India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: The Hyderabad Police have uncovered a racket of artificial ripening of fruits in the city. A 32-year-old fruit trader, Kunal Nokatwale was arrested following a raid near Balkishan Mandir in Chudi Bazar on April 3. During the raids, the Goshamahal Police Station found the trader using the "Diamond Ripe - Ethylene Ripener" to ripen mangoes quickly, and then selling them in the market. The team seized 4 seized packets of the artificial ripener and at least 25 other lose packets. They also seized 200 kgs of mangoes from the trader. What are the norms for using artificial ripeners? According to the food safety norms, only 5 sachets of ethylene ripener can be used for 20 kgs of mangoes. But the accused was using 6 sachets for every 20 kg tray, said a report in NDTV, quoting food safety inspectors. This meant that he had crossed the limit set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The trader has been charged under relevant sections of the law. He has been booked for food adulteration, cheating and endangering public health. The publication quoted, B Sravan Kumar, SHO of Goshamahal Police Station as saying, "The accused was using more chemicals than the permitted limit to ripen mangoes quickly and make illegal profit. Such acts can put people's health at risk. We will continue strict checks in markets and storage points." The case comes at a time, when the mango season has just begun in India and Hyderabad markets are filled with the fruit. Police and the food safety inspectors have warned the public against artificially ripened mangoes. They said that some traders are overusing the ethylene ripener to make the fruits look extremely bright yellow in colour. The Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, CP Sajjanar has appealed to the public to be careful, while buying the fruits. He said that artificially ripened fruits might look good from outside, but can be very harmful from inside, when consumed. He asked people to be really careful while buying mangoes from the market this summer season. How can people differentiate between artificially ripened mangoes and those naturally ripened? Officials said that the buyers can easily differentiate between artificially ripened mangoes and those that are naturally ripened. They said that artificially ripened mangoes, which use chemicals, have a uniform colour throughout and give a strong smell. The mangoes where chemicals have not been used, have an uneven colour and almost no smell, they said. The artificially ripened fruits can cause problems like throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. If consumed for a long period of time, this may also impact the nervous system and cause breathing difficulties in people.
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): In a move to uphold animal welfare and maintain public hygiene, the Delhi Government has issued a strict advisory against the illegal killing and sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals during the Bakra-Eid on June 7, a release said. The advisory issued by the Delhi Government outlines strict guidelines to ensure lawful and hygienic practices during Bakra Eid. Also Read | Chinnaswamy Stampede: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Suspends Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, Orders Arrest of Representative of RCB and Others After FIR. It m ...Read More >
New Delhi: Any non-compliance with food safety protocols will be viewed with utmost seriousness, potentially leading to severe action, said Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO G Kamalavardhana Rao to the representatives of leading e-commerce platforms in a meeting here on Tuesday. The focus of the meeting was to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices throughout the entire e-commerce food supply chain. During the deliberations, he issued several crucial directives to the e-commerce platforms. He directed all e-commerce entities to prominently display their FSSAI lice ...Read More >
SHIVAMOGGA: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to inaugurate the bridge across Sharavathi backwaters between Ambargodlu and Kalasavalli on National Highway 369E on Monday. The much-anticipated cable-stayed bridge over the Sharavathi backwaters is the longest in the state and second longest in the country, stretching 2.44 km. Built at Rs 472 crore, it will improve connectivity to several villages in Sagar and Hosanagara taluks, as well as to popular temples like Sigandur Chowdeshwari and Kollur Mookambike. The bridge was built to address long-standing co ...Read More >
Hong Kong, December 3, (ANI): Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, i ...Read More >
Hong Kong: Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, interviewed by Radio ...Read More >
Kalpetta: DMO Dr T Mohandas advised caution in Wayanad after Nipah has been confirmed in Malappuram district. In the sample tests conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research in the previous years, it was found that the fruit bats in the district had developed antibodies against Nipah virus. However, caution has been advised as the risk of Nipah is more during the reproductive season of the fruit bats. The medical officer stated that all the health centres have been urged to observe the symptoms and report them promptly. Nipah symptoms Severe headache along with fever, throat pain, mu ...Read More >
This is a Mint Premium article gifted to you. Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The debate on laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products may soon be settled, with the issue reaching India's apex food regulator, three people aware of the development said. The development comes in the backdrop of concerns about public health, food security and ecological sustainability. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a regulatory framework for plant-based protein products, manufacturers and sellers of fermentation-derived and cultivated protein ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Lucknow: A man accused of raping a three-year-old girl died in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh police in Lucknow on Friday, a day after a complaint was registered against him. The accused was identified as Deepak Verma. After receiving the complaint, the police formed five teams and launched a manhunt operation to nab Kumar. Kumar was initially injured in the gunfight. However, he succumbed to injuries during treatment. "Accused Deepak Verma, who was injured in an encounter with the Police, has died during treatment," DCP Central Lucknow Ashish Srivastava told news agency ANI. The girl was a ...Read More >
The CM's reaction came to the DCP (Vidhana Soudha security) letter written before the event warning against holding felicitations at Vidhana Soudha 'hastily', surfaced now Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday defended the decision to go ahead with the RCB victory celebration in front of Vidhana Soudha, saying no untoward incident happened there. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "The police department did not give comprehensive information about the police security arrangements at the ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 27: In a significant boost to India's horticultural exports, the Centre's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the flagging off of the first consignment of one metric tonne of rose-scented litchi from Punjab's Pathankot to Doha in Qatar, according to an official statement issued on Friday. In addition, 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was also exported to Dubai, UAE, from Pathankot this week, marking a twin export achievement and reinforcing India's potential in global fresh fruit markets. This milestone initiative, undertake ...Read More >
Berhampur: Health officials on Wednesday said the situation in Ganjam district's Ustapalli and S Mardarajpur villages, where several suspected diarrhoea cases were reported, is under control.While at least 20 people allegedly suffered from the water-borne disease and two died in Ustapalli since Saturday, eight were affected by suspected acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) in S Mardarajpur on Tuesday. "Except six persons from Ustapalli, who are undergoing treatment in MKCG Medical College and Hospital, all other patients of both villages have been cured. The condition of all the patients is stable," ...Read More >
Hyderabad: At least five people have died and 15 others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming adulterated toddy from three compounds in Kukatpally and KPHB since Monday night. While police officially confirmed one death, hospital sources and the victims' families claim the toll is higher. The deceased include Seetharam, 47, a mason from Sriramnagar Colony, and Swaroopa, 61, a housewife from Hydernagar. Police have not released the names of two others suspected to have died at Kukatpally. Seetharam had consumed toddy on Monday evening and began vomiting soon after. He was declared ...Read More >
Ludhiana, Jul 10 (PTI) In a shocking incident, the body of a 30-year-old woman was found stuffed in a sack, allegedly dumped by two men near Aarti Chowk here, police said on Thursday. The woman, Reshma from Lucknow, was allegedly strangled to death by her in-laws, and her body was dumped on the roadside. Joint Commissioner of Police Rupinder Singh said three persons, Reshma's in-laws and a relative, have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder. The accused have been identified as Krishan (father-in-law), Dulari (mother-in-law) and a relative, Ajay. The incident came to light on ...Read More >
NEW DELHI : The idiom advising one not to compare apples and oranges is a cliché -- a figurative expression that a fruit lover can safely ignore. But anyone with an interest in the origin, spread, popularity, and market dynamics of a fruit or a vegetable can and must draw comparisons. In that spirit of enquiry, one may compare apples and mangoes, more so as they appear to be headed in different directions. Apples are vying for eternal glory, while mangoes are in tatters. Sample these numbers: In 2024-25, India's mango exports, including fresh fruit and pulp, were valued at just ₹1,150 crore. ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: A defiant Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday scaled the gates of the Naqshband Sahib graveyard to pay tributes to the 22 people killed by the Dogra army on July 13, 1931. The dramatic scene unfolded a day after Abdullah and several leaders of the National Conference and opposition parties were put under house arrest to prevent them from going to the graveyard to mark Martyrs' Day. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah took an autorickshaw from the Khanyar crossing to the martyrs memorial while Minister for Education Sakina Ittoo surprised everyone by r ...Read More >
Chittoor: Chittoor MP D Prasad Rao on Saturday underlined the need for strict adherence to the directives issued by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose top priority is the welfare of mango farmers. In a statement, the MP highlighted the importance of implementing the government's measures without deviation. He urged officials to ensure the reopening of mango pulp processing units and facilitate the purchase of Totapuri mangoes directly from farmers to prevent losses. The latter expressed his gratitude to Naidu for announcing a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.12,000 per tonne for Tot ...Read More >
New Delhi: India has dispatched its first-ever consignment of rose-scented litchis to Qatar, marking a significant step in its push to expand exports of high-value horticultural produce, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday. The shipment, comprising one tonne of the premium litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, was sent to Doha on 23 June, with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda). A smaller, half-tonne batch was simultaneously exported to Dubai. The fruit -- known for its delicate floral aroma and juicy sweetness -- has lon ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Highlighting a recent directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the establishment of 'sugar boards' in schools, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged states to support and implement the initiative to help curb excessive sugar consumption among schoolchildren and foster healthier dietary habits from an early age. The matter was discussed during the 47th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of the FSSAI, held on May 27. According to the FSSAI, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for urgent action against obesity ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
Agartala, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a bid to boost the farmers' income, in all 22 foreign improved varieties and 13 indigenous improved varieties of mango are being experimentally cultivated at the Horticulture and Research Centre, at Nagichara in West Tripura, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Sunday. Addressing the Monsoon Mango Fiesta-2025 at Narikel Kunj in Gandatwisa under tribal inhabited Dhalai district, the minister said that since the BJP government came to power in 2018, around 706 hectares of new area have been brought under mango cultivation throug ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 3: About 533 consumer complaints have been registered under the food and beverages category in the consumer commissions during the last two years, said the government on Tuesday. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, BL Verma, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, said that Uttar Pradesh registered the highest number of complaints (112), followed by Rajasthan (88), Haryana (57) and Kerala (51). Assam had three complaints -- the lowest --, while Chandigarh and Uttarakhand had four each. Verma informed that the Food Safety and Standards ...Read More >
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd's Dharavi distribution outlet -- a key supply node for quick-commerce platform Zepto -- after an inspection revealed serious breaches of food safety regulations. The inspection, conducted on Saturday by Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, was initiated at the directive of Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for FDA, and supervised by Joint Commissioner Mangesh Mane. The findings have raised pressing concerns about the handling and storage of food products at the facility, which ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): Emphasising the need for stringent regulation of food quality, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood urged both state and central food and drug authorities to closely monitor and regulate the standards of street and hotel food. Speaking at the World Food Safety Day programme organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at NIMHANS on Saturday, Dr Patil highlighted the serious health risks posed by unhygienic and adulterated food. 'Children and the elderly ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, delivered the keynote address at a special programme themed 'Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy' at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a release. JP Nadda said that a healthy India is necessary for Viksit Bharat, and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits, and lifestyle. Organized by the Food Safety an ...Read More >
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease.At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families.Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is c ...Read More >
CHENNAI: In a letter addressed to the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, Member of Parliament from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has highlighted the problems faced by mango farmers in the country, especially in Tamil Nadu. She underlined the decrease in demand for mango produce by the beverage manufacturing companies and to cut down GST charges. The letter explained that the mango farmers have been facing consistent losses over the past few years due to a significant reduction in the quantity of mango pulp used by beverage manufacturers. Ac ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has strengthened security arrangements across several districts including Lucknow, Sambhal, and Moradabad to ensure peace and avoid any disruption, as Muharram processions and the Kanwar Yatra are being held at the same time.Large crowds gathered for Muharram processions across different regions, while preparations for the Kanwar Yatra are also underway. Police personnel have been deployed in all sensitive areas, and surveillance is being carried out using drones and CCTV cameras.In SambhalDistrict Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya while speaking to ANI ...Read More >