Author: Sharad Natani
An 8×8-foot prison cell. Iron bars instead of windows. Lights switched off sharply at 11 PM. No hostel room, no peaceful study environment, no financial support. Yet, from behind prison walls, a teenager dared to dream of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)—and made the nation stop and stare. While lakhs of students prepared for the IIT-JEE in air-conditioned hostels and coaching hubs, Piyush Goyal, an 18-year-old from Rajasthan, studied under extreme hardship inside Kota’s open jail, where his father was serving a life-changing sentence. A Childhood Marked by Struggle Piyush’s father, Phool Chand Goyal, a former schoolteacher, was convicted…
In 2025, India’s startup ecosystem faced one of its toughest regulatory years as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) stepped up scrutiny, moving beyond sector-specific probes to deep operational intervention. What began with action against online gaming platforms soon widened to fintech, e-commerce, and cross-border trading startups—sending a strong message on compliance, governance, and financial transparency. At least eight prominent startup-origin companies came under ED action during the year. In several cases, enforcement went far beyond inquiries, leading to account freezes, arrests, court battles, operational paralysis, and even business shutdowns. Gaming Startups Under the Scanner Online gaming firm WinZO faced one of…
In a shocking revelation that raises serious questions about food safety enforcement in India, authorities have seized 7,500 litres of fake ghee from a covert manufacturing unit operating under the guise of a hotel in Rajasthan’s Churu district. The adulterated ghee was allegedly being prepared for large-scale distribution during the New Year season, when household consumption traditionally peaks. Officials say the illegal operation had been running without any license, FSSAI registration, or basic quality standards, effectively functioning as a full-fledged factory camouflaged as a roadside hospitality business. The bust has triggered outrage and concern: how many homes would this toxic…
Pure ghee has been a staple of Indian households for centuries, valued not just for its rich aroma and taste but also for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. However, with rising demand and high prices, ghee adulteration has become a serious concern, posing risks to both health and trust. From mixing vegetable oils to adding starch, synthetic flavors, or even animal fat, adulterated ghee is increasingly finding its way into markets. The good news is that you don’t need a laboratory to check ghee purity. Several quick and reliable tests can be done at home to identify adulteration. Here’s a…
In India’s financial capital, where global brands thrive and luxury towers rise, even a glass of milk has turned into a silent health hazard. A shocking ground report from Kapaswadi area of Andheri West has exposed an openly operating adulterated milk racket, putting the lives of children, women, and elderly residents at serious risk. What is being sold as “fresh milk” is allegedly nothing but a toxic chemical cocktail, carefully altered before reaching households. How the Milk Mafia Operates According to local sources, the adulteration does not happen at dairy collection centres. Instead, milk packets are first diverted to private…
Pickles are an inseparable part of Indian kitchens. From mango and lemon to chilli and mixed vegetables, pickles add flavour, tradition, and nostalgia to daily meals. However, a common household habit—storing pickles in plastic jars—may be silently putting health at risk. Health experts and nutrition awareness platforms have raised concerns over the long-term safety of keeping pickles in plastic containers. The reason lies in the chemical interaction between plastic and pickle ingredients. Why Plastic Jars Are Unsafe for Pickles Pickles contain a potent combination of salt, oil, and acidic elements such as lemon juice or vinegar. These ingredients, over time,…