Widely conceived to occur in 'obese' and 'high-on-cholesterol' people, recent instances of young people 'collapsing' from heart attacks may tell a different, alarming story.
Many videos have emerged showing people doing everyday activities such as walking on the street, working out at gyms and dancing at weddings before seemingly 'dropping' due to a heart attack but eminent cardiologists feel the reason could be 'unaccustomed exercise' or 'over exercise' that could precipitate heart attacks in the young.
Over the past couple of years, there has been a surge in cases of heart attacks, especially between 25 and 50 years of age including several Indian celebrities like Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, singer KK and the recent case of comedian Raju Srivastava.
This has brought to the fore some widely held misconceptions about heart attacks and cardiac arrests and the need to address them.
Biologically, what is going on? "Heart attacks happen due to sudden blockages in arteries that supply blood and nutrition to the heart," says Dr Nitish Naik, professor, Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences here.
"There is fat plaque build-up in the artery. It ruptures and enters the blood vessel, forming a clot and suddenly choking it," explains Dr Ajay Kaul, chairman of Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospital Noida (India) and in-charge of cardiac surgery and cardiology.
But what causes this to happen? "People who smoke, have a sedentary lifestyle, are morbidly obese, have poorly controlled blood pressure or diabetes or have high cholesterol levels are prone to develop such conditions," says Naik.
However, it is not as simple as that. Undertaking strenuous activity at the gym may also be the cause.
"Unaccustomed exercise can precipitate a cardiac arrest, therefore, untrained exercise should not be done," says Dr Viveka Kumar, principal director & chief of Cath Labs, Pan Max - Cardiac Sciences.
"Yes, over-exercise can cause rupture of plaques in the coronary vessels, leading to cardiac arrests," says Dr Vijaya Kumar, senior consultant and interventional Cardiologist, Ujala Cygnus BrightStar Hospital, Moradabad.
"Plaque rupture is the disruption of the cap of the plaque build-up, leading to the exposure of plaque material to the blood in the vessel. A rapid sequence of events follows, resulting in clot formation, blocking the blood flow," explains Dr Vineet Bhatia, Associate Director, Department of Cardiology, Max Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi.
But it is not just unaccustomed exercise. There is talk of Covid too causing heart attacks. So, how much is Covid a contributor? "Statistically speaking, in young people, 15-18 per cent of the cases," says Viveka Kumar.
"It is true that Covid has caused a lot of problems. Covid leads to blood clotting. Covid leads to heart and lung problems and cardiovascular diseases," says Kaul.
So, how can one know if Covid or over-exercise are the culprits causing heart problems? "Evaluation. Go to a doctor, and they will tell you whether Covid was limited only to your lungs or not," says Kaul.
In the fight against Covid, vaccines have been instrumental. However, Covid vaccines have also been known to cause some heart attacks. How worried should we be about this being the case? "Benefits far outweigh the risks. Vaccination has a lot of other problems. Yes, it has. But the numbers are so small, that you need to ignore them. Secondly, it is Covid that can lead to heart problems more," says Kaul.
"According to a recent report in the British Medical Journal, COVID-19 vaccines may rarely (1.7 out of 100,000 people) lead to myocarditis. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risk of adverse reactions," says Bhatia, justifying taking the Covid vaccine.
"On the other hand, a review of 51 studies in a leading British medical journal "The Heart", which included 48,317 people with COVID-19, found that cardiac ailments, high blood pressure, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of severe disease or death due to COVID-19 across all age groups," he adds.
Cardiologists agree on the notion of getting a cardiac risk evaluation or consulting with a physician to inform oneself if long Covid is causing heart problems, of their exercise requirements or if one is genetically predisposed to getting a heart attack.
"Before going to the gym, people should first get a cardiac evaluation for fitness," says Viveka Kumar.
What does getting a cardiac evaluation entail? "We look at everything. We ask patients about their family history. We tell them to get their cholesterol checked, their sugar tested, to take precautions and step up their exercise regime if need be," says Kaul.
Among gym-goers, the intake of protein supplements has steeped and doctors generally seemed to be against this trend. "Why can't you take fish, mutton, chicken or eggs? Dal, rajma and soya also are very good sources of proteins," says Kaul.
According to Bhatia, "They overlook the fact that a smart diet plan and using existing protein sources can build muscle, strengthen bones and power our body functions. However, wanting quick and overnight results and often peer pressure prompts people to use over-the-counter supplements available in an unregulated market." Coming back to heart attacks, there have been suggestions that people should keep Aspirin 300 in their pockets. How reliable advice is this for everyone? "While doctors prescribe Aspirin to prevent clot formation, Aspirin has a serious problem of stomach bleeding. A doctor knows best when to get started on Aspirin. Self-medication of Aspirin is dangerous," says Kaul.
"Aspirin is an important drug in our armamentarium while treating heart attacks but if consumed inappropriately, it enhances the risk of bleeding. It is best to take the drug only under medical supervision," says Bhatia.
On people resorting to herbal remedies upon surviving heart attacks, neither of the doctors could vouch for their safety or their effectiveness.
"They have not been tested in any major clinical trials, so their role in managing such patients is dubious and, in fact, may even be detrimental. They should be proscribed," says Bhatia.
"If you take good care of your health, don't eat junk food, eat chapatis and vegetables cooked at home, then one should be fine," says Kaul.
Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer
Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast
Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.
One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.
Sightings have also been reported in Shoebury, Clacton, Felixstowe, and Lowestoft, with many locals surprised by the sheer volume of insects.
Locals share surprise at ‘millions’ of beetles
A local resident from St Osyth described the scene:
“There were just millions of them. I was just in shock, really, because I've never seen that many ladybirds all together at once. There was loads flying about. One landed on my face, and other ones were landing on my dogs."
The insects, which belong to the beetle family Coccinellidae, appeared to cluster in warm areas along the coast, particularly on wood, vegetation, and man-made objects on the beach.
Link to high temperatures and past infestations
This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record in the UK, with temperatures forecast to reach 34°C in some parts over the weekend. June 2025 was already recorded as England’s warmest June ever, and the second hottest UK-wide since records began in 1884, according to the Met Office.
Hot summers have previously caused surges in ladybird numbers. In 1976, a prolonged heatwave led to an infamous nationwide infestation. According to the British Entomological and Natural History Society, an estimated 23 billion ladybirds swarmed southern and eastern England that year.
Species information and identification
While the ladybirds currently being seen are believed to be native red species, they are occasionally confused with the Asian lady beetle, which was introduced to the UK in 2004. The Asian species, originally used in North America to control aphids, has since established itself in parts of Britain.
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Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe shot at days after opening
Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.
Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.
Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_
Shooter linked to Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International
Harjit Singh Laddi, a wanted terrorist on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) list, said he and another operative, Toofan Singh, were behind the shooting. Laddi is associated with the banned organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which the Canadian government recognises as a terrorist group.
In a social media statement, Laddi said the attack was a reaction to a past comedy sketch where a character wore traditional Nihang Sikh attire while delivering humorous lines. “These were considered offensive and hurt religious sentiments,” he wrote. “No spiritual identity should be ridiculed under the pretext of comedy.”
Laddi also claimed the Sikh community had reached out to Sharma’s team seeking an apology but received no response.
Kaps Cafe Instagram Story Instagram Screengrab/thekapscafe_
Café issues emotional statement, vows to stay open
Kap’s Café, operated by Sharma’s wife Ginni Chatrath, had only opened on 4 July. Following the attack, the café released a statement on Instagram expressing heartbreak over the violence but reinforced their commitment to the community.
“We opened Kap’s Café with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking,” read the post. “We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up.” The message ended with a note of gratitude to supporters and a promise to continue operating: “Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Café remains a place of warmth and community… see you soon, under better skies.”
Kaps Cafe Instagram Story Instagram Screengrab/thekapscafe_
According to Surrey Police, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the 8400 block of 120 Street around 1:50 am on July 10. Bullet damage was found on the cafe’s exterior while staff were still inside. No injuries were reported.
While no arrests have been made, Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi publicly claimed responsibility for the shooting in a social media post. Police have not officially confirmed his involvement. Authorities continue to investigate potential links to terrorism, organised crime, or extortion, and are also examining whether this incident may be connected to other recent threats involving Indian-origin individuals in Canada.
The shooting comes amid already strained relations between India and Canada over Khalistani separatist activities. In 2023, the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey led to diplomatic fallout after Canada alleged Indian involvement.
Harjit Singh Laddi, believed to be residing in Germany, is accused of masterminding multiple violent acts in Punjab, including the April 2024 killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar. Indian authorities have placed a reward of £8,630 (₹10 lakh) for information leading to his arrest.
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Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)
POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.
The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed they had received several complaints about the display and were treating it as a hate incident.
In a statement, the PSNI said, “Police have received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it. Police are investigating this hate incident.
"Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe. We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists."
The model at the centre of the controversy showed 12 dummies dressed in life jackets inside a dinghy placed on top of the bonfire, with a banner reading “Stop the Boats.”
An Irish tricolour flag and a separate sign reading “Veterans before Refugees,” alongside images of two guns, were also attached to the structure.
The bonfire was part of the annual July 11 and 12 celebrations held by loyalist communities to mark the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
Despite calls for its removal, the bonfire was set alight around 11pm, with a large crowd watching and filming on their phones. A pipe band played music and fireworks were set off before the fire was lit.
The display comes just weeks after attacks on migrants’ homes in nearby Ballymena, where masked rioters targeted police, homes, and cars.
Condemnation came from across the political spectrum. Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew called the act “vile and deplorable” and said it was “clearly a hate crime.”
Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell described the effigy as “racist, threatening and offensive,” calling it “inhuman and deeply sub-Christian.”
Social Democratic and Labour party councillor Malachy Quinn told The Irish News, “Those responsible for this hateful display claim to be celebrating British culture. Let’s be clear – racism and intimidation are not culture. This isn’t pride – it’s poison.”
Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan called the act “vile” and “dehumanising,” warning it fuelled hatred and racism.
Ulster Unionist party leader and Northern Ireland health minister Mike Nesbitt also condemned the display “without reservation,” calling the image “sickening” and “entirely out of step with what is supposed to be a cultural celebration.”
The Democratic Unionist party, Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party, issued a statement opposing the use of effigies or provocative symbols on bonfires, saying such acts “are not part of the cultural tradition.” The party added: “These should be positive cultural celebrations and we support those within our community who wish to celebrate their culture peacefully.”
However, prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the bonfire display, arguing it was a form of political protest. He cited a European Court of Human Rights ruling that burning effigies could be considered “legitimate political expression.”
Bryson accused critics of hypocrisy, comparing the display to recent defences of performances by pro-unity rap group Kneecap.
In a social media post, the Moygashel Bonfire Association rejected claims of racism, saying the display was meant to protest illegal immigration. “This year’s bonfire ‘topper’ should not be seen as racist, threatening or offensive,” the group wrote. “We believe this unfettered invasion is the biggest threat to the UK since Adolf Hitler.”
This is not the first time Moygashel’s bonfires have drawn controversy. In 2024, a mock police car was burned on the same site, raising concerns in a region where police officers have historically been frequent targets.
Separately, the PSNI refused to help remove another bonfire in south Belfast earlier this week, despite safety concerns about asbestos and its proximity to an electricity substation that powers two hospitals. The police said after reviewing the risks, they decided not to intervene.
The July 12 bonfire tradition continues to be a flashpoint in Northern Ireland’s divided society, even decades after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought an end to most sectarian violence.
(with inputs from agencies)
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A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance.
A PROPOSED 10-day Hindu festival in Wembley, north London, has drawn objections over concerns about noise and disruption in the area.
Asian Events Media (AEM) has applied to Brent Council to host the Navratri celebration at Alperton Studios from September 22 to October 1, according to The London Standard.
The event would run from 6pm to 11pm on weekdays and until midnight on weekends.
A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance. The notice remains in place.
Brent Council’s Planning Enforcement Manager (PEM) said granting the licence would “facilitate the criminal act of breaching [the notice]” and described the building as unsuitable for such events due to lack of soundproofing.
A local resident said last year’s noise was “loud and constant”, leading them to miss work. However, AEM said the previous organisers “were not professional” and blamed poor speaker placement and equipment choices.
AEM pointed to a previous event in Barham Park that drew no complaints and said they are “very, very strict” with sound levels.
The application will be reviewed by Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee on July 14.
The London Standard reported that neither the police nor the council’s Licensing Enforcement Officer have objected.
PAKISTAN’S army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday (7) rejected Delhi’s allegation that his military received active support from longtime ally China in its conflict with India in May.
The Indian Army’s deputy chief, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, said last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions.
Singh did not elaborate on how India knew about the live inputs from China.
Regarding the possibility of China providing satellite imagery or other real-time intelligence, India’s chief of defence staff had said such imagery was commercially available and could have been procured from China or elsewhere.
The “insinuations regarding external support” are “irresponsible and factually incorrect”, Munir said in an address to graduating officers of the national security and war course in Islamabad, according to an army statement.
Pakistani officials have previously dismissed allegations of receiving active support from China in the conflict.
Beijing and Islamabad have longstanding close relations, with billions of dollars of Chinese investment in the country’s energy and infrastructure.
India’s relationship with China meanwhile was strained after a 2020 border clash that sparked a four-year military standoff, but tensions began to ease after the countries reached a pact to step back in October.
India and Pakistan used missiles, drones and artillery fire during the four days of fighting in May – their worst in decades – triggered by an attack in April on tourists in Indian Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, before agreeing to a ceasefire.
Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack in April.
Singh also added that Turkey provided key support to Pakistan during the fighting, equipping it with Bayraktar and “numerous other” drones, as well as “trained individuals”.
Ankara has strong ties with Islamabad, and had expressed solidarity with it during the clash, prompting Indians to boycott everything from Turkish coffee to holidays in the country.
Turkey’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the allegations.