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Here’s why ‘AI going out of control’ is becoming a real concern for everyday users Weekly Career Horoscope, August 30 to September 05, 2026: Success, challenges, and breakthroughs; Know about your Career Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns against a world driven entirely by profit: ‘Do we want …’ Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge as East Zone’s stand-in captain in Duleep Trophy semifinal ‘Drishyam The Conclusion’; Ajay Devgn’s intense first look as Vijay Salgaonkar unveiled Meet Lefties: Zara’s ‘secret’ budget sister brand that is taking over the fashion world | ‘Hamke lagaraha Spain’: Ravi Kishan’s remark on Gorakhpur leaves UP CM Yogi Adityanath in splits; watch Rakhi Sawant gets mobbed in Mecca while praying for Nepal flood victims – Video 3 Natural ingredients to clean dirty shoes at home: Easy ways to remove stains, dirt and bad odour without harsh chemicals Janmashtami 2026: 5 Things You Should Bring Home to Attract Krishna’s Blessings Delhi’s MPD-2047 launched by DDA: From property rules to development norms, 10 key FAQs answered | 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 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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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 Malti Marie Chopra Jonas sends first Rakhi to cousin Neer; Priyanka Chopra and Parineeti Chopra share heartwarming family moment Parmish Verma and Harman Brar’s chemistry has fans wondering: ‘Are they dating?’ Weekly horoscope predictions, August 30 to September 05, 2026; What’s ahead for your zodiac sign this week How a Chinese company is using Blue Light to fight mosquitoes, claims 30 kills per second: Scans the area, locks on in 3 milliseconds and… American startup raises $180 million to drill rock over 5km deep to build world’s first superhot geothermal plant at 500 °C File photo: Students wait outside an examination centre before appearing in the NEET-PG 2026 examination NEW DELHI: The NEET-PG 2026 examination for candidates allotted to the iON Digital Zone Sitapura centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has been rescheduled to September 5, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) said.According to news agency ANI, the decision was taken due to power outage concerns at the examination centre.PollVote & Share your viewDo you agree with the decision to reschedule the NEET-PG 2026 exam due to power outage concerns?Yes, safety first!No, it should have proceeded as planned.3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share Opinion(This is a developing story)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 Imran Khan went from leading Pakistan to its greatest cricket triumph in 1992 to becoming the country’s prime minister, but now remains behind bars while facing more than 100 cases ICAR AIEEA PG, AICE-JRF/SRF results 2026 declared: Direct link to download scorecards here Uttam Kumar birth centenary; PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Bengali cinema’s ‘Mahanayak’; recalls Satyajit Ray’s ‘Nayak’ connection ‘India doesn’t scare me anymore’: Russian traveller’s first 3AC train ride turns into a life lesson, from culture shock to falling in love with India Janmashtami 2026: Which Krishna Idol Should You Bring Home? Avoid These Common Selection Mistakes Punjabi influencer Manjeet Kaur, who died after being ‘tied to a tree, burnt alive’, was 7 weeks pregnant: Autopsy USS Abraham Lincoln sails past Singapore on way home after gruelling Middle East deployment Meet the 19-year-old Indian student in the UAE who uses AI to tackle real-world problems in farming, transport and deepfake detection Chandrachur Singh files FIR over family property dispute; actor accuses relatives of forging grandfather’s will; late father allegedly denied inheritance Greater Noida woman goes viral for abusing guards, then says she has ‘no regrets’ | Money Astrology 2026: 5 Everyday Ingredients to Make Your Home a Wealth Magnet Kazakhstan set to receive Russian Su-57 fighter jets within two years: Reports Iran Supreme Leader: ‘Identify your real enemy’: Mojtaba Khamenei urges Gulf rulers to unite, defend each other Sonam Wangchuk’s witty response to Aamir Khan denying his ‘3 Idiots’ character was based on him: ‘Kyunki woh ‘Ghajini’ outfit me the toh short-term memory loss hua ho sakta hai’ Milind Soman Gardening: Milind Soman grows pumpkins in his own ‘Sabzee ka ghar’ greenhouse as a ‘bearded farmer’: How to build a DIY greenhouse to grow fresh and organic vegetables at home After 101-years, this California business is shutting down on August 31; owner says in an emotional note: Decision comes with … PM Modi highlights ‘BharatRajya’ website in 137th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat ‘, calls for collective push towards ‘Drug-Free India’ NEW DELHI: In the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted grassroots initiatives and individuals creating change through technology, social action, entrepreneurship and community participation. He began by discussing a digital initiative by Mumbai-based Krishna Sheshadri that uses technology to make Indian history more engaging.PM Modi then called for greater public participation in the campaign for a drug-free India, particularly among young people.He also spoke about the patriotic spirit surrounding August, including Har Ghar Tiranga, National Handloom Day, the Quit India Movement anniversary, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Independence Day and National Space Day.He highlighted women street vendors benefiting from PM SVANidhi, citing examples from Ghaziabad and Bengaluru.Cleanliness was another major theme, with PM Modi highlighting young volunteers in Uttar Pradesh and sanitation efforts during the Amarnath Yatra. He then showcased individuals turning personal interests and environmental conservation into livelihoods, including a flower farmer in Nagaland and women involved in ecotourism and forest conservation in Odisha.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Prime Minister also highlighted Mission ShaktiSAT, which is bringing thousands of girls from across the world into satellite technology and innovation. He discussed the growing cultivation of avocado by Indian farmers, paid tribute to Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar ahead of his birth centenary, and ended by speaking about Janmashtami, Vishwakarma Puja, Diwali and the importance of buying Indian-made products under the Vocal for Local campaign.Top quotes from the episodeThe campaign ‘Drug-Free Youth for Developed India’ is rapidly gaining momentum across the country. Its objective is absolutely clear: a drug-free youth, a drug-free India. Drug addiction does not engulf only one person. Its consequences are also suffered by the entire family and society. I would appreciate those who raise awareness among others against drugs and come forward to help people struggling with addiction.In the month of August, we see many colours of patriotism everywhere. From National Handloom Day and the anniversary of the Quit India Movement to Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, these occasions make the month special. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign strengthens this feeling further. This year has become even more special because 150 years of Vande Mataram are being completed.”PM SVANidhi scheme is giving new strength to millions of such mothers and sisters. This aspect of women’s empowerment does not receive as much discussion as it should. Around 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi are women. That means nearly 35 lakh women across the country are connected with this scheme and are taking their businesses forward.This year, we saw a similarly inspiring picture of cleanliness and public participation during the Shri Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of sanitation workers remained engaged in service day and night on difficult routes. More than 400 metric tonnes of waste was collected and processed during the pilgrimage this year. One aspect of this effort particularly pleased me.Vaishalu Puroji from Phek district of Nagaland began growing flowers on a small scale. Gradually, she began to see an opportunity in it. During this journey, she received training in scientific flower cultivation from the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra. She then planted thousands of gladiolus plants on just one-quarter of an acre of land. More than 5,000 flowers bloomed in her very first attempt.Today, the dreams of our daughters are travelling from the Earth all the way into space. And you will be proud to know that India is bringing together thousands of girls from across the world who dream of achieving such things. The name of this effort is Mission ShaktiSAT. Through it, 12,000 female students from 108 countries are getting an opportunity to learn satellite technology and move forward in the field of innovation.”During this festive season, I once again repeat my appeal for Vocal for Local. And Vocal for Local does not simply mean buying earthen lamps. Its vision is much broader. Whatever we buy for our homes, let us check once whether it has been made in India. I appeal to you to adopt Vocal for Local yourself and also inspire others to do the same.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 | Watch123PhotostoriesHow 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 reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age123Hot 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 Subhash George booked in Rs 99 lakh crypto fraud case; alleged Rs 100 crore scam under probe; ‘Patriot’ funding link examined How to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and long A Milwaukee landlord found a peculiar print hanging in a vacant apartment; it turned out to be an original Picasso that had been missing for eight years A 55-year-old Missouri official reached the 13,804-foot summit of Wyoming’s highest mountain and signed its register; he then disappeared for 5 days before rescuers found him alive and severely dehydrated ‘Pakistan chapter I had before is now closed’: Mohammad Amir calls himself ‘British local’ Academy shares Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ scene; Naina-Bunny NOSTALGIA takes over social media UP shocker: Man throws acid on ex-fiancee, her sister after marriage called off ‘Majbooriyan hoti hogi sabki’: Sonam Wangchuk finally REACTS to Salman Khan’s viral ‘Sonam, It’s done bro’ line 70 rounds of fire, 3,000-round endurance: How India turned a Russian AK-203 into its own ‘Sher’ ‘Please, let’s not’: Gavaskar rejects free-hit idea in Tests after India’s no-ball problem Shopping with AI: Consumers ask artificial intelligence for advice but less than half trust it ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ gets CBFC certificate; Ali Fazal-Pankaj Tripathi starrer clocks 3 hours 17 minutes run time NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman joins Elon Musk and Sundar Pichai in their Space data center plans; says: Let’s take our data centers to …