Health ministry: 'Sugar & oil boards' advisory doesn't target Indian snacks
NEW DELHI: The health ministry on Tuesday clarified that its advisory to put 'sugar and oil boards' in offices did not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors and has not been discriminatory towards Indian snacks.
The general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and is not specific to any food product, it said, as the ministry tried to battle the backlash over what many claimed was an attack on street food.
The advisory talks about display of 'oil and sugar boards' in various areas of workplaces, such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias and meeting rooms, to raise awareness on harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items.
These boards are meant to serve as daily reminders on fighting obesity, the burden of which is sharply rising in the country, said an official. She added that the advisory does not direct warning labels on food products sold by vendors and has not been selective towards Indian snacks.
"It does not target India's rich street food culture," the official said.
The advisory mentions other messages like having healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and low-fat options, along with making suggestions for opting for physical activity.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
7 minutes ago
- Arab Times
Gunmen kill 2 Indians and abduct third in Niger
NIAMEY, Niger, July 20, (AP): Gunmen killed at least two Indians and abducted a third during an attack in Niger's southwest Dosso region, according to Indian authorities, the latest such violence targeting foreigners in Niger's conflict-battered territories. The Indian Embassy in Niger said in a statement on X on Friday that the attack occurred on Tuesday, and that it was in touch with local authorities to repatriate the bodies of the victims and ensure the safe release of the kidnapped individual. Local media in Niger identified the victims as workers at a construction site in Dosso, located 140 kilometers (87 miles) from the country's capital of Niamey. Foreigners are increasingly becoming targets of armed groups in Niger. Several of them have been kidnapped this year, including an Austrian woman who has lived in Niger as an aid worker for more than 20 years, a Swiss woman seized from her home in April and five Indian workers, also in April. Niger has for many years battled a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, a security crisis that analysts say has worsened since the military toppled the country's government in July 2023, and has since struggled to restore peace in hot spots. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, June was one of the country's deadliest months on record as IS-backed fighters launched a major offensive across the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, killing more than 100 civilians in what marked a return to mass atrocities in rural areas.
Economic Times
9 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Nifty just in pause mode, all-time high possible before Diwali: Rahul Ghose
Markets extended their losing streak for the third consecutive week, with investor sentiment remaining subdued due to a lackluster start to the earnings season and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the US-India trade to the previous week, the benchmark indices showed some strength during the initial three sessions. However, the mood shifted in the latter half, leading both the Nifty and Sensex to end near their weekly lows at 24,968.40 and 81,757.73, respectively. Analyst Rahul Ghose, Founder and CEO, Octanom Tech and interacted with ET Markets regarding the outlook on Nifty and Bank Nifty for the upcoming week. Following are the edited excerpts from his chat: How are you reading the markets right now? Right now, Indian markets are taking a much-needed breather. After a strong run earlier in the year, we've hit a consolidation phase—Nifty and Sensex have been under pressure for a few weeks in a row. There's definitely a sense of caution out there, partly because of mixed global signals and Q1 earnings being in focus. I'd say investors are taking stock and waiting to see which way the wind blows before making big moves. Make no mistake though, that the August month is going to see some big moves in the market in either direction. Are there any global factors that you see that can affect our markets?Definitely—global cues are a big part of the story at the moment. First, persistent FII outflows are weighing on sentiment; foreign investors are pulling back as US rates stay higher for longer, making developed markets a bit more attractive than emerging ones like India for we can't ignore geopolitical tensions and how they've pushed up crude oil prices. Since India is a big importer, that's an immediate worry for both inflation and the rupee. And then there's the recent wave of trade protectionism—we've seen new tariffs and measures from the US and EU, which isn't great news for Indian exporters. All in all, the external environment is a bit choppy. What's your take on the broader Nifty trend, with the index ending lower for the third straight week? The Nifty's certainly feeling the heat after its blistering rally earlier in the year. If you look at the charts, the index is at an inflection point: there's firm resistance at the 25,300 mark and support near the 24500-24800 band. For now, it looks like a consolidation phase, not a reversal. The long-term bullish story remains intact, and I would stick my neck out and say that before Diwali, we might see the Nifty move to all-time high levels; it's just the near term that can see volatile moves. Bank Nifty seemed stronger—how does it look now? Bank Nifty has been the surprising pocket of strength—it's held up better than broader indices so far and has been attracting buyers on dips. Right now, though, it's also showing signs of consolidation. Financial stocks are in a wait-and-watch mode with Q1 results coming in. I'd say Bank Nifty is still on a stronger footing, especially compared to sectors facing margin or demand pressures. Any specific strategies for Nifty and Bank Nifty traders? For Nifty, my advice would be to watch for confirmed breakouts or breakdowns and avoid getting caught in the chop. If we break above 25,255 decisively, there could be quick upside—but keep tight stop-losses at 25,000, as volatility remains Bank Nifty, buying on dips near 56,800–57,000 seems sensible, since the index is drawing buying interest at those levels. But be nimble; set clear exit points because sentiment can change quickly if results underwhelm. FIIs remain net sellers. What do you make of this, and how dependent is the market on FIIs now? Yes, FII outflows are back in focus—over Rs 90,000 crore has left Indian equities this year, and July alone saw a sharp exodus. This is really about global risk-reward equations changing, not anything fundamentally wrong with India. Higher US yields and stretched valuations here mean foreign money is seeking other said, India isn't as dependent on foreign flows as it once was. Domestic investors—both institutional and retail—are much more active and have been buyers on every dip. So, while FIIs can amplify short-term moves, domestic participation is giving our market a lot more resilience. Where did you see a long buildup? What do you recommend among those stocks? We're seeing long positions being built in names like Tata Consumer, Tata Steel, Hindalco, Trent, and M&M—sectors where earnings visibility is strong and thematic tailwinds exist. Out of these, I particularly like Tata Consumer and Trent for accumulation; both have good momentum and structural growth stories. And what about shorting opportunities? Short buildups have shown up in Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, SBI Life, and Wipro—mainly IT and a few financials hurt by guidance trims and margin pressure. These could be tactical short candidates, but my advice is to stay nimble here, as oversold bounces are also likely. Let's also discuss Q1 earnings. How has the season turned out so far? Q1 numbers are a bit of a mixed bag. The headline Nifty 50 net profit growth—over 33% YoY—is impressive, but most of that came from margin expansion in consumer and retail names, and a few standout quarters in metals. IT and some global cyclicals have been softer, which is why the market tone is more cautious. What's your view on RIL and Axis Bank after Q1 results? Reliance had a blockbuster quarter, driven by a huge jump in profits from telecom and retail. The Jio 5G rollout and robust retail segment are big positives. The Asian Paints stake sale also gave them a healthy one-off Bank delivered on the operating front, with stable core growth and healthy other income. While the headline profit was down YoY—mainly from base effect and some provisioning—the underlying business looks steady and the outlook remains constructive. How do you see HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank placed now? Both are in a strong spot, barring some short-term volatility. Their loan growth remains robust, digital initiatives are paying off, and asset quality is stable. They're both still 'core portfolio' names for most investors, and any meaningful corrections are likely to draw buyers quickly. Are any sectors outperforming? Yes, consumer durables have been a clear standout—profit growth has exploded, and demand trends look solid. Metals have rebounded thanks to commodity price cycles, and realty stocks are holding up well thanks to strong housing and telecom are also shining, with leaders consolidating market share and improving margins. Can you name any stocks within those sectors? In consumer durables, Titan and Voltas look good. Among metals, Tata Steel and Hindalco are my preferred picks. On the retail side, Trent and DMart are doing everything right, and in telecom, I like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel for steady subscriber and revenue growth. Technically too the chart patterns in these suggest buy on dips. Note: In case any specific security/securities are displayed in the responses as examples, these securities are quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
India.com
9 minutes ago
- India.com
Feeling Filmy? Here's How To Feel Like A Movie Star In Khandala Without Going Broke
Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats, Khandala, Maharashtra is a beautiful hill station that is famous for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather and peaceful atmosphere. While it's often seen as a luxurious retreat, it's entirely possible to experience the good life in Khandala on a budget. Here are some ways you can make the most out of your visit without going broke. 1. Travel Smart If you plan your trip well, getting to Khandala can be economical. It has good road connections and railway links. Trains are often cheaper than cars so opt for them when traveling to this place. The nearest train station is at Lonavala which is just a couple of kilometers away . From this point you can take a shared auto-rickshaw or bus to Khandala. Booking tickets ahead of time also saves money. 2. Affordable Accommodation Khandala offers various cheap accommodation options which you can consider such as guesthouses, budget hotels or homestays rather than luxury resorts where one spends more money for less comfort. Websites like Airbnb and usually have good deals for budget accommodations. Alternatively, stay at nearby Lonavala where you might find even cheaper places. 3. Savor Local Delicacies You don't have to spend much on meals when dining out in inexpensive Indian eateries serving delicious Maharashtrian cuisine rather than expensive local vendors who sell Vada Pav,Misal Pav and Bhaji among available are small cafes selling tasty snacks and beverages without costing too much. 4. Explore Nature's Beauty for Free Khandala has amazing landscapes that one can enjoy without having to pay yourself amidst beautiful sightseeing spots throughout the day along the trekking trails and waterfalls. Here are some of the must-visit while you are in Khandala: Rajmachi Point: Inhales a stunning view of the Rajmachi Fort and surrounding valley. Tiger's Leap: A fascinating cliff-top view that resembles a tiger jumping into the valley. Karla and Bhaja Caves: Ancient historical Buddhist rock cut caves. Duke's Nose: A favorite trekking location famous for its distinct shape and panoramic views. 5. Leverage Public Transport Use public transport to move around Khandala. Instead of hiring a private taxi, go for auto-rickshaws, buses or shared taxis since they are readily available and much cheaper when compared to their counterparts. If comfortable, consider renting out bicycles to explore this town at your own pace as well as saving some money spent on transportation. 6. Engage in Free Activities Khandala offers many activities that don't cost anything. Take a walk through peaceful woods, have picnics near waterfalls or simply sit back and enjoy the serene atmosphere in the hills. Picture lovers may capture the beautiful landscapes with no penny being spent. 7. Visit During the Off-Season To save more money, plan your trip during off peak periods which is usually from March to June and hotels charge less during these times as well as other travel costs will be low thus one can avoid crowds making it more peaceful experience for them 8. Shopping on a Budget Wanna take souvenirs home? Do not go into the costly shops, instead visit local markets. A better place to buy budget-friendly stuff like traditional Indian sweets known as chikki, handcrafted items and other specialties is Lonavala Bazaar. Don't hesitate bargaining for the price. 9. Pack Wisely Ensure you carry all necessities to avoid unnecessary expenses. Include casual clothes and footwear that will support hiking as well as any drugs you may need to have with you in your luggage. Moreover, having a reusable water bottle can save you money and contribute to lessening plastic pollution. 10. Plan Your Itinerary A properly scheduled trip plan can help one make his/her vacation enjoyable without adding extra costs. Prioritize those attractions which are free or low costing and then plan your days accordingly so that there are no last minute expenses incurred. There are a few suggestions here that could help you explore Khandala with minimum strain on your wallet; be it trying local tastes, finding out wonders of nature or just feeling the serene atmosphere – this locality has it all for the best holiday of your life!
