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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Noida police bust racket forging ISO certificates, arrest 6
The Gautam Buddh Nagar police Thursday busted a racket operating as a marketing firm, and arrested six men who had been allegedly duping small-scale product manufacturers by promising branding, digital marketing, and forged ISO certifications. The police said they arrested the men from the NX One IT park in Greater Noida West, where the gang was operating a company named Brandology Marketing Private Limited. They also seized nine laptops, eight mobile phones, a tablet, a swipe machine, and nearly 60 forged documents, including fake ISO certificates, during the arrests. The key accused, Mayank Tiwari, 32, from Gopalganj in Bihar, was the company's director and handled International Organization for Standardization certifications. His aide, Vikas Sharma, 28, from Bulandshahr, was in charge of sales and created fake certificates on his laptop. Others included two website developers, an advertiser, and a customer relations manager. According to the police, the company had previously operated from Sector 63 in Noida under the name Distributor Channel (Bharat Ka Distributor), where a similar case had been registered earlier this year, and they had been arrested. 'They had gone to jail in a similar case some time ago, after which they changed their modus operandi and started making these fake certificates,' said Shakti Mohan Awasthi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Noida. In the current case, they were arrested on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the director of an edible products firm, Indico Retail Pvt Ltd. In his complaint, he told police that he had paid over Rs 3.28 lakh in instalments to the fake marketing firm for digital branding of his products, but no services were ever delivered. He said the accused allegedly sent forged documents and used delay tactics. Fake data and social media traction The gang had been mostly targeting clients from outside Uttar Pradesh to avoid confrontations at their office, said the police. The police said the arrested men would first lure manufacturers in with large sums of money by claiming that they are recognised by the Central government, offer to promote their products online, and get them certified. However, after issuing certain forged documents, they would disappear. The police said the group posed as experts in digital marketing, claiming they could get a product listed on platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, design websites, create promotional videos, generate barcodes, and obtain ISO certification. Once a client showed interest, the accused would present inflated or fake data and social media traction to build trust. After receiving payments, the gang would ask for product samples on the pretext of sharing them with distributors. But there were no distributors — and no branding was ever done, police said. They said when the victims would demand returns or results, they were told that their product was substandard, or that the money had already been spent on advertisements and dispatching samples. The police said the six men have been booked under sections 316(2), 318(4), 338, 336(3) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and relevant sections of the IT Act, in two FIRs registered at the Bisrakh Police Station.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ghana launches task force to curb gold smuggling losses
By Emmanuel Bruce ACCRA (Reuters) -Ghana President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday launched a task force backed by security forces to address illegal gold trading, as Africa's top producer seeks to recover billions of dollars lost to smuggling. The task force is Ghana's first national anti-gold smuggling initiative. The government has previously launched efforts to sanitize artisanal mining but these were unsuccessful in curbing illegal extraction and preventing revenue losses that plague most African gold producers. Ghana this year created the new gold board known as GoldBod to centralise gold trading. This has led to record official exports of 55.7 metric tonnes of gold valued at $5 billion in the first five months of 2025, Mahama said at the inauguration of the new task force. "This is money that would not have come back to Ghana because traders would have taken it and kept the foreign exchange outside," Mahama said. To encourage public cooperation with the new anti-smuggling task force, which will involve both soldiers and police officers, informants will receive 10% of the value of gold seized as a result of their tips, Mahama said. Ghana plans to implement a nationwide gold traceability system and transition to refined gold exports by 2026, Mahama added. The country will also seek to capture more value from gold through an assay laboratory, certified by the International Organization for Standardization to guarantee quality, and a specialized manufacturing hub. West African governments are striving to capture more revenue from surging commodity prices. Military-led nations are adopting aggressive policies, including rewriting mining codes, seizing assets and renegotiating contracts, while democracies like Ghana and Ivory Coast are pursuing measured reforms through higher royalties and enhanced revenue-sharing deals. Gold prices have jumped 25% this year to date, and peaked at $3,500 per ounce in April, according to Reuters data.
Arab News
04-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Ensuring water security through robust regulation
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its water infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030, taking bold steps to ensure the long-term sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of its water distribution networks. With water scarcity looming as a global crisis, the Kingdom is making water security a national priority — modernizing networks, investing in smart infrastructure, and tightening regulatory frameworks to set a new standard for sustainable water management. In recent years, these regulations have become more stringent, reinforcing the need for standardized, high-quality solutions that reduce inefficiencies and enhance system resilience. Yet, despite the progress, challenges persist. Aging infrastructure, high rates of non-revenue water, and inconsistent implementation of standards continue to undermine these efforts. Bridging the gap between regulation and real-world execution requires more than meeting minimum requirements. Industry players must take a proactive stance — going beyond compliance to integrate best practices and durable components that protect the integrity of Saudi Arabia's water networks for decades to come. Unified standards ensure that water network components — such as valves, hydrants, and pipeline fittings — are designed to withstand the Kingdom's demanding conditions, from high temperatures to corrosive soil environments. Adherence to internationally recognized standards, like International Organization for Standardization and American Water Works Association, guarantees that these components are built for performance, even under pressure. Material compliance is especially critical. Poor material choices can lead to corrosion, leaks, and premature failure — issues that significantly increase long-term maintenance costs. According to the World Economic Forum's 2023 Global Risks Report, failure of critical infrastructure — including water systems — is one of the top risks facing governments in the coming decade due to inadequate investment and poor resilience strategies. By strengthening material specifications and standardizing design requirements across the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia can reinforce the backbone of its water infrastructure and reduce lifecycle costs over time. Globally, utilities lose an average of 25-30 percent of their water as non-revenue water — lost through leakage, theft, or metering inaccuracies. In some developing regions, that figure can exceed 40 percent. Non-compliant or substandard components are a major contributor to non-revenue water. When pipes, valves, and fittings are not installed or maintained properly — or are made from inferior materials — leakages occur more frequently, reducing pressure and disrupting supply. Enforcing compliance with best practices, particularly pressure management and valve quality can significantly reduce these losses. According to a 2022 study by the International Water Association, utilities that adopted pressure regulation and high-quality components saw non-revenue water reductions of up to 15 percent within the first year of implementation. Additionally, digital monitoring systems paired with compliant infrastructure can detect leaks in real time, allowing operators to respond proactively rather than reactively conserving water, energy, and money. Regulation isn't a burden — it's a catalyst. It presents an opportunity to raise the bar for what's possible in water sustainability. Mads Helge Saudi Arabia is undertaking large-scale water infrastructure projects as part of its Vision 2030 agenda, including smart water grids, desalination plant expansions, and wastewater reuse networks. The Saline Water Conversion Corporation, for instance, has become the largest producer of desalinated water globally, with plans to increase daily capacity to 8.5 million cubic meters by 2030. As these investments scale, ensuring all components align with international and local standards will be crucial. Certified, regulation-compliant components not only reduce the risk of future disruptions but also deliver long-term operational savings. For example, ductile iron valves designed to ISO 2531 standards — such as those manufactured by AVK — can have a lifespan of over 50 years when correctly installed and maintained. However, quality doesn't end at certification. It's critical to consider the total cost of ownership, including durability, maintenance needs, and warranty coverage. Short-term savings often result in higher long-term costs if components degrade quickly or require frequent replacement. Not all suppliers offer extended warranties, and municipalities should prioritise those that provide long-term guarantees such as 10-year warranties as a marker of component reliability and supplier accountability. These standards help future-proof infrastructure, ensuring it can adapt to changing demand, pressure conditions, and sustainability requirements over the coming decades. Even the highest-quality components can underperform if installed incorrectly. Across the region, unskilled contracting, inconsistent commissioning, and lack of oversight continue to impact water network reliability. A 2023 McKinsey report on global water infrastructure identified poor installation and weak inspection protocols as key causes of early-stage failures and maintenance backlogs. To address this, regulatory bodies in the Kingdom should enforce mandatory training and certification programs for contractors. In countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, technician accreditation is mandatory for working on municipal water systems — ensuring consistent installation quality and safety standards. Third-party audits should also be a regulatory requirement. Independent inspections ensure accountability, catch flaws early, and verify that installation matches design intent. With improved oversight and qualified personnel on the ground, Saudi Arabia can maximize its return on infrastructure investments and extend the lifespan of critical assets. Water security is not just about increasing supply — it's about protecting what's already in circulation. Saudi Arabia's regulatory frameworks have laid the foundation for resilient, future-ready infrastructure. But their true impact depends on execution. By prioritizing best practices, embracing international standards, and enforcing robust compliance across every link in the value chain — from manufacturing to installation — the Kingdom can drastically reduce inefficiencies, cut down on water loss, and build networks that serve its growing population for decades to come. Regulation isn't a burden — it's a catalyst. It presents an opportunity to raise the bar for what's possible in water sustainability. At its core, this is not just about cost-efficiency or ticking boxes. It's about protecting the very foundation of life — for the Kingdom today and for generations to come. • Mads Helge is general manager at AVK Saudi Valves Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
3 cow shelters in Kashi receive ISO cert for care, management
Varanasi: In a remarkable achievement for rural animal welfare, three cow shelters in Kashi region have received ISO 9001:2015 certification for excellence in cow protection and comprehensive care management. The shelters located in Madhumakhia, Bandepur, and Bhitkuri villages were recognized for their high standards in animal care, nutrition, cleanliness, and overall shelter management. Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal announced that the ISO certification was awarded to the Madhumakhia cow shelter in Baragaon block, Bandepur shelter in Vidyapeeth block, and Bhitkuri shelter in Sevapuri block. These facilities met international benchmarks for cow protection measures, infrastructure development, veterinary services, fodder management, and modern shelter administration. The certification, granted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a global recognition that underscores the shelters' adherence to rigorous quality management practices. Currently, 3,354 cattle are housed across permanent and temporary cow shelters in Varanasi district. Nagpal highlighted that a permanent strategy has been formulated to ensure sustainable and internationally compliant operations in these shelters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Nutritional plans have been tailored to meet seasonal needs, and specific efforts have been made to safeguard cattle from extreme heat and hot winds. A control room equipped with CCTV surveillance enables real-time monitoring of the shelters, while attendance of veterinary staff and caretakers is digitally tracked. Special facilities are in place for the treatment and care of ailing cattle. The Bhitkuri shelter also stands out for its eco-friendly initiatives, including the production of vermicompost and biogas at two dedicated sites. Varanasi: In a remarkable achievement for rural animal welfare, three cow shelters in Kashi region have received ISO 9001:2015 certification for excellence in cow protection and comprehensive care management. The shelters located in Madhumakhia, Bandepur, and Bhitkuri villages were recognized for their high standards in animal care, nutrition, cleanliness, and overall shelter management. Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal announced that the ISO certification was awarded to the Madhumakhia cow shelter in Baragaon block, Bandepur shelter in Vidyapeeth block, and Bhitkuri shelter in Sevapuri block. These facilities met international benchmarks for cow protection measures, infrastructure development, veterinary services, fodder management, and modern shelter administration. The certification, granted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a global recognition that underscores the shelters' adherence to rigorous quality management practices. Currently, 3,354 cattle are housed across permanent and temporary cow shelters in Varanasi district. Nagpal highlighted that a permanent strategy has been formulated to ensure sustainable and internationally compliant operations in these shelters. Nutritional plans have been tailored to meet seasonal needs, and specific efforts have been made to safeguard cattle from extreme heat and hot winds. A control room equipped with CCTV surveillance enables real-time monitoring of the shelters, while attendance of veterinary staff and caretakers is digitally tracked. Special facilities are in place for the treatment and care of ailing cattle. The Bhitkuri shelter also stands out for its eco-friendly initiatives, including the production of vermicompost and biogas at two dedicated sites.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Beyond the Numbers: Understanding the Long-Term Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Management begins with measurement. This simple truth lies at the heart of Type 2 diabetes care. India is home to over 100 million people with diabetes¹, and many more with undiagnosed or prediabetic conditions.² While daily life with diabetes may seem manageable at first, the long-term risks associated with poorly managed Type 2 diabetes are far-reaching and often irreversible. The complications don't appear overnight. Instead, they develop gradually, fuelled by persistent fluctuations in blood sugar, delayed diagnosis, and inconsistent monitoring. That's why the right tests, taken at the right time, using devices that follow ISO standards, are critical to prevent lasting damage.³ ⁴ ⁵ Type 2 diabetes develops gradually. People usually do not have any observable signs in the beginning, and that is why it goes unnoticed for years. In the meantime, vital organs could already be incurring damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term high blood glucose can lead to a range of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis), neuropathy (nerve damage, especially in the limbs), nephropathy (kidney damage leading to kidney failure), retinopathy (vision loss and blindness), foot complications (ulcers, infections, potential amputations), cognitive decline (linked to Alzheimer's and vascular dementia). ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹ Many of these complications are progressive and permanent, and they are often diagnosed when the damage is already extensive. Monitoring on a regular basis (if recommended by your healthcare provider) could delay or prevent these complications. ¹⁰ ¹¹ They are both required but for distinct reasons. Periodic HbA1c measurement (every 3–6 months) and SMBG on a daily basis enable patients to grasp both the general trend and daily variations of their blood glucose, to make informed decisions about medication, food, and lifestyle. Without timely data, managing the disease becomes reactive rather than proactive, often after irreversible harm has occurred. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is responsible for establishing precision standards for glucometer accuracy in order to ensure that patients can obtain the correct results. According to ISO 15197:2013, when your meter reads: It's not just about being compliant when you use ISO-certified equipment, it's being safe. Using glucometers that do not meet international standards can lead to inaccurate blood sugar readings, which pose serious health risks. Patients might unintentionally underdose or overdose medications, increasing the chances of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Additionally, it is important to correlate SMBG results with HbA1c levels to ensure consistency between short and long-term blood glucose trends. Test timely. Choose wisely. Use standards-compliant devices. These three steps help prevent misdiagnosis and missed intervention opportunities. Even moderate blood sugar elevations over time can result in long-term harm. Here's how diabetes can impact different systems: People with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High glucose levels damage blood vessel linings and promote plaque build-up, leading to atherosclerosis. Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure worldwide. Damaged blood vessels in the kidneys impair filtration, causing protein to leak into urine — a sign that nephropathy is progressing. Long-standing and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, characterised by leaking or blocked blood vessels in the retina. If untreated, it may cause blindness. The ADA recommends annual dilated eye exams for all diabetics. Neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and poor healing in the feet and legs. Combined with poor circulation, this raises the risk of non-healing ulcers and amputations. Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes has been linked to a 60% increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Insulin resistance and vascular damage are thought to accelerate cognitive decline. Managing diabetes is not only about controlling blood sugar for today — it's about preventing the damage of tomorrow. Multiple long-term studies (such as the UKPDS and DCCT trials) have proven that consistent blood sugar control significantly reduces the risk of complications. When testing is infrequent or inaccurate, spikes and dips in blood sugar can go unnoticed — and these fluctuations contribute to something called glycaemic variability. High variability has been linked to increased risk of complications like the ones mentioned above. Despite rising numbers, many Indians still under-monitor their condition. Inadequate access to testing tools, misconceptions about the necessity of SMBG, and a general 'if I feel fine, I must be fine' attitude lead to late detection of complications. Public health experts emphasise that symptom-free does not mean risk-free. Damage to nerves, eyes, kidneys, and the heart can occur silently over years. That's why it is even more important to perform regular and timely blood sugar testing using reliable, standards-compliant devices. Type 2 diabetes is a manageable disease, but its long-term risks demand vigilance. Effective management starts with regular, structured and accurate measurement — and continues with lifestyle interventions, medication adherence, and periodic professional guidance. Test timely. Choose wisely. Readings that match ISO standards. This approach is not just good practice — it's life-saving. Note to the Reader: This article has been created by HT Brand Studio on behalf of the brand. The information does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before making health decisions.
