Asma Khan, a British chef with Indian roots, has added a new milestone to her journey, lending her voice to a unique global anthem that has set a Guinness World Record. Titled *195*, the song brings together women from every country on the planet, a total of 195 making it the most nationally diverse musical recording ever.
But this is more than just a record-breaking achievement. The project is rooted in purpose. Produced by The Frequency School, *195* is a call for unity and gender equality, powered by the emotional and healing potential of sound. It was first unveiled during the World Economic Forum’s 55th Annual Meeting in Davos, a platform known for sparking major global conversations.
Netflix’s Chef’s Table star Asma Khan participates in a global call for equalityInstagram/asmakhanlondon/dkverlag
The Frequency School was co-founded by Grammy-nominated producer Maejor, alongside Martina Fuchs, Kingsley M, Brandon Lee, and Aaron Dawson. Fuchs, also the executive producer of the song, says the aim was to bring together everyday women from different corners of the world, using music as a way to champion women’s rights and bring attention to mental health struggles.
Asma Khan’s participation reflects her commitment to social change. Known for her London-based restaurant Darjeeling Express, which runs with an all-female kitchen, Khan is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. Her restaurant celebrates home-style Indian cooking, rooted in the flavours of her childhood in Kolkata.
Over the years, Khan has gained international recognition not only for her culinary skills but also for her activism. She was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and has since been celebrated as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in 2024. Her influence goes beyond food. She is a chef advocate for the UN World Food Programme and holds honorary fellowships at both Queen’s College, Oxford, and King’s College, London.
From a restaurant in London to a global song project, Asma Khan continues to use every platform she touches to speak up for equality, dignity, and representation. In her own quiet way, she’s helping the world move forward, one plate, and now one note at a time.
As Men’s Health Week 2025 (9–16 June) approaches, UK-based charity Lepra is raising awareness of hydrocele, a largely overlooked condition that significantly impacts men’s lives. A complication of lymphatic filariasis (LF), hydrocele causes fluid to accumulate in the scrotum, resulting in extreme swelling that can hinder mobility, limit income opportunities, and affect personal relationships.
Despite the availability of a simple surgical fix, many men suffer in silence due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and barriers to treatment.
A personal struggle: Arjun’s story
Arjun, 38, lives in a rural village in Odisha, India, with his wife, four children and father. As the family's main provider, he worked as a labourer until, six years ago, he began experiencing swelling and pain in his scrotum. The condition gradually worsened, leaving him unable to work effectively. Arjun endured daily discomfort, emotional distress, and increasing isolation due to embarrassment about his condition.
Post-surgery, Arjun experienced a significant improvement in his physical healthLepra
His family, unaware of the cause, worried about the financial burden of treatment. The turning point came when Arjun was screened by a Lepra programme and diagnosed with hydrocele.
Understanding hydrocele and its causes
Hydrocele is a common long-term effect of lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes, usually during childhood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LF often remains asymptomatic for years while silently damaging the lymphatic system. As men age, this damage can manifest as chronic conditions, including lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
Hydrocele can cause significant pain and immobility. Married men may struggle with intimacy, while single men often face social exclusion. In many cases, the stigma surrounding the condition leads to isolation, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges.
The simple solution: Hydrocelectomy
Hydrocele can be completely cured through hydrocelectomy, a straightforward surgical procedure with a recovery period of just two weeks. Yet access to this surgery is limited in many areas due to a shortage of trained surgeons and the stigma that prevents men from seeking help.
Following his diagnosis, Arjun received counselling to help him cope with the emotional toll of his condition. Although initially hesitant, he agreed to undergo surgery. After the operation, Arjun’s physical health improved dramatically. He regained the ability to work, restored his independence, and began reintegrating into his community.
The wider problem: Underreported and undertreated
It is estimated that up to half of men who contract LF in childhood will develop hydrocele in adulthood. In 2023 alone, WHO recorded a 258,886 increase in reported hydrocele cases globally, while only 7,380 surgeries were carried out, a stark reminder of the treatment gap.
Although hydrocelectomies are available for free in public hospitals, long waiting lists and inadequate surgical capacity prevent many from accessing timely care. In response, Lepra arranges private surgeries at a cost of just £100 for men unable to wait or travel for public treatment.
Lepra’s ongoing efforts
Lepra not only facilitates surgery but also works with local governments in India and Bangladesh to expand training for hydrocelectomy and improve access to care. The charity also runs community support groups led by trained volunteers who play a crucial role in awareness campaigns and pre-screening education.
These networks help break down stigma by informing communities about LF and the importance of early diagnosis. They also address common fears around surgery and travel, encouraging more men to come forward before the condition worsens.
About lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis is classified by the WHO as a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. While infection usually begins in childhood, the consequences can appear much later, affecting the lymphatic system, kidneys, and immune response. Chronic conditions linked to LF include lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
About Lepra
Lepra, originally founded in 1924 as the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association (BELRA), has been known simply as Lepra since 2008. The organisation works in India and Bangladesh, diagnosing and treating people affected by leprosy and related neglected diseases. Alongside medical care, Lepra tackles prejudice and discrimination through education, rehabilitation, and advocacy.
The charity operates under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III and has His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO as Vice President.
To find out more or support Lepra’s work, visit:www.lepra.org.uk
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Food items can still be sold on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergen details
TikTok users are reportedly selling food items without declaring allergen information, posing potential risks to consumers, according to a BBC investigation.
The BBC found several listings on TikTok Shop in which sellers failed to mention whether the products contained any of the 14 main allergens that food businesses in the UK are legally required to declare. Following the findings, TikTok removed the highlighted listings and stated that the platform is “committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience”.
Despite this, the investigation revealed that food items can still be sold on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergen details.
Among the sellers identified was Mega Buy UK, which offered a Squid Game-themed sweet product but listed ingredients and allergens as “not applicable”. Another seller, The Nashville Burger, promoted a burger-making kit that included milk and wheat, both of which fall under allergens that must be declared by law. However, on TikTok Shop, the allergen information was reduced to “spices”, and the ingredients were simply described as “flour”.
Allergy charities have raised concerns over the findingsiStock
A third seller, UK Snack Supply, was advertising crisps and lollipops without any listed ingredients or allergen information.
Although TikTok removed the specific adverts highlighted by the BBC, the accounts belonging to the three companies remain active on the platform, continuing to sell products, many still without comprehensive allergen details. The BBC contacted all three sellers for comment but could not independently verify whether they are UK-based.
Allergy charities have raised concerns over the findings, saying the safety of consumers should not depend on the geographical location of a seller. Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, urged caution: “If the ingredient and allergen information isn’t there, don’t buy it. You’re putting your life in grave danger.”
TikTok responded by stating it has policies in place requiring sellers to comply with safety standards. “We will remove products that breach these policies,” a TikTok spokesperson said.
Kate Lancaster, a TikTok content creator known as The Dairy Free Mum, regularly shares advice related to allergies. Her two children have milk allergies, and she expressed serious concern over the lack of regulation. “It’s completely unacceptable and really worrying. Failing to provide ingredient information is potentially very dangerous, and it feels like a complete disregard for the safety of those living with food allergies,” she said.
The issue is particularly sensitive in the UK, where the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2016 after consuming a Pret a Manger baguette containing undeclared sesame seeds led to the introduction of Natasha’s Law. The legislation requires full ingredient and allergen labelling on all pre-packed food made on the premises and sold directly to consumers.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, co-founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said TikTok must ensure sellers using its platform follow UK food laws. “TikTok is responsible for ensuring that all their UK food sellers meet legislative requirements to sell food products on their app. Any that don't should be immediately removed from the app and investigated, but ideally this should not happen if their checks and balances are rigorous and in place,” she said.
Kate Lancaster also believes TikTok is allowing sellers to bypass basic safety regulations. “Since Natasha’s Law has come into effect, I feel that, in general, allergy labelling has improved, but it’s frightening that a huge platform like TikTok does not have adequate measures to ensure that labelling is in place,” she added. “The thought of someone with a food allergy, or an allergy parent, buying items that they assume are safe, when in fact they may not be, is really scary.”
Concerns remain about whether current safeguards are adequate to protect consumers with allergiesiStock
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which oversees food safety in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, stressed that food businesses must be registered and follow legal requirements, including the provision of allergen information both online and on packaging. Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, stated: “Wherever people buy their food, it needs to be safe and what it says it is. All food businesses have a legal responsibility to sell safe food and provide allergen information.”
The FSA also points out that for “distance selling”—which includes online and telephone orders—businesses must provide allergen details at two stages: first in the product listing, and again on the packaging, to ensure buyers have clear access to essential safety information.
Simon Williams from Anaphylaxis UK emphasised that while the ultimate responsibility lies with sellers, TikTok should do more to protect users. “At the moment it’s being used as a platform to sell things that may not be safe. They [TikTok] do need to do more,” he said. “There’s a lot of people making a lot of money—great side hustle—but they’re putting people at risk.”
As TikTok Shop continues to grow as a marketplace, particularly for food trends and viral snacks, concerns remain about whether current safeguards are adequate to protect consumers with allergies.
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Simran’s project reflects a growing shift towards mindful fashion choices
Delhi-based content creator Simran Anand has captured widespread attention on social media after she upcycled a 20-kilogram patchwork bedsheet into a unique and eye-catching lehenga. Sharing the process with her followers on Instagram on 1 July, Simran highlighted the creative transformation of a traditional decorative textile into a fashionable statement piece.
The striking fabric was discovered during a casual visit to Janpath, one of Delhi’s popular street markets. The bedsheet, although heavy and originally intended for home décor, featured intricate hand embroidery, mirrorwork, and patchwork – elements commonly found in festive wall hangings in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
“These types of embroidered textiles are usually hung as tapestries or used as festive décor,” Simran noted. “But I saw fashion in it,” she added, referring to the moment she decided to turn the bedsheet into a garment. Inspired by ideas on Pinterest, she took the fabric to a local tailor and collaborated with him to create a custom lehenga.
The result was a bespoke outfit that retained the charm of the original patchwork while embracing a modern silhouette. The lehenga quickly gained attention online, with many social media users praising her creativity and the craftsmanship involved. One commenter wrote, “Love a smart woman with an amazing fashion sense, love this on youuu.” Another applauded the tailor’s skill: “Lucky bhaiya is so skilled ❤️.” A third user even suggested exploring more pieces: “A blazer out of this would have been so good too, another one!!”
Patchwork has increasingly emerged as a trending element in fashion, blending sustainability with style. Simran’s project reflects a growing shift towards mindful fashion choices and showcases how traditional or overlooked fabrics can be reimagined into statement garments. Her approach not only highlights individual creativity but also promotes the value of upcycling and working with local artisans.
Transforming a 20kg decorative item into wearable fashion underlines the evolving nature of design today, where vision and innovation are often found outside conventional fabric stores. As fashion continues to explore sustainable practices and cultural references, creations like Simran’s patchwork lehenga demonstrate how inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources.
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Participants were led to believe that 184 strangers would review a personal profile they had submitted
A new study has found that testosterone may heighten men’s sensitivity to social feedback, influencing how they perceive themselves in response to approval or disapproval. Published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, the research suggests that testosterone does not simply boost or diminish self-esteem, but changes how strongly social feedback affects an individual's sense of self-worth.
The study focuses on what psychologists call "state self-esteem," a temporary, fluctuating sense of self-worth that responds to social interactions. This is different from "trait self-esteem," which reflects a person’s more stable, long-term self-assessment. Fluctuations in state self-esteem can have significant consequences, including links to anxiety, depression, and aggression. The findings could also help explain why men with lower self-esteem might be more vulnerable to mood disorders or antisocial behaviour.
Fluctuations in state self-esteem can have significant consequencesiStock
Researchers from several institutions, including the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and the University of Zurich, carried out the double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They recruited 120 healthy men aged 18 to 26, who were randomly assigned to receive either a testosterone gel or a placebo. After applying the gel, participants waited three hours for hormone levels to rise before taking part in a social evaluation task.
Participants were led to believe that 184 strangers would review a personal profile they had submitted and then respond with either approval (thumbs-up), disapproval (thumbs-down), or no feedback. In reality, the feedback was pre-programmed. Participants predicted how likely each rater was to approve of them and, after each round, rated how they felt about themselves, providing a real-time measure of state self-esteem.
The results showed that testosterone influenced how men formed expectations of social feedback. Those who received testosterone were more optimistic when anticipating approval from positively biased raters but more pessimistic when faced with likely disapproval. In essence, testosterone sharpened their social radar, increasing sensitivity to both praise and criticism.
More notably, testosterone amplified the emotional effects of feedback. Positive feedback led to greater boosts in self-esteem, while negative feedback caused more pronounced declines, compared to the placebo group. These patterns were assessed using computational modelling that treated self-esteem changes as a learning process, based on feedback and prediction errors.
The model revealed that testosterone did not affect the basic rate at which participants updated their self-esteem but did increase the emotional weight given to feedback. In particular, it amplified attention to both expectations and the discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes. This suggests that testosterone enhances the brain’s responsiveness to social cues, intensifying the emotional highs and lows associated with acceptance and rejection.
The findings support the idea that self-esteem functions as a “sociometer,” reflecting how accepted or rejected a person feels in their social environment. Testosterone appears to tune this sociometer, making men more emotionally responsive to social evaluations.
Men with low self-esteem are more susceptible to mental health issuesiStock
These insights could have practical implications. For instance, men with low self-esteem are more susceptible to mental health issues, and testosterone therapy is sometimes used to alleviate mood symptoms. Combining hormone treatments with positive social environments or therapies that offer regular, affirming feedback might be more effective in supporting mental well-being.
However, the study had limitations. All participants were young men, so it is unclear whether similar effects would be observed in women or in older individuals. Moreover, the researchers did not measure participants' baseline testosterone levels, which could influence how individuals respond to hormonal changes.
Another limitation lies in the study's design. Although the social evaluation task aimed to replicate real-life interactions, participants were aware they were part of an experiment, which might have affected their responses. Still, the controlled setting allowed researchers to isolate and measure the psychological processes involved.
Social evaluation task aimed to replicate real-life interactionsiStock
Future research could explore how testosterone affects social learning and self-esteem in more naturalistic settings or in clinical populations, such as those with social anxiety or depression. Additional studies could also investigate the role of other hormones and types of feedback, such as comments from peers or authority figures.
The study, titled "Testosterone Administration Increases the Computational Impact of Social Evaluation on the Updating of State Self-Esteem," was authored by Jixin Long, Junsong Lu, Yang Hu, Philippe N. Tobler, and Yin Wu. It highlights the complex role testosterone plays in shaping self-esteem and emotional sensitivity, opening new paths for understanding the hormonal underpinnings of mental health.
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From red-carpet appearances to her current wellness-focused routine
Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor has shared insights into her revised daily routine, highlighting a shift in priorities towards health, family, and balance. In an interview with Nod magazine, the mother-of-two opened up about how her lifestyle has changed in recent years, especially since the birth of her sons, Taimur and Jeh.
The 43-year-old star, known for her commitment to fitness, said she now follows a structured routine that revolves around early dinners and winding down well before midnight. “I eat dinner at 6 pm and switch off lights at 9:30 pm. I wake up early for a workout and enjoy some solo time,” she told the magazine. “My friends know not to expect me at parties. And they respect that. They know I’ll be watching Schitt’s Creek on low volume!”
Kapoor explained that these changes reflect her evolving perspective, both personally and professionally. “It’s not about quantity anymore. It’s about choosing the right roles—ones that challenge me and excite me,” she said. “I want to preserve my energy, my talent, and myself.”
The actor, whose filmography includes hits such as Jab We Met, Heroine, and Good Newwz, said she no longer feels pressure to compete with younger actors or chase every opportunity. Instead, she is focused on quality projects that resonate with her current frame of mind.
Family life has also become central to her routine. Kareena said her home kitchen has taken on new importance, particularly with husband Saif Ali Khan’s recent interest in Kerala cuisine. “He’s always trying out new recipes—idiyappams, coconut-based stews, everything,” she shared. As for her own tastes, Kareena admitted, “I need my one proper Indian meal a day. Non-negotiable.”
Kapoor’s approach to wellness goes beyond physical health. Her commitment to structure, rest and family time signals a more mindful and intentional way of living. The actor appears content with stepping back from the hectic pace of film promotions and late-night events, choosing instead a quieter, more measured lifestyle.
From red-carpet appearances to her current wellness-focused routine, Kareena Kapoor continues to be a public figure who adapts with time, embracing new roles both on screen and at home.