VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Brad Pitt’s ‘weirdest summer’ involved 40 chameleons in his bachelor pad: ‘I had this girlfriend who was into reptiles’ 11 foods that are considered lucky around the world Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Pisces (10th–16th August 2026): A Personal Dream May Need Support From Home Thousands of zebra mussels were detected in Spain’s Ebro River in 2001; today they are collapsing structures and pipes with a population of 40,000 per square meter Researchers mapped more than 100 lakes across 1,000 kilometres of Brazil and Uruguay; the network could detect ecosystem stress before irreversible damage Delhi private universities Bill: 25% seats reserved for local students, fee waivers proposed Sanjeeda Shaikh says she was “Fooled” into doing action in ‘Dhamaal 4’: “Ajay Devgn set pe hain aur mujhse action karwaya ja raha hai” How to read between the lines of a job description Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Aquarius (10th–16th August 2026): Work Pressure May Reveal Which Relationship Needs Boundaries ‘Is India truly independent?’ Congress targets Centre over US Bill on Russia sanctions PM Modi told students to always remember their mentors NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed IIT Delhi’s 57th Convocation Ceremony, urging graduating students to embrace change, keep learning and remember the mentors who shaped their journey.Addressing more than 3,000 graduating students, including 587 PhD scholars, as the chief guest, PM Modi congratulated them on completing their studies and asked them to embrace the next phase of their lives. “From orientation to convocation, you must be satisfied with your journey, but also excited about the start of a new chapter,” Modi said.He asked students to “live this moment to the fullest”, noting that many were preparing to start their first jobs, move to new cities, launch startups or appear for competitive examinations.The Prime Minister also urged them not to forget their time at IIT Delhi or the people who supported them. “Carry them as an asset; don’t forget them. Before you leave, make sure to meet every member here,” he said.Speaking about the rapidly changing world and technology, the Prime Minister asked students to keep their curiosity and learning instinct alive.”Today, the world is changing rapidly. Nobody can say what will happen 20-30 years from now. Keep your curiosity alive in life… Keep your learning instinct alive. Those who learn, win,” he said.He said people who remain open to new situations and challenges can turn difficulties into opportunities. “Challenges become chances for those with courage to find new solutions,” Modi said, adding that this was among the things students had learned at IIT Delhi.”The global power balance is changing every moment and the biggest force behind it is the speed of technology,” he said.The PM also spoke about India’s push for self-reliance and the emergence of new sectors for the country’s youth. Referring to the semiconductor sector, he said India had begun production at its first semiconductor unit. “I firmly believe that from chips to ships, everything will be made here by your hands,” he added.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Prime Minister also presented IIT Delhi’s top honours, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medals, to meritorious students.He said he was proud of the graduating students but that there should have been “more” girls among them. “Just as your families are feeling proud today, I, too, am proud of all of you,” he added.Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi, who was also present at the ceremony, said PM Modi’s vision had made India’s education ecosystem “learner-centric, research-driven, and future-ready”.Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus. According to the PMO, the facility will strengthen the institute’s capabilities in AI, data science, advanced computing and interdisciplinary research.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTrisha MahajanTrisha Mahajan is a journalist with The Times of India digital, with keen interest in covering business and corporate affairs. She also reports on key national and world developments and global news trends. A keen reader with a strong interest in storytelling that adds context, clarity, and depth to complex issues.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123Photostories6 surprising things that quietly create emotional intimacy in a relationshipDid you know that Manas is more than tigers? 8 elusive wild-cat species found hereFoods to eat and avoid during Sawan, according to AyurvedaNot just a balcony, 5 spaces that you can easily use for gardening your green friendsVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case ‘Actors are prisoners,’ Raashii Khanna reveals as Rajinikanth’s message that stayed with her during ‘Dharman’ Quote of the day by Isaac Newton: “If I have done the public any service, it is due to my patient thought” Himachal Pradesh accident: 7 killed, 11 injured after bus crash on Bairagarh-Tissa road ‘Film schools and masterclasses can’t give you your voice’: ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’ cinematographer Faiz Siddik – Exclusive Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Capricorn (10th–16th August 2026): A Relationship Decision May Reshape Your Work and Travel Plans Skeletal remains of woman found in Bengaluru home; lived alone after husband, son died Bangladesh crash to 54 against CA XI: Coach Simmons admits ‘it wasn’t nice’ ahead of Australia Tests SAMS Odisha PG round 1 seat allotment result 2026 released: Check direct link to download and other key details Bella Thorne announces her next directorial ‘Spring Breakers 2’: ‘You’re going to have fun with this movie’ 6 surprising things that quietly create emotional intimacy in a relationship Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Sagittarius (10th–16th August 2026): Changing Priorities May Bring a Difficult but Useful Decision Iran hails Saudi-Pak-Turkey defence pact, calls for Muslim unity amid West Asia tensions PM Modi flags low number of female medal winners NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in the 57th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he presented the institute’s highest honours to meritorious students.At the event, PM Modi urged IIT Delhi graduates to encourage greater participation and representation of women in academic and professional achievements, noting that only a few female students had received medals at the ceremony.PM Modi congratulated the award-winning students but said there should have been “more” girls among them.”Many students have received medals for their achievements. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all of you. However, it would have been even better if there were a few more girls among them. Sorry. Why just one or two? There should have been more,” PM Modi said.PM Modi presented IIT Delhi’s most prestigious honours, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medals.PM Modi also inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at the Sonipat campus of IIT Delhi.The Prime Minsiter addressed more than 3,000 graduating students, including 587 PhD scholars, who were conferred their degrees during IIT Delhi’s 57th convocation ceremony.IIT Delhi Board of Governors Chairperson Harish Salve and institute director Prof Rangan Banerjee felicitated Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi during the ceremony.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesA day earlier, PM Modi had announced his participation in the ceremony and praised IIT Delhi’s contribution to research and innovation in the country.”At 11 AM tomorrow, 8th August, I will be attending the Convocation Ceremony at IIT Delhi. I look forward to being among the students and teachers of this pioneering institution. IIT Delhi has always made a rich contribution in the fields of research and innovation,” PM Modi said in a post on X.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesDid you know that Manas is more than tigers? 8 elusive wild-cat species found hereFoods to eat and avoid during Sawan, according to AyurvedaNot just a balcony, 5 spaces that you can easily use for gardening your green friendsVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinner123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Why Travis Head doesn’t see himself as a ‘true’ Test opener despite 629 runs in Ashes? Gazala Salmin recalls Salman Khan asking about her chin mole during ‘Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye’ shoot: ‘Ye asli hai?’ Tourists save boy from near-fatal fall during selfie attempt; video goes viral India lags behind in race for fifth generation fighter jet; Turkey surges ahead In 2023 and 2024, a Los Angeles homeless-services nonprofit paid its Hawaii-based CEO more than $1.6 million, including about $824,000 in unused vacation pay The arrest followed specific inputs shared by the IAF intelligence wing with the Delhi Police NEW DELHI: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information after being honey-trapped through social media by Pakistani intelligence operatives, officials said.According to an ANI report, the officer was under surveillance by the IAF intelligence wing before he was arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies. Delhi Police sources said he is currently in judicial custody and has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information and confidential defence-related documents.IAF officials said, “He was under active surveillance and was handed over to the suitable law enforcement agencies. Due to proactive measures, he was caught. The IAF has zero tolerance for such activities.”Sources said the officer allegedly fell victim to a honey trap operated by Pakistani intelligence personnel through social media. He is also accused of installing data-stealing software on a colleague’s mobile phone in an alleged attempt to gain access to the device.The arrest followed specific inputs shared by the IAF intelligence wing with the Delhi Police, sources said. Further investigation into the case is underway.The incident comes amid continued concerns over attempts by Pakistani intelligence operatives to target Indian personnel and civilians through social media-based honey traps.Last year, Rajasthan Police arrested an Alwar resident, identified as Mangat Singh, for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. Police said a surveillance operation had been launched in the state following Operation Sindoor, during which Singh’s activities in the cantonment area of Alwar were found to be suspicious.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAccording to police, Singh had allegedly been honey-trapped by a female Pakistani handler using the pseudonym Isha Sharma. The handler reportedly offered him money in exchange for cooperation. Police said Singh had remained in contact with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms for around two years.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesFoods to eat and avoid during Sawan, according to AyurvedaNot just a balcony, 5 spaces that you can easily use for gardening your green friendsVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case MPSOS Ruk Jaana Nahi result 2026 out for July session, Class 10 pass percentage stands at 59.89%: Direct link to download here Jesy Nelson shares her twins’ surgery was a success: ‘I got their face back; it feels like a dream’ Foods to eat and avoid during Sawan, according to Ayurveda Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Scorpio (10th–16th August 2026): A Distant Opportunity May Carry a Hidden Condition Texas A&M researchers built a 17-foot fire whirl over crude oil on water; it burned 40% faster, cut soot 40% and consumed up to 95% of the fuel Aug 08, 2026, 11:55 IST ‘Mentally, this is a situation that is exhausting all of us’: Prashanth Alexander on third flood at dream home Mark Zuckerberg gave an update on ‘Meta’s 4 am layoff email’ to employees during earnings call, shared expenses on … Updated: Aug 08, 2026, 11:58 IST Venkat Prabhu completes 20 years in cinema; shares emotional note: ‘I promise to bring you good stories’ Not just a balcony, 5 spaces that you can easily use for gardening your green friends Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Libra (10th–16th August 2026): Solar Eclipse Could Reveal Who Truly Supports Your Growth Centre seeks Meta’s action on deepfakes, awaits legal opinion on further steps J-K’s Rajouri landslide NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old girl died while being taken to hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after the vehicle carrying her remained stuck in mud for nearly three hours. The district administration has suspended a government engineer and ordered an inquiry into the incident.The girl, a resident of remote Methyani village, had fallen seriously ill on Friday and was being taken to Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, when the vehicle became stranded following a mudslide at Chak Methyani, officials told news agency PTI.Volunteers later managed to pull the vehicle out, but the girl’s condition deteriorated and she died while she was being taken to the hospital, according to officials.The incident occurred on the Chak Methyani-Panglar-Kotecharwal road, which serves as the only road link for several remote villages in the area. The road was washed away near Methyani during last year’s monsoon and had subsequently been restored temporarily.The same stretch was hit by another mudslide around two weeks ago, leaving the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road unmotorable, officials said.According to the report submitted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kotranka, the girl had been suffering from an illness for nearly a month and had previously been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu. She was discharged around two weeks ago, but her condition worsened again, prompting her family to take her to GMC Rajouri.The ADC’s report said the blocked road resulted in a delay of nearly two to three hours. It also found that the stretch remained in “extremely poor condition” due to landslides and deep ditches, making it unfit for vehicular movement.The report further noted that residents of Narla Bamble, Kotecharwal and Panglar continued to face difficulties in transporting patients, food grains and fertilisers.The district administration said the executive engineer, PMGSY division Rajouri, had informed officials through an official WhatsApp group that the road had been restored and was “trafficable”. However, subsequent verification by the ADC found otherwise.Taking note of the report, district development commissioner (DDC) Rajouri Abhishek Sharma ordered the immediate suspension of the assistant executive engineer (AEE), PMGSY Sub-Division Kalakote, who was in charge of the road project, pending an inquiry.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe DDC said the failure to restore the road despite repeated directions indicated “prima facie negligence and non-compliance with official instructions”.The executive engineer has also been asked to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for allegedly misreporting the road’s status and failing to ensure its timely restoration. His salary has been withheld pending consideration of his explanation.The additional district development commissioner (ADDC), Rajouri, has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? 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Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Martha Stewart takes a dig at Meghan Markle for talking about ‘palace’ and being a ‘homemaking guru’: ‘It doesn’t sort of follow’ Weekly Nadi Horoscope for Virgo (10th–16th August 2026): A Career Opening May Test Connections You Can Trust ‘To test their resolve’: Putin could launch limited attack on Nato, US intel warns “Are you white?”: Twitch streamer JayMommy doubles down after YRG Cobblemon racism controversy and refuses to back away from backlash . “Natural”, “healthy”, “organic”, “heart-friendly”, “high protein” and “zero maida” often persuades a shopper before the packet is even turned over. In a spate of notices sent in the past month, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked several brands whether their front-of-pack promises say more than the product can support.FSSAI has issued notices to food businesses across categories including breads, chocolates, juices, cooking oils, noodles, supplements, packaged water and caffeinated drinks. The claims questioned range from “100% natural” and “organic” to immunity, detoxification, disease reduction and energy-boosting promises. Since these are notices rather than final rulings, the issues remain subject to the companies’ replies and regulatory examination. TOI reached out to FSSAI over e-mail, but was yet to receive a response.The scrutiny comes as India’s health-and-wellness food market expands and brands compete for shoppers seeking healthier choices. Experts say the front of a packet increasingly functions as advertising, while the information needed to judge the product — ingredients, sugar, fat, sodium and additives — is usually on the back.Former FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal says consumers rarely read or fully understand the mandatory information panel. Marketing teams therefore have a powerful incentive to foreground attractive words, sometimes stretching the meaning permitted by regulation. For large companies, he argues, penalties may need to be linked to turnover or the commercial gain from a misleading claim rather than treated as a routine cost.Nutrition experts call this the “health halo” effect: one positive phrase can make the entire product appear healthier and reduce the buyer’s inclination to examine it critically. A packet labelled “natural” can still be high in sugar or sodium. “Sugar-free” does not automatically mean low-carbohydrate. “Organic” requires certification; it is not merely a lifestyle description. Disease-treatment or prevention claims require scientific and regulatory support.AIIMS dietician Monita Gahlot advises shoppers to start with the ingredient list, which records ingredients in descending order by weight. The nutrition panel should then be checked for total and added sugars, saturated and trans fats, sodium, protein and carbohydrates. Serving sizes deserve particular attention: a modest-looking number can be based on a portion far smaller than what people normally consume.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe clearest warning sign, food-testing expert Ashwin Bhadri says, is a bold front claim that is not supported or adequately explained elsewhere on the label. The simplest consumer rule is therefore to turn the packet over before deciding.Food author Krish Ashok argues that companies are not acting in a vacuum. Consumers increasingly seek a purchasable shortcut to good health. Products labelled “high protein”, “low GI”, “A2” or “heart-healthy” can offer the feeling of making a healthy choice without the slower work of eating fewer ultra-processed foods, increasing fibre and protein, exercising and sleeping well.That is why tighter enforcement alone will not end the health halo. Brands must make precise, evidence-backed claims, but consumers must also stop treating the front of a packet as nutritional advice.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Yash’s ‘Toxic’ unveils NEW action-packed poster ahead of its trailer release; team announces release time