IREDA Showcases Renewable Energy Financing Initiatives at Intersolar Europe 2023 Exhibition in Munich

WPC
Date: June 20, 2023IREDA, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, recently participated in the prestigious "Intersolar Europe 2023" exhibition held in Munich, Germany. The three-day event, which took place from June 14th to 16th, provided IREDA with a platform to engage with global stakeholders and drive the transition to a more sustainable future.IREDA, a leading government enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, set up an impressive pavilion at the exhibition. The pavilion aimed to educate visitors about IREDA's initiatives in financing renewable energy projects, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector in India. Additionally, it served as a networking hub and facilitated discussions on potential business opportunities, particularly in light of IREDA's upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO) plan and the crucial time…
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Promoting Indian Shoe Brands: The Impact of ISI Mark on Domestic Market Share

WPC
When it comes to Indian shoe brands, it's important to understand the impact of ISI Mark on domestic market share. The ISI Mark is a quality certification mark that indicates that a product meets the Indian Standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). But what exactly is ISI? And how does it affect the market share of Indian shoe brands? Let's explore.What Is ISI?ISI stands for Indian Standards Institution, which is now known as the Bureau of Indian Standards. The ISI Mark is a certification mark issued by the BIS to products that meet the Indian Standards. The mark is intended to provide assurance to consumers that the product meets certain quality standards.Full Form of ISIAs we know by now, ISI stands for Indian Standards Institution, but what…
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Why ISI Mark Matters: Exploring the Certification for Shoe Safety

WPC
Why ISI Mark Matters: Exploring the Certification for Shoe SafetyShoe safety is a crucial aspect that can't be ignored. Every year, millions of workers are injured in the workplace due to inadequate footwear. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that shoes meet certain safety standards. This is where the ISI mark or ISI certification comes into play. In this blog, we'll be discussing the significance of the ISI mark in shoe safety and what it means for manufacturers and consumers alike.What is ISI Mark?ISI stands for Indian Standards Institute, which is now known as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The ISI mark is a certification mark for industrial products in India that ensures the product's quality and safety. This mark certifies that a product meets Indian standards related to…
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Government Examines Three More Fixed Dose Combinations for Safety and Efficacy

WPC
Introduction: After the recent ban on 14 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs out of a list of 19 due to their lack of therapeutic value, the Indian government has turned its attention to three additional combinations. Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that further data on the safety and efficacy of these drugs will be required before a decision is made regarding their continuation. The government's scrutiny is part of its ongoing crackdown on the proliferation of FDC drugs in the market.The Combinations under Review: The three FDC combinations currently under the government's scanner are paracetamol + phenylephrine + caffeine; caffeine + paracetamol, phenylephrine + chlorpheniramine; and paracetamol + propyphenazone + caffeine. These combinations have come under scrutiny due to concerns about their safety and effectiveness.Understanding Fixed Dose Combinations…
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Indian Government Proposes Regulation for Mobile Phone Manufacturers to Disclose Download Speed

WPC
Introduction: The Indian government is contemplating a new regulation that would mandate mobile phone manufacturers to disclose the upload and download speed capabilities of their devices. This initiative aims to provide consumers with crucial information when purchasing smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as internet speed quality depends on both the device and the network.Transparent Information for Informed Purchases: According to reliable sources, the proposal is being considered by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications. The TEC is expected to engage in consultations with stakeholders before issuing final directives. The objective is to incorporate handset data speeds as performance indicators, aligning with international standards such as 3GPP.Manufacturer Declaration and Potential Costs: Government officials have clarified that they are primarily seeking a declaration from manufacturers and do not anticipate…
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Indian Government Discusses Measures to Boost Recycling Sector and Circular Economy

WPC
Introduction: The Indian government is actively considering the implementation of policy instruments like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in an effort to promote a circular economy and decrease waste. According to a senior official from the Ministry of Mines, this action aims to encourage recycling and build a more sustainable future. The Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Steel have already released recycling frameworks as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 initiative, emphasising the growth of the recycling sector through cutting-edge technology with a focus on achieving resource efficiency and carbon neutrality.The role of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in promoting recycling Producers would be responsible for handling or getting rid of post-consumer products under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy as it is currently proposed. With this strategy, producers actively reduce their environmental impact and help pay for collection and recycling initiatives. Producers will be required to fulfil these obligations, which will provide the recycling sector with significant growth and development incentives.Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its Contribution to Recycling Promotion: In accordance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, producers would be in charge of handling or discarding post-consumer products. With this strategy, producers actively reduce their negative environmental effects and support initiatives for waste collection and recycling. The recycling industry is anticipated to receive significant incentives for growth and development by imposing these obligations on producers.Revisions to Taxation and Import Duties Appeals: The 18 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on metal scrap has been called into question by Dhawal Shah, senior vice-president of the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI). To advance a circular economy and foster a more favourable ecosystem for recycling, Shah suggests lowering it to 5 percent. Shah also emphasised the importance of encouraging policies to draw capital into the recycling industry, particularly with the 2030 goal of producing 300 million tonnes of steel.Tax and import duty revision requests: Senior Vice-President of the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), Dhawal Shah, has called on the government to reconsider the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on metal scrap. In order to advance a circular economy and create an ecosystem that is more favourable to recycling, Shah suggests lowering it to 5 percent. Shah also emphasised the need for advantageous policies to entice investment into the recycling industry, particularly with a goal of producing 300 million tonnes of steel by 2030.Initiatives and Collaboration from the Government: To aid in the expansion of the recycling industry, the government has tasked the autonomous JNADDDC (Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Development & Design Centre), which is a division of the Ministry of Mines, with promoting recycling activities and offering technical assistance. The government, MRAI, and JNADDDC collaborated on the sixth event of the "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) - Circular Economy Campaign - 2023," which just finished up in Kolkata. These programmes seek to strengthen relationships between recycling industry participants and address any problems that may exist.The Indian government's efforts to advance a circular economy and strengthen the recycling industry are a reflection of its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The government aims to create an environment that is conducive to investment and growth in the recycling industry by taking into account policy tools like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and addressing taxation and import duty concerns. These initiatives are essential steps towards achieving resource efficiency and carbon neutrality while also releasing the enormous potential of India's recycling market, along with strategic partnerships and awareness campaigns.
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ISI Mark and Footwear Export: Opening Doors to Global Markets

WPC
Are you an aspiring footwear manufacturer looking to expand your business to international markets? Well, get ready to learn about the ISI Mark and how it can open doors to global customers!First things first, what is ISI? ISI stands for Indian Standards Institute, which was superseded by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS is responsible for quality and safety standards for various products including footwear. The ISI or BIS certificate for footwear is an assurance that the product meets the necessary quality standards and is safe for consumers to use.Now, let’s talk about the benefits of obtaining an ISI Certificate for footwear.1. Quality Assurance: By obtaining the ISI Certificate for your footwear products, you can assure your customers of the quality of your products. This can help you…
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ISI Mark vs. Non-ISI Mark Footwear: Why Quality Matters

WPC
If you're like most people, you probably own several pairs of shoes. But have you ever stopped to think about the quality of the footwear you're wearing? Specifically, have you ever considered whether your shoes carry an ISI Mark or not?For those of you who are unfamiliar, the ISI Mark is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to products that meet certain quality standards. The ISI Mark is widely recognized and respected throughout India, and has become a symbol of quality and safety.When it comes to footwear, an ISI Certificate for Footwear means that the shoes have been tested and found to meet certain safety and quality standards. These standards include things like tensile strength, slip resistance, and durability. Essentially, the BIS Certificate is proof…
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Delhi Government Takes Major Step Towards Enhanced Safety with Installation of Over 90,000 Smart Street Lights

WPC
Date: June 15, 2023The Delhi government has announced plans to install more than 90,000 smart street lights in an important step towards improving women's security and eliminating dark spots. This initiative, which has the approval of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in principle, will cover all roads maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD).The implementation of smart street lights is set to transform the city's lighting infrastructure, addressing a number of long-standing issues. The most important of these is the requirement for a strong central monitoring system to ensure continuous operation. According to the chief minister's office, if any faults or failures occur, a control room will be immediately notified, triggering immediate replacement measures.Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal emphasised the critical role that smart street lights will play in eliminating dark spots and instilling a sense of safety among citizens, particularly women, when speaking about the government's commitment to strengthening women's security.PWD Minister Atishi presented the proposal to install 90,953 smart street lights at a high-level meeting at the Delhi secretariat. PWD officials emphasised the difficulties posed by the outdated technology…
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How India’s Own Carbon Trading Market Can Accelerate its Green Goals

WPC
Introduction:India, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs), is making significant progress towards its ambitious net-zero carbon emissions goal of 2046. In August 2022, Indian Oil Corporation announced plans to invest '2 lakh crore in phases, including the purchase of carbon credits, as part of this endeavour. In a similar vein, NTPC, an Indian energy sector behemoth, sought carbon trading experts to assist with its sustainability efforts. These developments reflect a growing interest in carbon credits and trading mechanisms as valuable tools for addressing the challenges of carbon footprint reduction. This article looks at how India's own carbon trading market can help it achieve its green goals. Rising Interest in Sustainability: As temperatures rise and GHG emissions rise, sustainability has become a top priority for regulators, investors, community stakeholders, and consumers. Energy, steel, cement, and transportation industries, in particular, are grappling with emission reduction targets. Many people lack the technical knowledge and resources needed to significantly reduce their carbon footprints. Carbon credits allow these businesses to meet their emission targets by offsetting emissions or purchasing credits generated by other entities. Despite criticism, carbon trading is critical in closing the sustainability gap in such industries. With rising temperatures and rising GHG emissions, sustainability has become a top priority for regulators, investors, community stakeholders, and consumers. Industries, particularly those in the energy, steel, cement, and transportation sectors, are grappling with emission reduction targets. Many people lack the technical expertise and resources needed to significantly reduce their carbon footprints. Carbon credits allow these companies to meet their emission targets by either offsetting emissions or purchasing credits generated by other entities. Despite criticism, carbon trading is critical in bridging the sustainability gap for such industries. Carbon Credit Market Development: The concept of carbon credits emerged in the 1990s, gaining international recognition through the Kyoto Protocol, which aimed to reduce global GHG emissions. The carbon credit market has grown significantly over time. According to MarketsandMarkets research, it is expected to be worth $414.8 billion in 2023 and $1.6 trillion by 2028. India has been an active participant in the global carbon market, accounting for 21% of all projects registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Over $10 billion in foreign direct investment has been channelled through the CDM, making the country a significant contributor to voluntary carbon markets. India's Carbon Market Journey: To fulfill its commitment to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, India is taking proactive measures to establish an independent carbon market registry outside the UNFCCC CDM framework. By 2025, India plans to launch its own Emissions Trading System, leveraging the existing Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme. This domestic carbon market will dovetail with instruments like Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Additionally, India has identified 13 GHG mitigation activities and alternative materials that qualify for international trade of carbon credits under the Paris Agreement's Article 6.2. These activities aim to facilitate technology transfer, attract international finance, and foster bilateral arrangements between governments.Overcoming Challenges: Despite India's active engagement in carbon markets, businesses and organizations face challenges in understanding and implementing carbon reduction initiatives to generate credits.…
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