India’s food safety regulator has dropped plans for prominent colour-coded warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat after opposition from major food companies. The proposed labels would have used clear front-of-pack warnings to help consumers identify unhealthy products.   Instead, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has proposed a black-and-white nutrition table. The decision is now under Supreme Court scrutiny following a petition by public health activists. Industry groups argued that colour-coded warnings could confuse consumers, while health experts said clearer labels could help tackle rising obesity and improve public awareness about unhealthy foods. (PC: NDTV)

Twenty-one students were hospitalised after falling ill hours after eating a midday meal at a government school in Rajasthan’s Kota district. More than 100 students had eaten the meal, but several complained of vomiting, stomach pain and nausea around two hours later. The affected children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while health and education officials began an investigation into the suspected food poisoning incident. Authorities collected food samples for testing to determine the exact cause. Officials said the students were receiving medical care as the investigation continued. (PC: The Indian Express)

The US-Canada trade war escalated after President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and auto parts from 25% to 50% starting January 1. The move came after trade talks between the two countries collapsed, with both sides blaming each other for last-minute demands. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Trump appeared determined to damage Canada’s auto industry and vowed to respond with reciprocal tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also called for a stronger response. Businesses on both sides warned that the escalating tariff dispute could raise prices, hurt jobs and disrupt North American trade. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai faced transport disruptions on Monday as several auto-rickshaw drivers went on strike, leaving commuters struggling to find rides. The protest was linked to concerns over a compulsory Marathi language test, which drivers claimed included questions beyond the prescribed syllabus. The shortage of auto-rickshaws also increased pressure on taxis and app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber, with commuters reporting longer waiting times and limited availability. Drivers demanded changes to the examination process, arguing that the test was unfair and difficult. Authorities are expected to address the concerns as Mumbai’s transport services remain affected.

Sugar prices have surged 29% in a month, prompting the Centre to tighten rules governing raw sugar imports to curb hoarding and ensure faster domestic supply. Under a revised notification issued by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, importers must now refine and sell imported raw sugar in India within two months of its arrival. The move comes as domestic prices rise amid supply and crop pressures and ahead of the festive season. The earlier provision required importers to process raw sugar within a reasonable timeframe and sufficiently ahead of October 31, allowing it to be sold domestically by then. The latest framework replaces that broader requirement with a fixed two-month deadline for processing and sale. (PC: Times Now)

Indian Railways is moving towards introducing waterless urinals for loco pilots operating its most powerful 12,000-horsepower electric locomotives, addressing a long-standing operational challenge caused by the absence of toilets or urinals inside locomotive cabins. The initiative is particularly significant as Railways continues inducting women as loco pilots. Manufactured at the Madhepura Electric Locomotive factory in Bihar, the locomotives will come with inbuilt waterless urinals, while those already rolled out will be retrofitted. Discussions with Railways are at an advanced stage, according to a senior official of Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL). MELPL is a joint venture between Indian Railways and France’s Alstom, which holds a 74% majority stake. (PC: Express photo by Dheeraj Mishra)

Astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has become the first Indian woman to receive the prestigious COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal. She received the honour at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy. Subramaniam is the fourth Indian to win the medal, recognised for her contributions to space science and astronomy. Her work includes a key role in AstroSat's Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and India's future INSIST space telescope project. She has also contributed to major international astronomy programmes. The award marks a significant milestone for Indian science and women's growing contribution to space research.  

Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has temporarily suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over the online sale of poisonous Datura fruits and seeds for human consumption. The action followed complaints and an investigation that found toxic Datura products listed and stored for sale on the platforms. The regulator said the companies’ responses were unsatisfactory. Amazon did not submit a response, while Instamart sought more time. BigBasket said it had stopped selling the products. Authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences of suppliers and sellers and directed platforms to remove all related listings immediately. (PC: NDTV)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a youth protest march on September 5 from India Gate to the New Delhi Police Headquarters, accusing the Centre of failing to fulfil commitments that led to the withdrawal of the students’ movement on July 25. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the march would remain peaceful and warned that the party would not accept “vishwasghaat” (betrayal) against Gen Z protesters, young demonstrators and families of those who died. Das also questioned whether the Narendra Modi government intended to honour its promises to student protesters. The announcement comes a month after the CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest spread across India, drawing attention to the party’s demands and its criticism of the Centre’s handling of the movement. (PC: PTI)

IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal has pledged another ₹300 crore to IIT Kanpur’s Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology. His total contribution to the project has now reached ₹400 crore. Gangwal had earlier donated ₹100 crore in 2022. The latest contribution also includes a matching grant. He will match donations from alumni and other supporters up to ₹300 crore. The medical school plans to build a 500-bed super-speciality hospital and a 200-bed cancer care research centre. The project aims to combine medicine, engineering and technology. IIT Kanpur said the new funding will help speed up the project’s development.