Now, apply for passport through smartphones

Hyderabad, Jul 24: Applicants will soon be able to apply for passports through their smart phones, a senior official said today.

"Applicants can fill details on passport applications through mPassport Seva App. We are working on this and are hopeful it will be launched in next few months," Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Project) and Chief Passport Officer Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi told reporters.

The 'mPassport Seva'--an android App, developed by the Ministry of External Affairs was earlier launched in March.

The App which can be downloaded at www.passportindia.gov.in, as of now is providing smart phone and tablet users with a variety of services including passport application status, tracking, locating the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and general information on various steps involved in obtaining a passport.

Speaking after inaugurating the passport office CCTV control room at Regional Passport Office at Secunderabad, Pardeshi said the Ministry of External Affairs is likely to issue over 85 lakh passports by the end of this year as compared to 74 lakh issued during last year.

"Between January to June 2013, 37 lakh passports were issued and by this year end. We hope to issue over 75 lakh passports through Passport Offices in India while another 11-12 lakh passports through missions/embassys abroad," he said.

The passport seva project has been declared as winner for e-India public choice award 2013 under government to citizen service category, he said.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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