Crossing The Line: 18th Lok Sabha Elections and Free Speech In India https://freespeechcollective.in/crossing-the-line18th-lok-sabha-elections-and-free-speech-in-india/ MAY 1, 2024 In the run up to the most contentious and divisive general election that India has witnessed, there have been at least 134 instances of free speech violations in the country. Free Speech Collective’s review of free speech in India in the first four months of 2024 reveals that the crackdown has been across the board. Journalists, academics, YouTubers, students and other citizens have faced arrests, attacks, threats, harassment and censorship, marked by arbitrary enforcement of rules and laws. Alongside, authorities have been prickly about what is perceived to be critical international coverage, as Avani Dias found out before she was forced to leave India abruptly, an invisible boundary had been drawn.
Chemicals linked to cancer found in Acne creams including Proactiv, Clearasil https://www.livemint.com/science/health/chemicals-linked-to-cancer-found-in-acne-creams-including-proactiv-clearasil-11709731563797.html
06 Mar 2024,Acne products from brands including Proactiv, Target Corp.’s Up & Up and Clinique have elevated levels of the carcinogen, an independent testing laboratory said in a petition filed with the US FDA. Hand sanitizers were tainted by benzene. Sunscreens and dry shampoos too. Now acne treatments are joining the list of widely used consumer products found to contain high levels of the chemical linked to cancer.
Hong Kong recently banned several spice variants manufactured by MDH and one by Everest Food Products. The decision came after authorities of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region reportedly found the presence of the cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide in the spice mixes. https://www.livemint.com/science/health/do-mdh-everest-masala-cause-cancer-why-have-hong-kong-singapore-banned-indian-spices-explained-fish-curry-masala-11713768643460.html
MDH, an Indian spice king, has strongly denied allegations of pesticide contamination following reports from food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore. The controversy erupted when the Center for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong detected ethylene oxide—a prohibited pesticide—in various pre-packaged spice products from MDH and another Indian brand, Everest.https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/we-do-not-use-ethylene-oxide-mdh-refutes-cancer-causing-pesticide-allegations-by-hong-kong-singapore-11714275991652.html
India spice maker Everest says products safe after health concerns https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/india-spice-maker-says-products-safe-after-health-concerns-101713943174481.html By Deutsche Welle
Apr 24, 2024 Everest says spices are safe. Everest said in a statement Tuesday that the specific item under examination was safe to consume, according to Reuters news agency, which cited a statement by the company's director. "Exports are cleared only after receiving necessary clearances and approval from the laboratories of the Spice Board of India," Rajiv Shah, the director at Everest Food Products, said.
He added just one item of the 60 products had been held for examination and that it was safe to use and there was no need for concern.