Latest news with #HUID
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Akshaya hallmark centre seized for illegal gold jewellery hallmarking
Vijayawada: Sleuths of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Vijayawada, seized Akshaya Hallmark and Testing Centre at Jai Hind Complex after it was found to be operating without mandatory BIS recognition and was issuing hallmark symbols on gold ornaments, in constituting a violation under Section 14 of the BIS Act, 2016. A BIS team led by joint directors B Rajgopal and K Sai Kaushik conducted a surprise search operation and found out that the firm was illegally hallmarking gold jewellery without BIS approval. The center was issuing hallmark symbols such as '22K916' without a valid Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID), a clear infringement of BIS norms. Further, a laser marking machine being used for unauthorized hallmarking activities was seized during the operation. All seized items have been taken into BIS custody for further legal action. On the occasion, BIS Vijayawada officials emphasised: "BIS strongly advises all jewellers and hallmarking centers to adhere to BIS regulations. Unauthorised hallmarking is a serious offence and will not be tolerated. Vigilance and enforcement actions will continue unabated to prevent any misuse or violation." BIS Vijayawada director Prem Sajani Patnala, stated that appropriate legal action will be initiated under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016, which provides for imprisonment up to one year, or a fine not less than Rs 1,00,000, which may extend up to five times the value of the goods involved, or both. The BIS director further appealed consumers to report instances of Standard mark misuse (use of ISI mark or hallmarking without HUID) to the BIS Vijayawada Branch Office, located at the First Floor, AP Markfed Building, APIIC Colony Road, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada - 520007.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Hallmark and testing centre in Governorpeta found operating without valid recognitions
Officials of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Vijayawada, on Wednesday, conducted a search and seizure operation at Akshaya Hallmark and Testing Centre in Governorpeta, and found that the centre was operating without mandatory BIS recognition and valid hallmarking on gold ornaments, constituting a violation under Section 14 of the BIS Act, 2016. During the search, BIS Joint Directors B. Rajgopal and K. Sai Kaushik found out that the firm was issuing hallmark symbols, such as '22K916', without a valid Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID), which is a clear infringement of BIS norms. Later, the officials seized a laser marking machine being used for unauthorised hallmarking activities. All seized items have been taken into BIS custody for further legal action. Noting that unauthorised hallmarking centres will face severe consequences, including penalties and imprisonments, the BIS, Vijayawada, officials said jewellers and hallmarking centres should adhere to BIS regulations. Unauthorised hallmarking is a serious offence and will not be tolerated, the officials added. Consumers have been requested to verify hallmark details, including the HUID number, on their gold purchases. This can be easily done through the BIS Care Mobile App. BIS, Vijayawada, Head and Director Prem Sajani Patnala said that appropriate legal action will be initiated against the firm under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016, which provides imprisonment up to one year, or a fine not less than ₹1,00,000, which may extend up to five times the value of the goods involved, or both. Consumers are encouraged to report instances of Standard mark misuse (use of ISI mark or hallmarking without HUID) to the BIS Vijayawada Branch Office. Complaints can also be submitted via the BIS Care Mobile App or through email at hvjbobis@
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former textiles student makes stunning breakthrough with onion skins: 'I wanted to find a solution from something with no value'
One roadblock to phasing out plastic food packaging is extending the shelf life of perishable items, but HUID CEO Renuka Ramanujam may have found an ingenious solution. As detailed by the BBC, Ramanujam is transforming onion skin into compostable packaging. Because these skins have antimicrobial properties, they could ensure food stays fresh while eliminating billions of pieces of plastic waste. The entrepreneur first became familiar with onion skins as a textile student when she used them as clothing dye. Yet her desire for clean, healthy food helped fuel her development of the eco-friendly packaging solution. According to Beyond Plastics, researchers have linked 3,200 chemicals in plastics to cancer, hormonal disruptions, and neurodevelopment problems. "Plastic leaches chemicals into food when it's heated," Ramanujam told the BBC. "I wanted to find a solution from something with no value." Moreover, food waste is a significant global problem. The World Resources Institute estimates that as much as 40% of food is lost or wasted, even as around one in three people struggles with food insecurity. In addition to consuming trillions of gallons of water, lost or wasted food also produces around 8-10% of planet-warming pollution associated with more intense extreme weather, which has pushed many farmers to the brink. Ramanujam told the BBC that onions were also a perfect solution because they are a staple around the world — surpassed in production only by tomatoes, per Statista. "Imagine any meal you have — there's bound to be some onion in there. Onions are a global staple for cuisines. They're everywhere, so their waste is everywhere too," said Ramanujam, who is from India but has Dutch nationality. The entrepreneur also believes her plastic-free packaging solution could help protect biodiversity if widely adopted, serving as a replacement for cardboard products as well, though the product isn't yet ready for commercial use, per the company. What motivates you to wash your clothes in cold water? Saves money Saves energy Gentler on clothes I wash my clothes in hot water Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Trees are super important to the environment, because of the animals they home and the carbon they hold," Ramanujam shared with the BBC. "Onions don't have that responsibility." As for those worried that HUID's onion-skin packaging would infuse an unwelcome odor or taste into the foods, Ramanujam assured the BBC that there was nothing to fear. "The samples smell quite bland, if anything, maybe a little sweet," she said. "Whether that's protection or cost, we're always going to need [packaging]. We want to make sure it's done in the best way possible." HUID's partners include powerhouses such as the University of Strathclyde Advanced Materials Research Library, IBioIC, Innovate UK, and the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, a joint venture between Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
