Category Archives: News

FSSAI Directs Food Businesses to Use Corrosion-Free Knives to Prevent Food Contamination

June 18: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory to all food businesses across the country, instructing them to ensure the use of corrosion-free, food-grade knives and blades in all food handling and packaging operations.

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The regulator has emphasized that tools used in food preparation must be safe, hygienic, and free from rust or corrosion, as deteriorated equipment can increase the risk of food contamination and compromise consumer health.

FSSAI has directed food business operators to regularly inspect kitchen tools and replace any damaged or unsafe equipment without delay. The advisory is aimed at strengthening hygiene standards and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations across restaurants, food processing units, and other food service establishments.

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the food safety authority to improve public health protection and reinforce safe food handling practices nationwide.

Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Ready for Diamond League Season Opener

New Delhi, June 18: Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra is set to return to Diamond League action, confirming his participation in the season opener after finalizing his decision a week ago.

The Olympic and world champion expressed his readiness to compete against some of the world’s leading athletes as he begins another important season on the international athletics circuit. His return marks a significant moment for Indian athletics fans, who will be closely following his performance in the prestigious competition series.

Chopra’s participation in the season opener is expected to provide valuable competitive exposure as he builds momentum for major global events scheduled later in the year. Known for his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stages, he remains one of the most prominent figures in international javelin throw.

The Diamond League serves as a key platform for elite track and field athletes, offering high-level competition and an opportunity to gauge form against world-class opponents. Chopra’s return is anticipated to generate considerable interest among athletics enthusiasts both in India and abroad.

As he embarks on the new season, expectations remain high for the Indian star, whose achievements have played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of athletics across the country.

Tata Motors Revises Commercial Vehicle Prices Amid Rising Input Costs

Mumbai, June 18:Tata Motors has announced a price increase of up to 2.5% across its commercial vehicle range, effective from July, as the company seeks to partially offset rising input and operational costs.

The price revision will apply across various commercial vehicle models and variants, with the exact increase varying depending on the product category and specifications. The company said the adjustment is necessary to address continued cost pressures impacting the automotive manufacturing sector.

Tata Motors remains focused on delivering innovative and reliable mobility solutions while maintaining operational efficiency and product quality. The company emphasized that the price increase is a measured step aimed at balancing business sustainability with customer value.

The announcement comes amid broader industry efforts to manage fluctuations in raw material prices, supply chain expenses, and other operational costs. Despite these challenges, demand for commercial vehicles continues to be supported by infrastructure development, logistics expansion, and economic activity across key sectors.

Customers planning vehicle purchases are advised to check with authorized dealerships for updated pricing and model-specific details before the revised rates take effect in July.

Metro Expansion Accelerates Urban Connectivity Across Gujarat

Gujarat, June 18: Gujarat’s rapidly expanding metro rail network is transforming urban mobility, providing residents with faster, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation options across the state’s major cities.

The ongoing expansion of metro services is improving connectivity between key residential, business, educational, and industrial districts, significantly reducing travel times and easing pressure on congested road networks. As urban populations continue to grow, metro infrastructure is emerging as a critical component of Gujarat’s long-term transportation strategy.

The enhanced metro network is not only improving daily commuting experiences but also contributing to reduced vehicular emissions and greater urban sustainability. Modern stations, improved accessibility, and seamless integration with other modes of transport are helping make public transit more convenient and attractive for citizens.

State authorities have emphasized that continued investment in metro infrastructure will support economic growth, promote sustainable urban development, and strengthen connectivity across rapidly expanding metropolitan regions.

With new routes and extensions being added, Gujarat’s metro systems are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of urban transportation, delivering faster, safer, and more reliable journeys for millions of commuters.

President Murmu Highlights Tribal Communities’ Deep Connection with Nature

New Delhi, June 18: President Droupadi Murmu lauded India’s tribal communities for their deep-rooted connection with nature and their commitment to preserving human values, emphasizing their vital role in promoting sustainable living and cultural heritage.

Speaking at a recent event, the President highlighted that tribal societies have long demonstrated a balanced and respectful relationship with the environment, offering valuable lessons in conservation, community living, and responsible resource use.

President Murmu noted that tribal traditions embody principles of coexistence, mutual respect, and social harmony, which remain highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. She emphasized that their indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices contribute significantly to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

The President also underscored the importance of empowering tribal communities through education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and inclusive development initiatives while preserving their unique cultural identities.

Calling tribal communities an integral part of India’s social and cultural fabric, President Murmu urged society to recognize and learn from their sustainable way of life and enduring human values.

The remarks reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare, empowerment, and holistic development of tribal populations while celebrating their contributions to the nation’s heritage and environmental sustainability.

Centre Clears 8.25 pc EPF Interest Rate for FY26, Payout Process to Begin Shortly

New Delhi, June 18: The Government of India has officially ratified an annual interest rate of 8.25% on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for FY2025-26, paving the way for the interest amount to be credited to the accounts of more than 7 crore EPF subscribers across the country.

The approval follows recommendations by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and ensures continued attractive returns for millions of salaried employees contributing to the retirement savings scheme.

With the ratification now in place, EPFO is expected to initiate the process of crediting the approved interest to members’ accounts in the coming weeks. The move reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding the long-term financial security of India’s workforce.

The EPF scheme remains one of the country’s most widely used retirement savings instruments, offering stable and tax-efficient returns to subscribers. The 8.25% rate maintains EPF’s position as a competitive savings avenue amid evolving market conditions.

Industry observers note that the timely crediting of interest will benefit millions of workers by enhancing their retirement corpus and strengthening confidence in India’s social security framework.

Commercial Energy Storage in India Projected to Expand More Than 30 Times by 2032

New Delhi, June 18: India’s commercial energy storage sector is poised for exponential growth, with deployments projected to increase by more than 30 times by 2032, signaling a major shift in the country’s energy infrastructure landscape.

The rapid scale-up is being driven by the accelerating integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which require advanced storage systems to ensure grid stability and reliable power supply. As India continues its transition toward a low-carbon energy ecosystem, commercial and utility-scale battery storage is expected to play a central role.

Industry analysts suggest that falling battery costs, supportive government policies, and increasing investments in clean energy infrastructure are collectively fueling this growth trajectory. The expansion is also closely tied to rising electricity demand, electrification of transport, and the need for peak load management across industrial and commercial sectors.

By 2032, commercial energy storage systems are expected to become a foundational pillar of India’s power sector, enabling greater flexibility, efficiency, and resilience in the national grid.

Experts note that this growth represents not just an infrastructure upgrade but a structural transformation of how energy is generated, stored, and consumed in India.

India’s CAD Seen Rising to 2.2 pc of GDP in FY27 Amid Elevated Crude Oil Prices

Madagascar and Zanzibar Announce New National Shark and Ray Protections at Our Ocean Conference

MOMBASA, KENYA, June 18: At a side event this evening at the Our Ocean Conference, the governments of Madagascar and Zanzibar announced sweeping new national protections for sharks and rays, marking the latest milestone in a decade of conservation progress across East Africa.

Sharks and rays are experiencing one of the fastest extinction crises of any vertebrate group on Earth—more than 37 percent of species are now threatened with extinction, driven largely by overfishing and an international trade that, for decades, went largely unregulated. Over the last decade major gains in international management of these species have begun to change the trajectory for these species, and we’re now seeing countries implement these protections at a national and local level.

“Sharks are an essential part of healthy ocean ecosystems,” said Luke Warwick, Senior Director of WCS’s Threatened Marine Species program. “This rapidly accelerating global framework of laws, coupled to enforcement and local level conservation action gives us hope we can end the declines of the last half century, and start these ancient predators on the long road to recovery.”

Madagascar announced it will offer full national protection for 14 species of sharks and rays under the country’s Wild Fauna Decree, including the Critically Endangered oceanic whitetip shark, as well as whale sharks and iconic manta rays. Zanzibar also announced full protection for 34 species in its coastal waters, including hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and the endemic Zanzibar guitarfish. 

“The actions taken by the Madagascar government to protect these species, among other positive actions, comes at a time when sharks and rays need conservation efforts more than ever,” said Ravaka Ranaivoson, Partnership and Program Development Director for WCS Madagascar. “This highlights Madagascar’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of its marine resources.”

As recently as a decade ago, the global trade in sharks and rays was largely unregulated, and these species were fast running out of time. Today, that trade has rules, those rules are being enforced, and governments around the world are writing them into national law via species protections and the inclusion of shark specific conservation measures in fisheries and protected area laws and designations. The announcements from Madagascar and Zanzibar are the latest proof that momentum, once built, continues to grow.

Today’s announcements build on past successes and three years of historic global progress. At CITES CoP20 in November 2025, countries adopted every shark and ray proposal on the table, listing more than 70 species and bringing 96 percent of the global shark fin trade and 70 percent of shark and ray meat trade under international regulation for the first time. In total, 180 species are now listed under CITES, with 33 carrying a full commercial trade ban.

“From global decisions to local action on the water, the scale and pace of progress in shark conservation is truly remarkable,” said John Mandelman, Executive Director, Shark Conservation Fund. “Yet threatened sharks and rays, and the habitats they depend on, still require the strongest protections. Together, these efforts are creating an essential pathway toward recovery.”

The announcements were made at a private reception entitled “Celebrating a Decade of Shark Conservation in East Africa: Profiles of Shark Champions,” hosted by Shark Conservation Fund in partnership with the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar, and supported by WCS.

Monsoon Rains Ease India’s Peak Power Demand as Cooling Load Drops

New Delhi, June 18: India’s peak electricity demand has eased in recent days as the onset of monsoon rains across several regions has reduced the use of cooling appliances, particularly air conditioners, officials and industry data indicated.

The moderation in demand comes after a period of high summer consumption, when elevated temperatures had pushed electricity usage to record levels in multiple parts of the country. With rainfall improving weather conditions, residential and commercial cooling loads have declined, leading to a temporary easing of pressure on the power grid.

Officials said the seasonal transition has helped stabilise supply conditions, with lower demand during monsoon months typically allowing for better grid management and reduced peak load stress.

Power sector experts noted that while monsoon-related demand softening provides short-term relief, electricity consumption is expected to gradually stabilise again as industrial activity and agricultural power usage continue during the season.

They added that grid operators remain alert to regional fluctuations in demand, especially during periods of uneven rainfall distribution and humidity-driven consumption spikes.

The power system continues to be monitored closely to ensure uninterrupted supply, with authorities maintaining readiness to manage any sudden changes in demand patterns.