Every consumer has the right to safe and reliable products. Standards and certification marks ensure product safety and build consumer confidence. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets national standards and certifies many products to ensure they meet safety and quality requirements. While BIS certification is mandatory for more than 400 product categories like electronics, pressure cookers, helmets, toys, stoves, cement, cables, etc, there are voluntary standards for many others as well.

Food waste silently drains our planet’s resources. Food production also uses 70% of global freshwater resources. The land used for farming and the water used to grow crops are all lost when food goes uneaten. Small actions to reduce waste can make a big difference.

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Climate change doesn’t just affect the weather — it can also affect our health. As temperatures rise, disease-causing organisms and the animals that carry them may survive and spread in new places. Understanding these links helps us prepare for the health challenges a warming world may bring.

This ‘family-on-a-two-wheeler’ movie scene might look cute, but in real life, it violates the Motor Vehicles Act, which allows only two riders on a two-wheeler and mandates ISI-certified helmets for every rider, including children. What looks normal in movies can be illegal and unsafe in real life.

A well executed plan is essential if we want to make our transport vision a reality. Building a sustainable transport system requires coordination and cooperation between comprehensive mobility, road safety and climate action plans.

Every transport project should also plan for long-term maintenance and include penalties for delays, so that work is completed on time and meets quality standards. At least 60% of the transport budget should be set aside for public transport and active mobility projects.

Noticed your favourite fruits getting pricier? Veggie prices swinging? It’s not random. Farming depends on stable weather, predictable rain and manageable heat. As climate patterns shift, yields fall and harvests become uncertain. When farming is unpredictable, prices are too

World Obesity Day is a reminder that childhood obesity is not just about weight. Apart from obesity itself — which can affect self-esteem later in life — obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other long-term health complications. Early habits shape lifelong health. Creating food environments that prioritise fresh, balanced meals over ultra-processed options is one of the most meaningful ways we can safeguard our children’s future.