TAUSEEF AHMAD

SRINAGAR, Mat 11: A viral social media video allegedly showing a cockroach in a serving of biryani has prompted swift action from the Food Safety Team in Srinagar, culminating in the closure of a food establishment found operating under “poor hygienic conditions” and in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Acting on the widely circulated footage, officials from the Food Safety Department conducted an inspection of the concerned restaurant soon after taking cognizance of the matter. What began as an online controversy quickly escalated into a full-fledged enforcement action after inspectors reportedly discovered evidence of cockroach infestation within the premises.

According to officials, the inspection revealed serious lapses in hygiene and sanitation, including violations falling under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006 — the section that lays down mandatory sanitary and hygienic requirements for food businesses. The team also collected samples of prepared food from the establishment for analytical examination to determine whether the food served was fit for human consumption.

Authorities said the Food Business Operator had failed to undertake mandatory pest-control measures, a critical requirement under food safety regulations intended to prevent contamination and protect public health. The absence of pest-control mechanisms, coupled with the unhygienic condition of the premises, was viewed as a grave violation by the inspecting team.

“In view of the violations observed during inspection, the establishment has been closed,” officials said, adding that a formal challan detailing the breaches of various provisions of the FSS Act would be submitted before the competent court for legal proceedings.

The incident has once again brought the spotlight onto food safety standards in eateries and restaurants, particularly in an era where customer experiences — and alleged violations — can rapidly gain traction online and trigger public outrage within hours. The viral video not only raised concerns among consumers but also underscored the growing role of social media as a catalyst for regulatory action.

In its official communication, the Food Safety Department issued a stern warning to all Food Business Operators across the region, directing them to ensure strict compliance with hygiene and sanitation norms mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Operators have specifically been instructed to carry out regular pest-control measures and maintain clean food-handling environments to avoid contamination risks.
The department warned that any failure to comply with prescribed food safety standards would invite strict legal action against violators under the provisions of the FSS Act.

The case is now expected to proceed through legal scrutiny once the analytical report of the food samples is received and the challan is formally placed before the court.

Sopore, May 11: BJP Jammu and Kashmir General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul on Monday said alcohol and drug abuse could not be curbed through legislation alone and stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to tackle the issue.

Speaking to reporters, Koul, as per KNS, said governments across different places had tried to control alcohol consumption through legal measures, but such steps alone had failed to fully address the problem.

“There should be awareness to stop consumption of alcohol and drugs. No government can completely stop people from consuming alcohol through laws alone. In places where such laws were enforced, the situation became worse,” he said.

Koul also backed the remarks made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying the challenge of alcohol abuse could not be addressed only through legislation.

Referring to remarks made by minister Sakina Itoo on the anti-drug campaign, Koul said the drive against narcotics had first started in Jammu and was later extended to Kashmir.

He said the campaign should not be linked to religion and maintained that the action was aimed at preventing the spread of drugs among youth.

“It is necessary. If such action is not taken, how will it stop? Those involved will not fear the law and they will destroy our future,” he said.

Koul said strict action against people involved in the narcotics trade was necessary to prevent drug abuse and protect society from its impact.

New Delhi, 11 May 26 : The first ever indigenously fabricated and constructed Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is shaping up at Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa. The contract was signed with MoD for construction of 06 ACV’s for ICG on 24 Oct 24. The Girder Laying Ceremony of 4th, 5th and 6th  ACV’s was  held at Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard Goa by Deputy Inspector General Vinod Sakharkar, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Coast Guard Regional Headquarters on        11 May 26.

The first ACV is scheduled to be delivered shortly. These ACVs are being manufactured with indigenous material in India for the first time marking a significant leap in collective pursuit of self reliance and technological advancement under the visionary ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The process opens up world to India for hovercraft market.

These ACVs will be deployed to safeguard India’s vast and dynamic coastal zone, adding significant strategic mobility and operational flexibility to the ICG. These modern Air Cushion Vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime roles including high speed coastal patrolling and reconnaissance in shallow waters, marshy areas, deep sea and interception/interdiction in areas of operation by both day/night and search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and boats in distress.

The ACVs, based on Griffon Hovercraft, UK design are indigenously constructed at Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard Goa and have 50% indigenous content which is first time ever for any ACV operating in India.

KD Desk

New Delhi, May 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged Indians to cut down fuel consumption, avoid purchasing gold for a year and revive work-from-home practices as concerns mount over rising global oil prices and supply chain disruptions triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia.

Addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad, Modi said the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and the wider West Asian region could severely impact global energy markets and foreign exchange reserves of import-dependent countries like India.

The Prime Minister said Indians must use petrol, diesel and gas “with great restraint” and stressed that imported petroleum products should be consumed only when necessary. He said conserving fuel would reduce the economic impact of global conflicts and help save valuable foreign exchange reserves.

Modi also appealed to citizens to reconsider non-essential gold purchases, particularly during weddings, saying India spends massive amounts of foreign exchange on gold imports every year. “In the national interest, we must resolve not to purchase gold for a year,” he said while addressing the gathering.

Calling work-from-home an effective fuel-saving measure, the Prime Minister suggested companies reintroduce remote working wherever possible to reduce daily commuting and fuel usage.

The remarks came as Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth nearly ₹9,400 crore in Telangana, including highway, railway and energy infrastructure projects. (India Today)