Srinagar, Sept 20: The Friday following Eid-e-Milad- un- Nabi(SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad SAW, was observed with religious fervor across Kashmir, with the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake serving as the main center for religious observances.
Thousands of devotees gathered at the shrine to offer Friday prayers, celebrating the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (SAW). The atmosphere was one of deep faith and peace as people from all walks of life, including men, women, and children, came to witness the display of the holy relic of the Prophet SAW.
Special night-long prayers, known as “ShabKhawani,” were also held on Thursday, with many devotees attending to offer prayers and supplications. These gatherings added to the religious spirit of the occasion.
Besides Hazratbal, mosques and shrines across the Valley also saw large gatherings of worshippers. Religious scholars delivered sermons about the life and teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW), urging people to follow his path of kindness and humility.
Authorities made proper arrangements for the celebrations, ensuring the smooth conduct of prayers and gatherings. Security and traffic management were also in place to accommodate the large crowds.
J&K secures 3rd rank in Food Safety Index 2023-24
New Delhi, Sept 20: The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has achieved a commendable 3rd position in the Food Safety Index 2023-24, awarded by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The announcement was made during the Second Edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit 2024, where Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, ShriJagatPrakashNadda, presented the award. He was joined by ShriPralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and CEO Shri G. Kamala VardhanaRao of FSSAI.
The Food Safety Index serves as a dynamic benchmark for assessing food safety across all States and Union Territories, employing both quantitative and qualitative measures. The evaluation process for the current year commenced with correspondence to Food Safety Commissioners nationwide, focusing on critical indicators such as human resources, compliance levels, food testing infrastructure, and consumer empowerment.
Jammu & Kashmir’s 3rd place recognition is attributed to its effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, throughout the financial year 2023-24. The evaluation considered various enforcement activities, including inspections, sampling, analysis, and initiatives under the FSSAI flagship programs, such as food fortification and hygiene ratings.
The Commissioner of the FDA in J&K credited the award to the dedicated efforts of the department’s personnel, empowered to uphold the statutory duties under the Food Safety Act. He expressed gratitude for the support from the UT government and FSSAI, particularly in capacity building through financial assistance aimed at enhancing food safety practices.
He urged all stakeholders, including food business operators, consumers, and civil society, to collaborate with innovative approaches to further strengthen food safety in the region and contribute to a healthier nation.
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