India’s food regulator, FSSAI, has backed away from proposed colour-coded warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat following industry opposition. Major companies argued that such labels could confuse consumers and questioned their effectiveness. The issue is now under Supreme Court scrutiny after health activists sought stronger nutritional disclosures. Experts say clearer front-of-pack warnings could help consumers make healthier choices amid rising obesity concerns. The report also highlights differences between products sold in India and Western markets, including higher sugar content in some beverages. Nearly 80% of India’s packaged food products may be high in fat, sugar or salt. (PC: NDTV)

Six people, including five women, were killed and at least 12 others injured after a private travel bus collided with a moving truck in Telangana’s Suryapet district early Wednesday. The bus, carrying around 42 passengers, was travelling from Hyderabad towards Eluru and Vijayawada when it rammed into the truck around 4:30–5:20 a.m. near Durgapuram stage. The impact severely damaged the front of the bus, killing six passengers at the scene. Three injured passengers were reportedly in critical condition and shifted to Vijayawada for advanced treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. 

Delhi Police said the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has not yet sought permission for its proposed September 5 protest march from India Gate to Delhi Police headquarters. The 2.5-km march is expected to involve families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, alleged victims of police brutality, students and youth organisations. Police said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is already in force in the New Delhi district and that protests and marches are permitted only at designated locations such as Jantar Mantar with prior approval. Officers cited security and traffic concerns and said they would push organisers to shift the venue. The CJP said it would inform police about the protest in the coming days. (PC: PTI)

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a nationwide strike on September 11 over delays in implementing a five-day banking week, differences over performance-linked incentive schemes and other pending demands, including pension-related issues. If the strike goes ahead, banking services, particularly in public sector banks, could be affected for four days in several parts of the country. September 11 falls on a Friday, followed by two bank holidays on Saturday and Sunday. September 14 is also a holiday in some states for Ganesh Chaturthi. The strike threat comes amid continued demands from bank unions for a five-day working week and resolution of outstanding issues concerning employees’ incentives and pensions. (PC: X/@IndianTechGuide)

India’s push for prominent, color-coded health warnings on packaged foods has faced resistance from major food companies, Reuters reported. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) abandoned its proposed colorful front-of-pack warnings after a tense March meeting with industry executives, instead proposing a black-and-white table showing sugar, fat and salt levels. Coca-Cola and industry groups argued such labels could confuse consumers and would not change eating habits. Health activists have challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, which is scrutinizing the regulator’s approach. The dispute comes as nearly 80% of India’s packaged food and beverage products are estimated to be high in fat, sugar or salt, while consumers increasingly demand healthier products and greater transparency from global food brands. (PC: Reuters)

India has emerged as the most attractive data centre market among 10 Asia-Pacific markets outside China, with live IT capacity quadrupling in six years to 1.7 GW, according to BloombergNEF. Another 1.3 GW is under construction, while 3.2 GW of projects have secured land, power and permits. Reliance Industries and the Adani Group have committed $210 billion, while Google, Amazon and Microsoft have announced $84 billion. Maharashtra accounts for 55% of live capacity, with expansion expected across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. AI-focused campuses are driving investment, but rising electricity demand, transmission constraints and water-intensive cooling could challenge future growth, particularly in water-stressed cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai. (PC: The Economic Times)

India has eased duty-free raw sugar import rules, replacing an October 31 deadline with a two-month processing window from the date of filing the Bill of Entry. The move comes as sugar prices rise ahead of the festive season and the government steps up efforts to curb hoarding. Under the original August 20 notification, up to 1 million tonnes could be imported under a tariff-rate quota. Prices rose from Rs 48.18 per kg on July 20 to Rs 63.05 on August 24. The government cited lower production, weather-related crop damage, global supply concerns and hoarding. Domestic stocks stand at 3.5-3.9 million tonnes. From September 1, bulk sugar consumers face a 15-day stockholding limit. (PC: News18)

Jaggery prices have surged 25-30% across India in August, with Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, two key producing states, witnessing a sharp increase over the past fortnight. Manufacturers and traders attribute the rise to tightening supplies, following a government crackdown on units in Maharashtra producing adulterated jaggery. Prices are expected to remain firm until October, when fresh jaggery production begins. Industry executives said lower sugarcane availability expected next year could keep jaggery prices elevated through 2027. Since jaggery prices typically move in tandem with sugar prices, the increase is likely to raise costs for sweet makers and consumers ahead of the festive season. The supply squeeze has already pushed prices up by 25-30% nationwide this month. (PC: X)

Students protesting in Patna broke police barricades and clashed with police on Tuesday. They were marching from Gandhi Maidan towards Raj Bhavan. The students demanded cancellation of the 70th BPSC exam over alleged irregularities and paper leak concerns. They also demanded changes in the TRE 4.0 recruitment test. Protesters want TRE 4.0 to be held as a single-stage exam without negative marking. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav called for talks and an independent inquiry into recruitment exams. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also launched a monthly Student Support Camp. The initiative aims to address student complaints and track grievances.

Northeast India is positioning itself as a key hub for space technology and a gateway to Southeast Asia, with efforts underway to build stronger links between the region’s scientific institutions, startups and global partners. The initiative aims to use the Northeast’s strategic location to expand cooperation in satellite technology, remote sensing and other space-based services.   Experts believe the growing space ecosystem could create new opportunities for innovation, investment and skilled jobs across the region. Improved infrastructure and collaboration with neighbouring countries could also help Northeast India play a bigger role in India’s expanding space sector and regional technology partnerships. (PC: X)