Latest news with #ShikhaYadav
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
‘FSSAI is working towards felicitating whistle-blowers who report adulteration'
1 2 In-charge of the state food testing laboratory, Chaturbhuj Meena speaks to Shikha Yadav on their efforts to curb adulteration, the role of lab in detecting unsafe food and the required support to make enforcement more effective and citizen-friendly. Q: What are the most common adulterants detected by the lab? A: We've detected a wide range of adulterants. In milk, we frequently find water adulteration, use of milk powder in curd, and starch (arrowroot, refined flour, potato starch) in paneer and khowa. In some samples, milk fat is replaced with cheap oils or vanaspati. Ghee has shown traces of artificial fragrances and non-edible oils. Sweets made from milk products like paneer, chhena, and khowa often contain starch. In mustard oil, we have found cheaper oils mixed with artificial colours and synthetic mustard essence. Fruit-based products like jams, jellies, and drinks sometimes contain starch, modified starches, and sweeteners, with no real fruit content. Pulses such as arhar and masoor are sometimes artificially coloured. Sweets like jalebi, laddoo, and boondi often contain non-edible synthetic dyes like metanil yellow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo In turmeric, both whole and powdered, lead chromate and rice flour are common adulterants. Red chilli powder often contains coloured stems and dust. Q. How is food purity tested in the lab? A. For example, we use the iodine method to test the purity of paneer. Upon finding it adulterated, the next step is to identify if the adulterants are harmful or not. It, however, can be done in a high-end lab. Q: Is the current infrastructure and manpower at the food lab adequate? A: With the addition of junior analysts on an outsourced basis, we are currently training them to build capacity. Once they are fully trained, the manpower should be sufficient for now. However, we need permanent posts to be filled. Q: What are the major challenges in ensuring timely detection and reporting of adulterated food samples? A: Though we are now equipped with modern instruments and trained manpower, our work could improve significantly if the procurement and payment processes for essential materials, like chemicals, consumables, and glassware, were handled directly at the lab level. Day-to-day operations, including NABL-related work, electricity, and water, also require more autonomy and timely budgeting. Q: How can common citizen directly approach the lab to get a food sample tested? A: Under Section 40 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, any citizen can have a sample tested. This provision has existed since the 1954 Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. The idea is to empower the public in the fight against adulteration. FSSAI is also working towards felicitating whistle-blowers who report adulteration. Q: What kind of policy or administrative support is needed to boost lab efficiency, faster enforcement, and improve food safety? A: Currently, one food safety officer is responsible for nearly 50,000 food business operators in each district. We need more officers, better equipment, and vehicles. Most importantly, active support from the police and administrative authorities is crucial. Ideally, sub-divisional magistrates (SDM) should again be given powers as adjudicating officers to enable quicker action. 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 .
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Need to sustain momentum building around rise in tribal fashion'
Jharkhand fashion, deeply rooted in the traditions of the state's indigenous communities, is gradually carving a space on global platforms. From unique motifs to sustainable practices, it carries both aesthetic richness and cultural weight. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shipra Kumari, head of the department of fashion design and management at Ranchi University, talks to Shikha Yadav to share insights on the rise of tribal fashion, its distinct identity, and the role of academia and governance in pushing it to the forefront. Q: How would you assess the current recognition of tribal ethnic fashion from Jharkhand? Are there any success stories or benchmarks we can look at? A: Tribal fashion is gaining momentum at the national and international platform. Few to mention are the "Adiwasi Mela 2025" (5–15th January 2025) organised at Bhubaneswar by the Odisha govt, showcasing the rich cultural tribal heritage. Jharkhand's traditional tribal clothing brand "The Pride of Tribe" by Kanti Gari, designed by fashion designer Nimita Kerketta, made a place in the Dubai Fashion Week 2024. These are significant markers indicating that tribal fashion is being recognised and appreciated globally, not just for its aesthetic value but also for its cultural depth. Q: What is the USP of tribal fashion that sets it apart in the global fashion landscape? A: It is their ethnicity and cultural heritage. The uniqueness of its colour combination, motifs, texture and aesthetic of textiles, and one-of-a-kind jewellery makes them stand bold. These elements are not only visually striking but also carry generations of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story of the community, of the land, and of their world view, which resonates deeply in the global fashion industry. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Q: What steps can the govt take to mainstream the state's tribal fashion into global markets? A: At the govt level, it needs promotion by identifying the venture for the said purpose, financing, technology integration and providing & helping in marketing. The designers and fashion experts need to research, innovate and create designs with originality, and also amalgamate them, as fashion always needs freshness. There must be dedicated platforms and events specifically curated for tribal fashion and active collaborations with tribal artisans. Govt incentives for tribal entrepreneurs, fashion clusters, and skill development schemes can also play a key role. Q: How can academic institutions contribute to promote it? A: For example, Ranchi University offers fashion designing courses at bachelor's and master's level. Presently, several students are registered for PhD in subjects related to tribal fashion, tribal clothing, etc. Through academic platforms, students are given the opportunity to research deeply, collaborate with artisans, and design new interpretations of tribal fashion. Q: What more can be done to build on that momentum? A: There is definitely momentum building through showcases, exhibitions, and designer collaborations. What we now need is a sustained institutional ecosystem, more fashion weeks with tribal themes, state-sponsored designer tie-ups, etc. for business and livelihood linkages.
