FSSAI chief backs Tukaram Mundhe's Maharashtra FDA crackdown amid court criticism

UPDATED: Sep 5, 2026 20:52 ISTFSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani has backed Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s aggressive enforcement of food safety rules, saying his work proves that "if there’s a will, there’s a way". Punhani rejected the notion that food safety is a punishment posting, arguing every state needs a dedicated commissioner and adequate focus on the department. He praised Mundhe for conducting extensive inspections and enforcement with the existing workforce, saying the campaign has also increased public awareness. His endorsement comes despite recent criticism from the Bombay High Court, which questioned the FDA’s handling of violations, alleging undue haste and disproportionate action against establishments. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSSRCC Marks Centenary As PM Modi Visits; Higher Education, Startup Growth & Green Energy HighlightedAddressing the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on Teachers' Day, the speaker welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted key achievements in education, enterprise, and energy. The speech noted that higher education admissions have grown by one crore over the past decade to reach 4.5 crore students, while India's startup ecosystem has expanded from fewer than 400 startups prior to 2016 to more than 2,30,000 today. Highlighting economic resilience, the address cited India's first-quarter 2026 economic growth rate of 7.8 per cent and underscored that 99 per cent of mobile phones used in India are now manufactured domestically. The speaker emphasised the need for India to emerge as a global manufacturing and skilling hub through the National Education Policy. Furthermore, the address pointed out that total electricity generation increased from 249 gigawatts in 2014 to 552 gigawatts, with non-fossil sources contributing 302 gigawatts and solar capacity surging from 2.6 gigawatts to 165 gigawatts.SRCC Centenary Celebrations: Metro Ride With Students, Gen Z Outreach And Economic Growth StoryThe centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce took place on the occasion of Teachers' Day, marking one hundred years since the founding of the premier institution in 1926. A commemorative coin of one hundred rupees denomination was released alongside floral tributes offered to visionary founder Sir Shri Ram. Ahead of the address at the college campus, a Delhi Metro commute from Lok Kalyan Marg to Vishwavidyalaya featured direct interactions with thirty students regarding education, careers, aspirations, and future goals. The engagement aligns with an ongoing youth outreach initiative focused on the role of the younger generation in the national development model. Discussions highlighted economic resilience amid global headwinds, referencing the first quarter gross domestic product growth rate of 7.8 percent.College Centenary Outreach, Student Metro Interaction And National Development VisionA major youth outreach initiative unfolded as centenary celebrations commenced at a premier commerce college under Delhi University. A special public transit journey was undertaken alongside students, creating an opportunity for direct dialogue regarding their aspirations, education reforms, and employment concerns. The engagement highlights the ongoing efforts to connect with young citizens and first-time voters aged between eighteen and twenty-three across college campuses and digital platforms. The address focuses on the pivotal role of younger generations in national progress, institutional excellence, and achieving long-term development targets set for 2047. The event also coincided with national educator felicitations, acknowledging the role of teachers and academic institutions in shaping leadership and future governance.Russia Halts Strikes On Kyiv For Three Days As US Delegation Visits MoscowRussian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day pause on strikes targeting Kyiv in connection with preparations for the visit of an American delegation. US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow to hold talks with Russian officials, including a meeting with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and are scheduled to meet President Putin. The diplomatic engagement follows previous contacts between Washington and Moscow amid intensifying drone and missile exchanges in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The American envoys are expected to relay discussions back to the US leadership as diplomatic back-channel efforts continue.