Renowned spiritual leader and yogi, Sadhguru, has long advocated for a holistic approach to health. One of his standout dietary principles is the “30% diet challenge”, which encourages people to consume at least 30% of their daily food intake in the form of fresh fruits. According to Sadhguru, fruits are not just nutritious—they play a pivotal role in enhancing energy, improving digestion, and promoting mental clarity.

Why Sadhguru recommends 30% fruits in your diet

The idea behind the 30% diet challenge is simple: fuel the body with foods that are easy to digest and rich in vital nutrients. Fruits, according to Sadhguru, are among the cleanest and most energy-efficient foods. Unlike processed or heavy meals that can burden the digestive system, fruits are light, quick to metabolize, and help the body function optimally.

He explains that this dietary shift is not merely about maintaining physical fitness but also about reducing the risk of chronic conditions and staying mentally alert.

Health benefits: From detox to disease prevention

Fruits are rich in natural sugars, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a powerhouse for overall health. Sadhguru notes that fruits help the body detoxify naturally, support organ health, and reduce the strain on vital systems like the liver and kidneys. He also suggests that regular fruit consumption can enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammation and also lower the risk of conditions such as diabetes, thyroid imbalances, and hypertension

Fruits for energy and mental alertness

Sadhguru often draws attention to how different types of food affect one’s mental state. He says that fruits, due to their natural sugars and clean-burning properties, provide sustained energy without causing blood sugar spikes. Unlike heavy meals that can make one sluggish, fruits help keep the body light and the mind sharp.

How to make fruits a daily habbit

Incorporating 30% fruits into your meals doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Here are some practical ways to adopt this approach:

Start your day with fruits: A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits makes for a nourishing breakfast.

Snack smart: Replace processed snacks with fresh fruit options like bananas, apples, or oranges.

Smoothie switch: Blend fruits into smoothies for a filling, nutritious drink.

Go seasonal: Eating fruits that are in season ensures maximum nutrition and freshness.

Empty stomach advantage: For better absorption, consume fruits on an empty stomach, especially in the morning.

In a major blow to Tamil Nadu’s prolonged campaign against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), the union government has rejected the state’s NEET exemption bill. The bill, passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly twice — in 2021 and 2022 — sought to permit medical admissions based on Class 12 marks instead of the centralised NEET exam.

Chief Minister MK Stalin informed the Assembly on Friday that President Droupadi Murmu has turned down the bill, calling it an “insult” to the southern state and a setback for federal values.

Stalin slams Centre, calls for all-party meet

Responding to the rejection, Stalin criticised the Centre’s stance and labelled the move a “black phase in federalism.” He asserted that the Tamil Nadu government had provided all required clarifications on the bill but the Centre “chose to reject it” regardless.

Stalin announced that an all-party meeting of MLAs will be convened on April 9 to decide on further action. “The union government may have rejected our request, but our struggle is far from over,” he said, adding that the state would explore legal avenues to challenge the decision.

Social justice at the heart of Tamil Nadu’s demand

Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEET has been rooted in concerns over equity and access. The state government argues that the centralised exam favours students from affluent families who can afford private coaching, thus widening the inequality in medical education.

Instead, Tamil Nadu has advocated for admissions based on Class 12 marks, which it believes is a more equitable approach ensuring social justice.

NEET under scrutiny across states

The controversy around NEET extends beyond Tamil Nadu. Last year, West Bengal passed a resolution opposing the centralised exam. Several national opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, have also criticised the NEET system, especially in the wake of exam paper leak allegations and student suicides linked to the intense pressure surrounding the test.

Though the Supreme Court dismissed pleas for re-tests, citing no breach of exam sanctity, calls for reform in the NEET structure have been growing louder.

A senior official of Jharkhand’s Bokaro Steel Plant was arrested after a protest demanding employment turned tragic on Thursday, leaving one dead.

The incident occurred when CISF personnel, responsible for plant security, allegedly resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the demonstrators from the ‘BSL Visthapit Apprentice Sangh’.

The deceased, a 26-year-old man, succumbed to injuries sustained during the clash near the administrative building of the plant. The protestors had gathered to press for employment opportunities for displaced individuals.

CGM held accountable, ex-gratia compensation announced

Following the fatal incident, Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Jadhav Vijaya Narayan Rao held the Chief General Manager (CGM) of the plant responsible for the death. The CGM was subsequently arrested, as confirmed by an official statement from the district administration.

In response to the public outrage, Bokaro Steel Plant announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the deceased. Additionally, a promise of employment for one of the family members has also been made.

Clashes during protest turn violent

According to police, the demonstration was organized under the banner of ‘BSL Visthapit Apprentice Sangh’ near the plant’s administrative office. The protest was initially peaceful, demanding employment assurances. However, tensions escalated when the CISF, allegedly trying to disperse the crowd, used batons on the agitators.

A CISF official stated that some personnel were injured after being attacked with stones and sticks by protestors. Four CISF members reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Political parties demand action and probe

The incident has sparked political outrage across the state. On Friday, members of political outfits like the AJSU Party and JLKM held demonstrations in Bokaro condemning the lathi charge. Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi demanded a detailed inquiry into the matter and urged the state government to take stringent action against the Bokaro administration and BSL management.