September 1, 2026
Apples in 44°C heat? This engineer quit his corporate job to grow them in Maharashtra

Apples in 44°C heat? This engineer quit his corporate job to grow them in Maharashtra

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

When you think of apple orchards, Maharashtra is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand have long dominated India’s apple-growing landscape. Yet in Wakadi village near Shirdi, Maharashtra, engineer-turned-farmer Vikrant Kale has been growing apples despite summer temperatures touching 44°C. According to The Better India, Kale…

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NASA has tested a navigation system that lets satellites determine where they are without GPS by treating other spacecraft and debris as landmarks, while refining more than 200 object orbits in three days

NASA has tested a navigation system that lets satellites determine where they are without GPS by treating other spacecraft and debris as landmarks, while refining more than 200 object orbits in three days

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Starling tested GPS-free navigation using onboard cameras to track space objects. (Credit: NASA) NASA has tested a navigation system that allows satellites to determine their position without relying on GPS. Instead of depending on an external navigation network, the system uses other spacecraft and orbital debris as reference points to work out where a satellite…

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Russia prepares for ‘massive strikes’ against Ukraine’s energy facilities

Russia prepares for ‘massive strikes’ against Ukraine’s energy facilities

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Russia claimed the preparations are in response to Ukraine’s repeated attacks. Russian forces have begun preparations for what Moscow described as “massive strikes” against Ukraine’s energy facilities in response to attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure and the country’s energy sector, Russia’s Defence Ministry said Sunday.The ministry said Russian forces had also continued overnight to carry…

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Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief cleric of Kashmir, was criticized by the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit NEW DELHI: BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Sunday rejected Kashmir’s chief cleric chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s call for political parties to unite for the restoration of Article 370, saying there was “no question” of bringing back the constitutional provision.Thakur said Parliament had taken a “historic” constitutional decision to abrogate Article 370 and that the Supreme Court had subsequently upheld it. He accused the Mirwaiz of making statements that could disturb the peace that has returned to the Valley after years of violence.”Mirwaiz Umar Farooq needs to realize that Article 370 will not be reinstated. No political party, leader, or pressure group can undo the fundamental truth that Parliament has permanently buried Article 370,” Thakur said.He said attempts to revive the issue risked pushing Kashmir back into a period of political instability.”These kinds of statements are intended to incite people and disturb the tranquility of the Valley once more. This will never be permitted. The return of peace to Kashmir has come at a very high cost to the country. Thakur stated, “We cannot allow politically motivated statements to undermine or challenge the sacrifices made by our courageous security forces and civilians, including political workers who gave their lives for peace and democracy.”Thakur said people in Kashmir should not be pushed into another cycle of violence, shutdowns and unrest after having endured years of disruption.”Those who try to resurrect old fault lines need to realize that Kashmir has progressed. Our young people are looking for the chances to educate themselves, work, entrepreneurship, investment, and travel. “They don’t want to go back to a time, when violence dictated the future and shutdown calendars controlled their lives,” he added in the statement.Thakur said political parties were free to express their views within the Constitution, but argued that repeatedly seeking reversal of a constitutional decision upheld by the Supreme Court was futile.”Democracy gives the right to speak and participate, but democracy cannot be reduced to repeatedly demanding the reversal of a constitutional decision that has already been upheld by the highest court of the country,” he stated.He also reiterated the BJP’s position that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored at an appropriate time, while insisting that statehood and Article 370 were separate issues.”Statehood and Article 370 are clearly different. The government has declared that statehood would be restored at a suitable moment. However, there is no way that Article 370 could be reinstated,”. “Those who are causing confusion on this matter need are advised to stop misleading the public,” he stated.Earlier, Mirwaiz had criticised the National Conference government’s performance, saying its current position differed from commitments made during the 2024 Assembly elections.”The people’s rights have been taken away, Jammu & Kashmir has been split, and all of our legal and constitutional obligations have been totally disregarded,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWhile acknowledging that issues such as electricity, roads and development were important, Mirwaiz said they were secondary to what he described as the broader question concerning the status of Jammu and Kashmir.“ But I think these are secondary issues. The real issue is that the very existence of the people of Jammu & Kashmir is under threat. At this juncture, all political parties in J&K should not only raise their voice for the restoration of statehood but also seek the restoration of Article 370, which was the basis accession (with India),” he stated.Mirwaiz also alleged that the Union government had broken its commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir dating back to 1947, including constitutional guarantees.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reach123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief cleric of Kashmir, was criticized by the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit NEW DELHI: BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Sunday rejected Kashmir’s chief cleric chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s call for political parties to unite for the restoration of Article 370, saying there was “no question” of bringing back the constitutional provision.Thakur said Parliament had taken a “historic” constitutional decision to abrogate Article 370 and that the Supreme Court had subsequently upheld it. He accused the Mirwaiz of making statements that could disturb the peace that has returned to the Valley after years of violence.”Mirwaiz Umar Farooq needs to realize that Article 370 will not be reinstated. No political party, leader, or pressure group can undo the fundamental truth that Parliament has permanently buried Article 370,” Thakur said.He said attempts to revive the issue risked pushing Kashmir back into a period of political instability.”These kinds of statements are intended to incite people and disturb the tranquility of the Valley once more. This will never be permitted. The return of peace to Kashmir has come at a very high cost to the country. Thakur stated, “We cannot allow politically motivated statements to undermine or challenge the sacrifices made by our courageous security forces and civilians, including political workers who gave their lives for peace and democracy.”Thakur said people in Kashmir should not be pushed into another cycle of violence, shutdowns and unrest after having endured years of disruption.”Those who try to resurrect old fault lines need to realize that Kashmir has progressed. Our young people are looking for the chances to educate themselves, work, entrepreneurship, investment, and travel. “They don’t want to go back to a time, when violence dictated the future and shutdown calendars controlled their lives,” he added in the statement.Thakur said political parties were free to express their views within the Constitution, but argued that repeatedly seeking reversal of a constitutional decision upheld by the Supreme Court was futile.”Democracy gives the right to speak and participate, but democracy cannot be reduced to repeatedly demanding the reversal of a constitutional decision that has already been upheld by the highest court of the country,” he stated.He also reiterated the BJP’s position that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored at an appropriate time, while insisting that statehood and Article 370 were separate issues.”Statehood and Article 370 are clearly different. The government has declared that statehood would be restored at a suitable moment. However, there is no way that Article 370 could be reinstated,”. “Those who are causing confusion on this matter need are advised to stop misleading the public,” he stated.Earlier, Mirwaiz had criticised the National Conference government’s performance, saying its current position differed from commitments made during the 2024 Assembly elections.”The people’s rights have been taken away, Jammu & Kashmir has been split, and all of our legal and constitutional obligations have been totally disregarded,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWhile acknowledging that issues such as electricity, roads and development were important, Mirwaiz said they were secondary to what he described as the broader question concerning the status of Jammu and Kashmir.“ But I think these are secondary issues. The real issue is that the very existence of the people of Jammu & Kashmir is under threat. At this juncture, all political parties in J&K should not only raise their voice for the restoration of statehood but also seek the restoration of Article 370, which was the basis accession (with India),” he stated.Mirwaiz also alleged that the Union government had broken its commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir dating back to 1947, including constitutional guarantees.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reach123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief cleric of Kashmir, was criticized by the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit NEW DELHI: BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Sunday rejected Kashmir’s chief cleric chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s call for political parties to unite for the restoration of Article 370, saying there was “no question” of bringing back…

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HD: ‘Toxic’ box office collection Day 5 [LIVE]: Yash and Kiara Advani film eyes Rs 200 crore India net milestone

HD: ‘Toxic’ box office collection Day 5 [LIVE]: Yash and Kiara Advani film eyes Rs 200 crore India net milestone

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Yash’s much-anticipated gangster actioner ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is currently in its first Sunday at the box office. After opening to a massive Rs 101.10 crore net in India, the film has maintained a steady run through its first weekend.After collecting Rs 37.65 crore on Day 2, Rs 27.20…

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Weekly Career Horoscope, August 30 to September 05, 2026: Success, challenges, and breakthroughs; Know about your Career

Weekly Career Horoscope, August 30 to September 05, 2026: Success, challenges, and breakthroughs; Know about your Career

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

AriesA stalled conversation at work could finally start moving. You may also find yourself taking charge of something that technically wasn’t your responsibility but clearly needed leadership. This can increase your visibility with seniors. Entrepreneurs should follow up on older leads rather than concentrating entirely on new ones. Around midweek, avoid reacting too quickly to…

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Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns against a world driven entirely by profit: ‘Do we want …’

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns against a world driven entirely by profit: ‘Do we want …’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Zoho founder Sridhar Ve​mbu Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has raised questions about whether every part of human life should be driven by profit, arguing that modern economic thinking risks creating a “dystopian world” when activities such as farming, teaching and healthcare are viewed mainly through a commercial lens. In a post shared on X (formerly…

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Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge as East Zone’s stand-in captain in Duleep Trophy semifinal

Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge as East Zone’s stand-in captain in Duleep Trophy semifinal

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Screengrabs) Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took on a new responsibility on Sunday as he captained East Zone for the first time in senior first-class cricket during their Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone.15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who is normally East Zone’s vice-captain, stepped in after regular skipper Ishan Kishan was forced off the field with…

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‘Hamke lagaraha Spain’: Ravi Kishan’s remark on Gorakhpur leaves UP CM Yogi Adityanath in splits; watch

‘Hamke lagaraha Spain’: Ravi Kishan’s remark on Gorakhpur leaves UP CM Yogi Adityanath in splits; watch

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Credit: CM Yogi Adityanath/ YouTube GORAKHPUR: BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan on Saturday likened Gorakhpur to Spain while highlighting what he described as the city’s development.Kishan made the remarks while addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the newly constructed Kalyan Mandapam in Basharatpur, Gorakhpur.Speaking in Bhojpuri, Kishan said, “Hamke lagraha spain, hamke lagraha…

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3 Natural ingredients to clean dirty shoes at home: Easy ways to remove stains, dirt and bad odour without harsh chemicals

3 Natural ingredients to clean dirty shoes at home: Easy ways to remove stains, dirt and bad odour without harsh chemicals

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Scuffed white soles, grimy canvas sneakers, and shoes that carry a faint whiff no matter how many times they’ve been aired out- these are the kinds of problems that usually send people straight to a speciality shoe cleaner or a harsh commercial spray. As it turns out, three things already sitting in most kitchens and…

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Janmashtami 2026: 5 Things You Should Bring Home to Attract Krishna’s Blessings

Janmashtami 2026: 5 Things You Should Bring Home to Attract Krishna’s Blessings

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

In 2026, Krishna Janmashtami will be a heartfelt celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, filled with fervent devotion and meticulous preparations. Families will adorn their homes, preparing bhog while incorporating symbols that signify positivity and tranquility. The peacock feather expresses beauty devoid of arrogance, Krishnas flute embodies love and detachment from ego, while the Tulsi plant…

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Delhi’s MPD-2047 launched by DDA: From property rules to development norms, 10 key FAQs answered |

Delhi’s MPD-2047 launched by DDA: From property rules to development norms, 10 key FAQs answered |

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The plan unveiled in Delhi earlier this month in presence of union housing minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Master Plan for Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047), providing citizens, property owners, developers and other…

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A Colombian man struggling to build his own home helped create Lego-like bricks from recycled plastic; by 2015 the system was sheltering 42 displaced families and could build a 40-sq-m home in 5 days

A Colombian man struggling to build his own home helped create Lego-like bricks from recycled plastic; by 2015 the system was sheltering 42 displaced families and could build a 40-sq-m home in 5 days

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Houses with recycled plastic bricks in Colombia A Colombian architect has developed a construction system that turns discarded plastic and rubber into blocks for temporary and permanent homes. The blocks can be assembled and dismantled like lego without glue, cement or water, offering a cheaper alternative to traditional construction in rural areas.Fernando Llanos, who had…

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Inadequate packaging can increase the risk of contamination NEW DELHI: Nearly one in five food samples tested across India was found to be non-conforming in 2025-26, even as only 4.8% of food safety violations ended in convictions, highlighting gaps in enforcement and staffing across states, according to data analysed by Richa Gandhi.The share of non-conforming food samples has remained around 20% over the past five years, despite a steady rise in the number of samples tested. In 2025-26, authorities analysed 2,23,808 samples, of which 40,023 were found to be non-conforming.The proportion of non-conforming samples stood at 17.9% in 2025-26, down from 20.2% in 2024-25 and 19.8% in 2023-24. It had peaked at 25.1% in 2022-23.Food safety checks expose widespread violationsAt the same time, the conviction rate has gradually increased, rising from 2% in 2021-22 to 4.8% in 2025-26. However, monetary penalties remain the more common form of action against violators.UP finds highest share of violationsUttar Pradesh recorded the highest proportion of non-conforming samples among the states listed, with 52% of the nearly 40,000 samples tested in 2025-26 found to be non-conforming.The state analysed 39,519 samples and found 20,021 to be non-conforming.Haryana followed with 31%, while Jharkhand recorded 28%, Rajasthan 27%, Puducherry 22% and Himachal Pradesh 20%.Enforcement gaps raise concerns over food safetyTamil Nadu analysed the highest number of samples among the larger states, with nearly 45,000 tests, and also recorded the highest conviction rate among those states.Chandigarh recorded the highest conviction rate overall at 32.1%, followed by Tamil Nadu at 21.5%, Kerala at 17.7%, Haryana at 16% and Delhi at 14.7%.The data points to a sharp gap between the scale of food safety violations detected through testing and the number of cases that ultimately result in convictions.Testing reveals gaps in India’s food safety systemStaff shortage adds to enforcement challengeShortages in food safety personnel are another major constraint on monitoring and enforcement.Bihar has the largest gap among the states listed, with 91 of its 105 sanctioned food safety posts vacant. Jharkhand has 74 vacancies against 77 sanctioned posts, while Chhattisgarh has 70 vacancies against 125 posts.Shortages in food safety staff hamper monitoring and enforcement.Andhra Pradesh has 68 vacancies out of 145 sanctioned posts, followed by Uttarakhand with 65 vacancies out of 57 sanctioned posts, according to the data.Haryana has 57 vacancies against 367 sanctioned posts, while Odisha has 57 vacancies against 147. Tripura has 52 vacancies against 23 sanctioned posts, Manipur 50 against 34 and Sikkim 50 against four.The staffing gaps limit the ability of state authorities to regularly inspect establishments, collect samples and pursue violations through the enforcement process.Milk, dairy among frequently flagged foodsMilk and dairy products, ghee, spices, edible oils and sweets remain among the food categories frequently flagged in regulatory actions and recent cases.In one major case, ghee supplied for the preparation of Tirupati laddus came under scrutiny after samples failed quality tests amid allegations of adulteration with vegetable oils and animal fats.Milk and milk products such as paneer and khoya have also faced increased scrutiny. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ordered a nationwide crackdown between September and October following cases involving alleged detergent and urea adulteration in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.Milk and dairy products among food samples that continue to fail safety standards. In Punjab, 47% of milk, cheese and dairy samples reportedly failed tests over a three-year period. Cheese was identified as particularly vulnerable to adulteration involving starch and chemical additives, with 255 of 531 samples failing tests in 2024-25 alone.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSpices such as turmeric and chilli powder have also been the subject of seizures over adulteration involving synthetic colours, wood dust and other unsafe fillers.Edible oils are another concern, with cheaper palm oil being used to adulterate more expensive oils such as groundnut and mustard oil.Sweets and khoya are also regularly identified as high-risk categories in FSSAI advisories during festive periods, when demand rises sharply.The figures underline the challenge facing India’s food safety system: while testing has expanded and the detection of violations remains significant, limited staffing and the relatively low rate of convictions continue to constrain enforcement.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reach123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James

Inadequate packaging can increase the risk of contamination NEW DELHI: Nearly one in five food samples tested across India was found to be non-conforming in 2025-26, even as only 4.8% of food safety violations ended in convictions, highlighting gaps in enforcement and staffing across states, according to data analysed by Richa Gandhi.The share of non-conforming food samples has remained around 20% over the past five years, despite a steady rise in the number of samples tested. In 2025-26, authorities analysed 2,23,808 samples, of which 40,023 were found to be non-conforming.The proportion of non-conforming samples stood at 17.9% in 2025-26, down from 20.2% in 2024-25 and 19.8% in 2023-24. It had peaked at 25.1% in 2022-23.Food safety checks expose widespread violationsAt the same time, the conviction rate has gradually increased, rising from 2% in 2021-22 to 4.8% in 2025-26. However, monetary penalties remain the more common form of action against violators.UP finds highest share of violationsUttar Pradesh recorded the highest proportion of non-conforming samples among the states listed, with 52% of the nearly 40,000 samples tested in 2025-26 found to be non-conforming.The state analysed 39,519 samples and found 20,021 to be non-conforming.Haryana followed with 31%, while Jharkhand recorded 28%, Rajasthan 27%, Puducherry 22% and Himachal Pradesh 20%.Enforcement gaps raise concerns over food safetyTamil Nadu analysed the highest number of samples among the larger states, with nearly 45,000 tests, and also recorded the highest conviction rate among those states.Chandigarh recorded the highest conviction rate overall at 32.1%, followed by Tamil Nadu at 21.5%, Kerala at 17.7%, Haryana at 16% and Delhi at 14.7%.The data points to a sharp gap between the scale of food safety violations detected through testing and the number of cases that ultimately result in convictions.Testing reveals gaps in India’s food safety systemStaff shortage adds to enforcement challengeShortages in food safety personnel are another major constraint on monitoring and enforcement.Bihar has the largest gap among the states listed, with 91 of its 105 sanctioned food safety posts vacant. Jharkhand has 74 vacancies against 77 sanctioned posts, while Chhattisgarh has 70 vacancies against 125 posts.Shortages in food safety staff hamper monitoring and enforcement.Andhra Pradesh has 68 vacancies out of 145 sanctioned posts, followed by Uttarakhand with 65 vacancies out of 57 sanctioned posts, according to the data.Haryana has 57 vacancies against 367 sanctioned posts, while Odisha has 57 vacancies against 147. Tripura has 52 vacancies against 23 sanctioned posts, Manipur 50 against 34 and Sikkim 50 against four.The staffing gaps limit the ability of state authorities to regularly inspect establishments, collect samples and pursue violations through the enforcement process.Milk, dairy among frequently flagged foodsMilk and dairy products, ghee, spices, edible oils and sweets remain among the food categories frequently flagged in regulatory actions and recent cases.In one major case, ghee supplied for the preparation of Tirupati laddus came under scrutiny after samples failed quality tests amid allegations of adulteration with vegetable oils and animal fats.Milk and milk products such as paneer and khoya have also faced increased scrutiny. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ordered a nationwide crackdown between September and October following cases involving alleged detergent and urea adulteration in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.Milk and dairy products among food samples that continue to fail safety standards. In Punjab, 47% of milk, cheese and dairy samples reportedly failed tests over a three-year period. Cheese was identified as particularly vulnerable to adulteration involving starch and chemical additives, with 255 of 531 samples failing tests in 2024-25 alone.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSpices such as turmeric and chilli powder have also been the subject of seizures over adulteration involving synthetic colours, wood dust and other unsafe fillers.Edible oils are another concern, with cheaper palm oil being used to adulterate more expensive oils such as groundnut and mustard oil.Sweets and khoya are also regularly identified as high-risk categories in FSSAI advisories during festive periods, when demand rises sharply.The figures underline the challenge facing India’s food safety system: while testing has expanded and the detection of violations remains significant, limited staffing and the relatively low rate of convictions continue to constrain enforcement.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? 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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Inadequate packaging can increase the risk of contamination NEW DELHI: Nearly one in five food samples tested across India was found to be non-conforming in 2025-26, even as only 4.8% of food safety violations ended in convictions, highlighting gaps in enforcement and staffing across states, according to data analysed by Richa Gandhi.The share of non-conforming…

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Malti Marie Chopra Jonas sends first Rakhi to cousin Neer; Priyanka Chopra and Parineeti Chopra share heartwarming family moment

Malti Marie Chopra Jonas sends first Rakhi to cousin Neer; Priyanka Chopra and Parineeti Chopra share heartwarming family moment

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, the daughter of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, marked Raksha Bandhan with a special gesture for her younger cousin Neer. The four-year-old sent a Rakhi to Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha’s son.Parineeti Chopra gave fans a glimpse of the celebration through Instagram Stories. She shared a photograph showing Neer wearing the…

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