CIFT to do testing of fish samples
With many fisherfolk and retailers complaining about people not purchasing fish due to fear of toxicity, Matsyafed officials sought the support of CIFT to test the fish samples they collected. CIFT is the national referral agency for certifying food safety for fish and fish products for the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI).
"We have sought samples of fish from different areas and will initially conduct preliminary testing to address the immediate fears and concerns of the public.
A detailed technical and biochemical evaluation will take some time because it needs to be tested for various chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and other toxic chemicals likely to be found in waters affected by oil spills and chemical discharge," said George Ninan, director of CIFT.
He said that following a request from the fisheries minister, CIFT tested 30 samples of edible fishes from the coastal waters of Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram immediately after the first ship sank off Kochi waters on May 25.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
New Container Houses Morocco (Prices May Surprise You)
Container House | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
The report was submitted to Matsyafed last week.
"We conducted some preliminary tests on the water samples and sensory assessment of the fish to check for quality and safety. Water testing included pH, turbidity, and fluorescence. All these parameters were safe. The biochemical testing is ongoing and will take some time," he added.
He mentioned that they did not observe any change in pH values, which would have indicated the presence of calcium carbide.
There were no fluorescence indicators in the waters to prove oil presence either. "But the long-term impact will need to be studied in detail," Ninan added.
Meanwhile, the fisheries department has asked the authorities of the three major fish research institutions CMFRI, CIFT, and Kerala Fisheries University to investigate the long-term impact of these events on marine waters and life and also develop a protocol for the same.
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Dr Vece Paes, the hockey Olympian who shaped Indian sport long after his playing days, dies at 80
A hockey great whose influence extended well beyond the field, the multi-faceted Dr Vece Paes was a rare combination of sporting and academic excellence that healed and helped athletes across disciplines. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker Paes, 80, breathed his last in Kolkata early this morning after battling multiple age-related ailments, including the debilitating Parkinson's disease. To those who knew him closely Paes was a mild-mannered, and highly intelligent man, who did the country proud on the hockey field with an Olympic medal (bronze in 1972, Munich Games) and later helped hockey, cricket, tennis and even football with his sports medicine expertise. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo He was also the father of a very famous son, whose career he shaped with his gentle guidance. Leander Paes never missed a chance to tell the world how much his father meant to him and his career. Paes senior was his manager too for a long time and served as the Indian Davis Cup team's doctor for a decade. The father-son duo made for one of the most famous sporting combinations in India. Live Events "He was so dedicated to sports medicine that he fully concentrated on it after his hockey career. He had helped a number of Indian athletes in his sports medicine career," recalled former player and Paes' teammate during the 1972 Games Ajit Pal Singh. Decades later, another India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha found Dr Paes as the team's doctor during the Athens 2004 Olympics. Rasquinha on Thursday mourned the loss of an "incredible human being." "They do not make them like Doc (Dr. Paes) anymore. So knowledgeable, so warm, so kind, so humble, so jovial. Always willing to help. Always joking around. I will forever miss you Doc. You were the absolute best," he posted in a heartfelt tribute on X. Aside from hockey, Paes also dabbled in divisional level football, cricket and rugby, going on to serve as the president of the Indian Rugby Union from 1996 to 2002. He gave back to all these sports too. Paes was a part of the BCCI's anti-doping programme for several years, besides also working with the Asian Cricket Council and the Indian Davis Cup team. He also worked with the East Bengal football team and players like former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia on the insistence of then coach Subhas Bhowmick. Paes, who also served as the president of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, was married to former basketball player Jennifer Paes. "It is a very sad day for Indian sports, especially hockey. Paes was a highly educated and soft-spoken person. He used to help us with his guidance on sports medicine," Ajit Pal said. "We both played as centre-half in the 1972 Olympics team and he was terrific. I was one-and-and-half years younger to him and he used to guide me," the legendary former player added. Paes completed his pre-medical course from Kolkata's reputed Presidency College, in 1964-65. He also attended La Martiniere College in Lucknow. Former captain of Indian men's hockey team, B P Govinda, remembered him as a highly talented and informed person and said if not for politics within the federation, he could have been a part of the 1968 Olympics. "He was super talented both in sports and sports medicine. Sports medicine was his passion. We played together in the 1972 Olympics, but I feel he should have been in the 1968 Olympics team as well if not for internal politics. "...it didn't matter to him as he was a very soft-spoken, and a true gentleman. He never complained about anything. He just wanted to give back to sports which he did in many ways and Leander is a prime example of that," Govinda said. Another one of his teammates Harbinder Singh had similar memories of the man, whose legacy is truly inspiring. "He was a true gentleman...a very good distributor and tackler. And he had a good, strong physique too," Harbinder said. "It's a sad day for Indian hockey. I played a lot against him in domestic circuit. He used to play for Bengal and I used to play for Railways," he remembered.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
13 Foods that can worsen anxiety and depression and what to eat instead
Diet plays a crucial role in mental health, influencing anxiety, depression, and overall mood. While lifestyle and genetics are important factors, certain foods and beverages can exacerbate stress, trigger irritability, or worsen depressive symptoms. Consuming high-sugar drinks, processed snacks, artificial sweeteners, and excessive caffeine can create energy spikes and crashes, negatively impacting both brain and body. Understanding which foods to limit and choosing healthier alternatives can stabilise mood, improve mental resilience, and support overall well-being. According to multiple studies from Harvard , NIH , and Frontiers , these are some common dietary triggers for anxiety and depression. Foods that may trigger anxiety and depression Fruit juice While fruit is healthy, fruit juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar, preventing sharp spikes and crashes in blood glucose. Drinking juice can quickly raise your energy and then drop it, leaving you feeling irritable and hungry. Instead, eat whole fruits for sustained energy and drink water when you're thirsty. Regular soda Sugar-sweetened drinks, including soda, provide rapid sugar spikes with little nutritional value. According to the research published in NIH, there's a direct link between excessive sugar intake and increased risk of depression. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo If you crave something fizzy, try sparkling water with a splash of natural fruit juice. It offers the sensation of soda without the excessive sugar. Diet soda Even though it contains little or no sugar, diet soda isn't harmless. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and high caffeine levels can contribute to depressive symptoms and worsen anxiety. Limiting diet sodas and choosing naturally flavored water or herbal teas is a safer choice. White bread and toast According to Harvard Health Publishing , highly processed white bread converts rapidly into sugar, leading to energy spikes and crashes that may aggravate anxiety or low mood. Swap white bread for whole-grain varieties, which provide fiber and support more stable blood sugar levels. 'Light' or sugar-free dressings Many pre-packaged dressings use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. According to a study published in NIH, ingredients like aspartame may negatively affect mood and contribute to anxiety. Making homemade dressings with olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar can help you avoid these additives while enjoying a healthier flavor. Ketchup While it may seem harmless, ketchup is high in sugar, even in 'light' varieties, which may also contain artificial sweeteners. Excess sugar and additives can worsen mood swings and anxiety. Consider homemade tomato salsa with spices like cayenne for a flavorful, healthier alternative. Coffee Caffeine affects everyone differently. According to a study published in Frontiers, for some, it can increase nervousness, jitteriness, and sleep disruption, factors that intensify anxiety and depressive symptoms. If caffeine impacts you negatively, consider decaf or gradually reduce intake. For those who tolerate it well, moderate coffee consumption may actually improve alertness and mood. Energy drinks Energy drinks often contain excessive caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants such as guarana, which can trigger heart palpitations, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Instead, stick to water, herbal tea, or a piece of fruit for a natural energy boost. Alcohol Even moderate alcohol intake can interfere with sleep, which is closely tied to mental health. While occasional drinks may relax you, overconsumption increases anxiety and depressive symptoms. Limiting to moderate levels—up to one drink a day for women and two for men—can help reduce these risks. Frosting and trans fats According to a study published in NIH , sugary frostings and foods containing partially hydrogenated oils are linked to depression. These trans fats are found in fried foods, packaged snacks, and baked goods. Focus on 'good' fats from olive oil, nuts, avocado, and fatty fish, which support brain health and mood stability. Soy sauce and gluten-containing processed foods For those sensitive to gluten, soy sauce and other processed foods can trigger sluggishness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Always check labels and avoid items containing gluten if you notice negative effects. Processed and fried foods Frequent consumption of processed meats, fried foods, pastries, high-fat dairy, and refined cereals is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. A diet focused on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish is associated with more balanced moods and improved mental health. Doughnuts and sugary treats While occasional treats are fine, doughnuts are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour. Eating them regularly can worsen mood swings and contribute to anxiety or low mood. Make indulgences rare rather than routine. What you eat plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and depression. Limiting sugar, highly processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excess caffeine or alcohol can reduce mood swings and anxiety symptoms. Focus on whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and proper hydration. Small dietary changes, combined with lifestyle measures like exercise, sleep, and stress management, can significantly improve mental well-being. By making mindful food choices, you support both your body and mind, fostering a more balanced, resilient state of health. Also Read: Coconut meat doesn't raise blood sugar level: A diabetes-friendly snack and 3 groups of people who should avoid it "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
State cane department takes steps to protect sugarcane crop from diseases in UP
PILIBHIT: The state sugarcane commissioner has directed district cane officers, sugar mill officials, and cane development councils to launch a large-scale survey to detect diseases in sugarcane crops across Uttar Pradesh . The move follows a massive infestation of red rot disease during the 2024-25 crushing year, which reduced cane supplies to mills, lowered crushing levels, and cut both sugar production and the recovery rate. Cane commissioner Ministhy S. said on Wednesday that, apart from red rot, 'The cane crop in many pockets of the state is affected by root rot and root borer, along with infestations of white grub and whitefly due to waterlogging during the monsoon. Officials have been told to provide crop protection advice, essential pesticides, and other chemicals at farmers' doorsteps across the state.' Sugarcane is grown in about 30 lakh hectares across 45 districts in UP. In 2024-25, the area under cultivation was 29.5 lakh hectares. The state's 122 sugar mills crushed 956.1 LMT (lakh metric tonnes) of sugarcane, down from 977.8 LMT in 2023-24, mainly because of red rot. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Atlanta Here's The Average Price of a 6-Hour Gutter Upgrade Undo by Taboola by Taboola The disease also reduced the sugar recovery rate from 10.6% in 2023-24 to 9.7% in 2024-25, bringing total sugar production down from 103.6 LMT to 92.7 LMT. The commissioner said scientists from the Sugarcane Research Institute and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been tasked with monitoring disease infestations in fields and guiding farmers on preventive measures through village meetings. In Pilibhit, KVK plant physiologist Dr. Shailendra Singh Dhaka said, 'A few sugarcane pockets in the district have so far been affected by Pokkah Boeng disease, which kills the spindle and potentially hampers bud sprouting.' Pilibhit produces sugarcane on 1 lakh hectares. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
