A government survey will reveal for the first time the extent of child labour in deadly mica mines in eastern India, and campaigners plan to use the results to pressure companies to end the practice in their supply chains.
A Thomson Reuters Foundation investigation in 2016 found children dying in crumbling, illegal mines for the mineral that puts the sparkle in make-up and car paint - but their deaths were covered up.
Now, India's National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has completed a survey of children working in mines throughout Jharkhand and parts of Bihar states, although officials said the results are not ready to be made public.
"Admitting an issue is the first step toward tackling it," said Bhuwan Ribhu of the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF), which has partnered with the Jharkhand state government to end child labour in mines.
"Multinationals are aware of child labour in mica mines, but once this data is out, we will push the companies to act," he added.
His charity has rescued nearly 3,400 children from the mines since 2005 and placed them in schools. It estimated in 2016 that 20,000 children were working in the mica mining regions of Jharkhand and neighbouring Bihar.
But inadequate data meant that those working to free the children were forced to approach the job somewhat haphazardly.
"There was always a question mark on the extent of the problem," Ribhu said.
Earlier this year, the children's commission and the Jharkhand government recruited teachers and childcare workers to determine how many children were out of school and working in mines.
"This data will help to create a pathway and an action plan to eliminate child labour in actual terms," said Priyank Kanoongo, head of the commission.
CORPORATE INACTION
Campaigners say the survey results will provide evidence of child labour, which should put pressure on multinational corporations that source mica from India to clean up their supply chains.
The revelation in 2016 that children were dying prompted some companies to pledge action to end the practice.
But children are still working and dying, according to KSCF, which documented two deaths this year.
Campaigners say deaths are probably even more numerous as bodies are often not recovered from the rubble, or they are quickly cremated by mine operators.
Much hope lies with the Paris-based Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI), which was set up in 2016 to eliminate child labour and improve working conditions in Indian mica mines within five years.
But campaigners say progress has been slow, with too few corporations signing on.
"It is an unwillingness on the part of the corporates and lack of knowledge among traders and the local community, that compounds the issue," said Ribhu.
Eight companies joined RMI this year, bringing the total to 47, according to executive director Fanny Fremont. Five of them are India-based processing companies rather than multinational buyers of mica.
The RMI is "seeking a more strong and active support from automotive and electronics (biggest purchaser of mica in 2015 at 26 percent) industries, which are the most significant users of mica," she said by email.
While cosmetics firms such as Estee Lauder, L'Oréal and Chanel are RMI members, the organisation has no automotive brands and only one - Philips - from the electronics industry, Fremont said.
MINING BOOM
India is one of the world's largest producers of the silver-coloured mineral found in a list of consumer goods from make-up and car paint, to electronics and construction materials.
Once boasting over 700 mines with over 20,000 workers, the industry was hit by a 1980 legislation to limit deforestation and the discovery of substitutes for natural mica, forcing most mines to close due to cost and stringent environmental rules.
But renewed interest in mica, spurred by China's economic boom and a global craze for "natural" cosmetics, saw illegal operators scurry to abandoned mines, creating a lucrative black market.
In one of the poorest regions of India, children as young as five are part of an opaque supply chain, their small hands ideal to pick and sort the valued mineral.
Fremont said the RMI has initiated programmes to eradicate child labour by improving access to education, healthcare and government welfare schemes for 2,500 households Jharkhand and Bihar.
The RMI's projects in India are funded by its corporate members, but contributions have not met the 1.5 million euros the organisation said it hoped to raise in 2018.
The RMI has managed to raise just under 800,000 euros this year, up from 400,000 euros last year Fremont said.
Campaigners say the numbers show a lack of support for the initiative, while government promises have also fallen short.
The government of Jharkhand has previously announced plans to make all mica mines legal in order to better address labour abuses, which campaigners said did not have much impact.
State officials say the new survey will give them the data boost they need to take action.
"Every child matters to us," said Sunil Kumar Barnwal, principal secretary to Jharkhand's chief minister. "The objective is to solve the issue."
40% of participants in a new study said food affects their sleep
Dairy and sweets were linked to worse sleep and more disturbing dreams
Fruit, herbal tea and vegetables were associated with better sleep quality
Authors suggest that lactose intolerance may play a role in dream disturbance
A recent study has explored how food may influence sleep and dreaming, with some participants reporting that certain items — particularly dairy and sweets — disrupted their rest and contributed to nightmares.
Study looked at food, sleep and dreams
The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology on Monday, analysed responses from 1,082 college-aged participants who completed online surveys between January and April 2023. The survey asked about over a dozen food categories, including dairy, meat, fruit, desserts, and spicy foods.
According to the findings, 40.2% of respondents said their eating habits had an impact on their sleep. About 25% stated that at least one food group made their sleep worse, while 20% said that some foods improved it.
Among the foods most commonly associated with disrupted sleep were dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese), desserts and sweets, and spicy dishes. On the other hand, fruit, vegetables, and herbal tea were most often credited with improving sleep quality.
Dairy and sweets linked to disturbing dreams
When asked about the effect of food on dreaming, 5.5% of participants said they noticed a link. Of those, 31% said desserts and sweets triggered nightmares, while 22% blamed dairy.
The study’s authors noted that while the data is based on self-reported experiences and may lack scientific proof, previous research does support the possibility that food can influence sleep patterns.
They added that the connection between dairy and negative dream experiences could be due to gastrointestinal symptoms in people with lactose intolerance, such as bloating or cramps, which may disrupt sleep and affect dream quality.
Limitations of the study
The authors acknowledged potential limitations in their findings. All participants were university students enrolled in psychology courses, meaning they may have had prior knowledge of related topics that could have influenced their responses.
Despite this, the research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that what we eat may affect not only how well we sleep, but how we dream.
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Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas attended Day 3 of Wimbledon 2025
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas attended day 3 of Wimbledon 2025 on 2 July, joining a host of celebrities at the iconic London event.
The couple were spotted smiling and sharing a rare PDA moment inside the exclusive Parkside Suite at No. 1 Court.
Priyanka also posed with John Cena, her co-star from Heads of State, which hit cinemas a day earlier on 1 July.
Their London appearance comes after a private date night and screening for the Amazon Prime Video action-thriller.
Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and musician Nick Jonas made a striking appearance at Wimbledon 2025 on Tuesday, 2 July, as they joined a string of celebrities on day 3 of the world-famous tennis tournament. The couple turned heads in coordinated outfits and shared a rare display of affection while seated in the elite Parkside Suite at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas photographed at the Wimbledon 2025Getty Images
Priyanka Chopra shares Wimbledon moment with Nick Jonas and John Cena
Chopra, dressed in a crisp white sleeveless shirt dress with an A-line cut, matched the classic Wimbledon dress code, while Jonas looked polished in a double-breasted navy blazer, light blue shirt and white trousers. The duo, who live in New York with their daughter Malti, were seen smiling, chatting and holding hands as they watched the match.
Adding to the buzz, Priyanka was also photographed catching up with her Heads of State co-star John Cena. Their action-packed political thriller, also featuring Idris Elba and Jack Quaid, premiered in London just a day earlier on 1 July. In the film, Chopra plays a skilled MI6 agent trying to protect the US President and British Prime Minister amidst a global crisis.
John Cena, Shay Shariatzadeh, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas at Wimbledon 2025Getty Images
Familiar faces return to Wimbledon
Priyanka and Nick are no strangers to the Wimbledon spotlight. The couple attended the event last year too, with Jonas later sharing a sweet photo captioned, “Beautiful day out at the tennis with my ❤️.” Other stars spotted this year included Leslie Mann, Dominic Cooper, Tom Daley and Dave Grohl, adding a celebrity buzz to day 3 of the tournament.
Just hours before their Wimbledon outing, the couple attended a special screening of Heads of State in London. Chopra opted for a dramatic brown fringe dress and wore her hair in a sleek bun with curtain bangs, while Jonas kept it sharp in a navy suit.
Ilya Naishuller, Priyanka Chopra and John Cena attend the special screening for "Head of State" Getty Images
Priyanka on balancing fame and family
In an earlier interview, Chopra opened up about shielding her three-year-old daughter Malti from the public eye. “I’ve developed a tough hide when people talk about me,” she said. “But it’s so painful when they talk about my daughter… this chapter of my life is about her too.” The actress has been selective about appearances, balancing a high-profile career with family time.
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Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh told him he could not even say a line properly on Sarkar set
Abhishek Bachchan said he was “petrified” during his first scene with Amitabh Bachchan in Sarkar.
After the shoot, Amitabh scolded him in the car, saying, “Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe.”
The 2005 political thriller marked their first major film together.
Abhishek will next be seen in Kaalidhar Laapata, premiering on 4 July on Zee5.
Abhishek Bachchan has opened up about a nerve-wracking experience from the sets of Sarkar, where his father Amitabh Bachchan gave him a blunt lesson on acting after their very first scene together. Speaking in an interview, Abhishek recalled the tension and pressure he felt on the first day of the shoot back in 2004 and the silence that followed until a sharp comment from his dad shattered it.
Abhishek Bachchan reveals Amitabh crushed him with brutal remark during Sarkar shootGetty Images
Abhishek on filming Sarkar with Amitabh Bachchan
Sharing the memory, Abhishek said, “The first time we shot together was for Sarkar. Ramu [Ram Gopal Varma] said we’d do test shoots and then I could move on to Bunty Aur Babli. I was sweating and panicking. All I had to do was turn around and say ‘Ji?’ but I was shaking.”
That small scene turned into a big moment. After the shoot wrapped, Abhishek waited in his vanity van, hoping to leave after Amitabh. But instead, Amitabh came knocking, suggesting they head home together.
Amitabh Bachchan told me I cannot deliver dialogues Abhishek recalls painful Sarkar momentGetty Images
The silent car ride and a scolding to remember
According to Abhishek, the ride home was filled with complete silence. “He was just staring ahead. When we reached home and the staff got out, he finally turned to me and said, ‘Isiliye maine itne saal mehnat karke tumhe padhaya likhaya? Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe.’ I felt like I had killed someone. He just destroyed me.”
It was a moment that stayed with him, marking one of his earliest lessons in the industry from someone who demands nothing less than perfection, even if that someone is your father.
Abhishek Bachchan opens up about working with Amitabh Bachchan on SarkarGetty Images
A turning point in their on-screen journey
Sarkar, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, was released in 2005 and went on to become a major hit. Loosely inspired by The Godfather, the film featured Amitabh in a role of political power and Abhishek as his loyal son. The success of the film led to two sequels: Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017).
The real-life father-son dynamics added emotional depth to the film, especially considering how different they were from their on-screen relationship. While the characters bonded through unwavering loyalty, the reality behind the scenes was far more intense, at least in the beginning.
Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh humiliated him after one line went wrong on Sarkar setGetty Images
What’s next for Abhishek Bachchan
Now, 25 years into his acting career, Abhishek has carved his own path, gradually earning praise for performances in films like Guru, Manmarziyaan, and Dasvi. His next project, Kaalidhar Laapata, will premiere on Zee5 on 4 July.
Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh left him shaken after first scene together in Sarkar Getty Images
Though the early days were rocky, especially under the towering shadow of a legend like Amitabh Bachchan, this behind-the-scenes story shows just how seriously the Bachchans take their craft, and how a tough first lesson may have set the tone for Abhishek’s journey in cinema.
Have you ever noticed dark patches or a musty smell wafting from your bathroom ceiling? You’re not alone. Mold is a silent intruder in many homes, especially in humid areas like bathrooms, where ventilation is poor. It’s not just unsightly—it can also trigger health problems, particularly for young children, elders, and those with asthma or allergies.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to get mold off bathroom ceiling areas effectively and safely. We’ll also explore what causes mold on bathroom ceiling surfaces and how families—especially in multi-generational or apartment-style homes—can prevent it from coming back.
What Causes Mold on Bathroom Ceilings?
To understand how to tackle mold, we first need to understand why it appears.
Mold spores are always around us, but they need the right conditions to grow. Bathrooms often check all the boxes:
Excess humidity from hot showers or baths
Poor airflow or no ventilation
Ceiling moisture due to condensation
Infrequent cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach places.
Fact: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to indoor mold can lead to respiratory infections, sinus issues, and worsen asthma symptoms.
How to Get Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling: Step-by-Step
You don’t need harsh chemicals to remove mold effectively. Many families prefer natural, affordable solutions.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda
A spray bottle
Scrub brush or old toothbrush
Protective gear (gloves, goggles, face mask).
Step 2: Apply a Natural Cleaning Solution
Spray white vinegar directly onto the moldy area. Let it sit for 1 hour. For tough patches, sprinkle baking soda on top and scrub gently with a brush.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Wipe the area with warm water and a clean cloth. Make sure it dries fully—use a fan or open windows if possible.
Step 4: Repeat Weekly Until Gone
Even small mold spots can spread. Repeat the process weekly until the area stays clear for good.
Is Mold on the Ceiling Dangerous?
While not all molds are toxic, even common household types can cause:
Allergic reactions (sneezing, skin rashes)
Respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing)
Long-term complications for people with weak immune systems.
South Asian households, where multiple generations often share space, should be particularly mindful—protecting young children and elders is key.
How to Prevent Mold From Coming Back
Knowing how to get mold off bathroom ceiling is just one part of the solution. Prevention is the real game-changer.
Improve Ventilation
The biggest culprit in mold formation is poor ventilation. Install or upgrade your bathroom’s airflow system. Aceiling extactor fan can help remove excess moisture and prevent ceiling condensation from forming.
Keep Humidity Levels Below 60%
Use a hygrometer to measure humidity. If it’s too high:
Open windows after showers
Run a dehumidifier
Leave the door open when not in use.
Wipe Down Surfaces Daily
Ceilings may not be easy to reach, but routine cleaning—even with a mop or long-handled cloth—can make a difference.
Use Mold-Resistant Paint
If you’re renovating or repainting, choose paints with mold-inhibiting properties for extra protection.
Cultural Considerations: Mold in Multi-Generational Homes
Many families in the South Asian community live in homes where bathrooms are shared among multiple people. With daily hot showers, cooking steam from nearby kitchens, and limited airflow, mold can form quickly.
Sharing preventive responsibilities—like switching on fans, wiping surfaces, and airing out the room—can help keep everyone healthy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to get mold off bathroom ceiling areas is a practical life skill, especially for new homeowners or renters in humid environments. By tackling both the symptoms and the root causes—like poor airflow and ceiling moisture—you can create a safer, healthier home.
Prevention is always better than a cure, and with tools like a ceiling extractor fan, natural cleaning agents, and consistent habits, mold doesn’t stand a chance.
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Users were quick to turn to alternative social media platforms to express frustration
Over 200 user reports flag issues with X (formerly Twitter)
“Twitter down” trends as users turn to other platforms to share complaints
DownDetector confirms spike in outage data within 10-minute window
Site monitors disruptions in real-time using user reports and online signals
The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, experienced a wave of user-reported problems on Tuesday, with hundreds posting complaints online under the trending phrase “Twitter down”.
Outage reports spike on DownDetector
According to monitoring website DownDetector, 214 reports were registered within a 10-minute span. The surge in complaints points to a likely service disruption, although no official comment has yet been made by X.
Users were quick to turn to alternative social media platforms to express frustration. One user wrote: “Twitter is down again,” echoing a sentiment shared widely online.
What is DownDetector?
DownDetector is an independent platform that tracks service outages across major digital services, including X, Instagram, Facebook, and Virgin Media. It identifies potential problems when report numbers exceed expected levels for that time of day.
In addition to direct user submissions, the site also gathers data from social media and other sources to confirm issues in real time.
Once an incident is detected, users can view which functions are most affected and whether the issue is isolated to specific regions. A live map highlights potential outage hotspots.
The service describes itself as a tool “for when services don’t work”, encouraging users to contribute their experiences to help track wider disruptions.
As “Twitter down” trends again, affected users are urged to monitor status updates through reliable channels like DownDetector while the platform works to restore normal service.