, or biscuits count as protein.
The consequences are severe: 1 in 3 children under five is malnourished (NFHS-5), 60% of women are anaemic and older adults face rising sarcopenia and frailty, worsened by low protein intake

Adequate vs Optimal: Why 0.8 g/kg isn’t enough
While ICMR recommends around 0.8–1.0 g/kg/day, global research shows that 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day is more effective for maintaining muscle, supporting immunity, and preventing age-related decline.
In India, the dominance of plant-based diets further complicates this, plant proteins have lower digestibility and incomplete amino acid profiles.

Cultural nyths & misconceptions
Protein in India still suffers from the stigma of being “gym food.” Urban diets have shifted from dals and pulses to sugar-heavy, carb-dense meals. Meanwhile, the protein supplement market is booming but everyday protein intake remains low.
Concerns about “too much protein harming kidneys” are largely unfounded for healthy individuals. The real danger lies in chronic under-consumption, not excess.

A policy reset: Protein must be a priority
India’s nutrition programs still focus heavily on calories, not protein. Experts call for: Upgrading PDS and mid-day meals to include eggs, soy, and pulses, incentivising farmers to grow protein-rich crops and mass awareness campaigns similar to iodised salt and polio drives

The Bottom Line
India’s protein crisis is not a fitness trend, it’s a public health emergency. To combat malnutrition, rising lifestyle diseases, and ageing-related weakness, protein must move from the sidelines to the centre of national nutrition policy.
Only then can India build a healthier, stronger future.