Samosas, jalebis join cigarettes on health alert list, to carry warnings soon: Report
Nagpur: In a bid to combat rising obesity, the health ministry has ordered that popular deep-fried snacks like samosas and jalebis soon carry health warnings, much like cigarette packs, to alert consumers about their hidden fat and sugar content, The Times of India reported on Monday.
Central health institutions like AIIMS Nagpur have reportedly been directed to install “oil and sugar boards” in public spaces, including cafeterias, to display visual warnings on the calorie, sugar, and trans fat content of popular snacks. AIIMS Nagpur officials confirmed receiving the directive, noting that implementation will begin shortly.
"It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings. Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating," TOI quoted Amar Amale, president of Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, as saying.
The move comes amid growing alarm over lifestyle diseases in India. Health experts point to sugar and trans fats as major contributors to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
"This is not about banning food. But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds," TOI quoted senior diabetologist Sunil Gupta as saying.
An internal government note underscores the urgency of the campaign, with projections suggesting that over 44.9 crore Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050, potentially making India the world’s second-most obese nation.
Nagpur will be among the first cities to implement the visual advisory system. Near every tempting snack, a colourful sign will watch over: "Eat wisely. Your future self will thank you," added the report.
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Karnataka launches state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): In a significant boost to India’s rapidly expanding space economy, the Karnataka government on Friday launched the country’s first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology here, officials said.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities to translate space innovation into scalable commercial outcomes, they said.
The Centre, established by the Government of Karnataka through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society in collaboration with SIA (Satcom Industry Association India) -India, was inaugurated by Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, in the presence of senior officials and industry leaders, officials said.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Kharge said that Karnataka has consistently been at the forefront of India's technology and innovation journey. With the launch of this Centre of Excellence for Space Technology, we are extending that leadership into one of the most strategic sectors of the future.
"Our focus is not just on advancing research, but on creating an ecosystem where innovation can translate into real-world applications, economic growth, and high-quality jobs. This Centre will play a critical role in positioning Karnataka as a key driver of India's space economy," he said.
According to an official statement, the CoE SpaceTech Foundation has been established under a Memorandum of Agreement between KITS and SIA-India to drive research and innovation in space technologies, industry-aligned training, startup incubation and cross-sector applications, it said.
The Centre has also formalised strategic MoUs with multiple industry and academic partners to support research in space biotech and microgravity, enable collaboration, build talent pipelines, and provide startups with training and market access, it added.
