During his visit to Silvassa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again addressed the growing issue of obesity in India, citing a recent report that projects 440 million Indians could be obese by 2050. He described these figures as alarming and urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles to combat the issue.

As per agency reports, Modi emphasized that obesity is the root cause of many health problems. He encouraged citizens to engage in regular physical exercise and suggested reducing cooking oil consumption by 10 percent to tackle excessive body fat. While addressing a public gathering in Silvassa, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation for infrastructure projects worth ₹2,587 crore for the union territory.

Referring to the report’s findings, Modi highlighted that by 2050, one in every three Indians could be affected by obesity, making it a major health concern. He stressed that this scenario would pose severe health risks and called for immediate action. Urging people to take a pledge, he reiterated his previous appeal to lower cooking oil usage by 10 percent and promoted cycling and exercise as effective ways to combat obesity.

This concern aligns with his recent remarks in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, where he underlined the need for lifestyle changes to address the growing obesity crisis. He had also launched a campaign to encourage a 10 percent reduction in oil consumption and challenged notable personalities, including industrialist Anand Mahindra, Olympian Manu Bhaker, and Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to support the initiative.

Apart from discussing health concerns, Modi announced that the government plans to establish 25,000 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide to provide affordable medicines. He noted that these subsidized stores have helped middle-class and low-income families save approximately ₹30,000 crore on medicines.

In a vision for regional development, Modi drew a parallel between Singapore's transformation and the potential of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. He urged local residents to demonstrate a similar commitment, stating that with their collective determination, he would support their efforts in making the region a developed hub.

During the visit, Modi inaugurated several projects, including a 450-bed hospital in Silvassa, two circuit houses in Diu, and a toy train in Daman. He also laid the foundation stones for a new hospital in Daman, internal roads and a new bus stand in Diu, new schools, and a police station. The ₹460 crore Namo Hospital (Phase 1) is expected to significantly enhance healthcare facilities in the union territory.

Looking ahead, Modi emphasized the need to boost tourism in the region and announced upcoming attractions, including an eco-resort in Dudhni, a coastal promenade in Diu, and India’s first air ropeway in Diu, which will offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. He asserted that the region is fast emerging as one of India's premier tourist destinations and an education hub.

Modi's two-day visit to Gujarat and the union territory underscores the government's focus on infrastructure, health, and tourism development while addressing pressing health concerns like obesity among the Indian population.

Valsad, November 28: A tragic car accident on Dudhni Road in Silvassa claimed the lives of four young men, while another was critically injured and has been hospitalized. The group of five, all from Surat, had visited Dudhni in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and were returning when the accident occurred.

According to reports, the car lost control and overturned multiple times after hitting a large rock near the Megha Medha area of Dudhni on Thursday. The severity of the accident drew a crowd of local residents who immediately informed the police and ambulance services. Rescue efforts required cutting through the mangled car to extricate the occupants.

Police confirmed that four of the five passengers died on the spot. The deceased have been identified as Hasmukh Magokiya (45), Sujit Kaladiya (45), Sanjay Gajjar (38), and Haresh Vadodhiya (34). The sole survivor, Sunil Nikude (24), sustained critical injuries and is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examinations, and investigations into the cause of the accident are underway. The tragic incident has left the local community in mourning.

A blaze broke out in the currently shut-down Sheela Foam company in Sayali village, Silvassa, Gujarat, early on Wednesday morning, creating a scene of panic as the entire facility was engulfed in flames. Fire brigade teams managed to bring the fire under control after an intense seven-hour operation. Remarkably, no casualties were reported, but the incident resulted in significant damage to the company's property.

The sight of the ferocious flames reaching high into the sky caused alarm among the local population. However, despite the widespread panic, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities associated with the fire.

Upon receiving the news, police teams rushed to the scene. Firefighters from Silvassa, Daman, and Sarigam worked tirelessly to quell the flames and prevent further escalation. After seven strenuous hours, they succeeded in controlling the blaze.

Substantial financial losses are expected due to the fire, with a significant amount of company machinery and other items being destroyed in the incident. As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but initial speculations suggest a potential short circuit may have triggered the blaze. The local authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.