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Date: July 7, 2023Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) in Madhya Pradesh, India, has become the first urban body in the country to receive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credit for its commendable efforts in recycling banned single-use plastic items. Indore has successfully implemented a complete ban on such items within the city, and as a result, the IMC has seized approximately eight tonnes of single-use plastic, preventing its circulation. This significant milestone adds to Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city, as it has secured the top ranking for the sixth consecutive year in the central government's annual cleanliness survey.Indore's achievement in EPR signifies the extension of a producer's responsibility for a product to the post-consumer stage of its life cycle. The IMC has been credited with Rs 8,100 for its commitment to…

A report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recommends that India take significant measures to enhance the international usage of its currency, the Indian Rupee (INR). The report suggests including Indian debt in global bond indexes, permitting offshore banking services in INR, and reviewing taxes on masala bonds, among other initiatives.The report states that the INR has the potential to become an international currency due to India's robust economic growth and remarkable resilience even in challenging times. It emphasizes that increased utilization of the INR for international trade invoicing, settlement, and capital account transactions will progressively establish the currency's presence on the global stage.The RBI has already permitted 17 banks to settle trade in rupees across 18 countries, and 65 vostro accounts have been opened for this purpose,…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Date: July 7, 2023In response to recent reports suggesting that the artificial sweetener aspartame may be classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced its intention to assess the impact of non-sugar sweeteners on the Indian population. FSSAI, an Indian regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and standards, plans to form an expert panel and engage with stakeholders before drawing any conclusions regarding the adverse effects of these additives commonly used in foods and beverages.H.S. Oberoi, an advisor at FSSAI, emphasized the importance of considering the Indian perspective and conducting comprehensive studies specifically tailored to…

In today's globalized world, where the food industry is rapidly expanding and consumers are increasingly conscious about the safety and quality of the products they consume, regulatory measures are crucial to ensure public health and maintain market integrity. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a vital role in this regard, as it oversees the implementation and enforcement of food safety standards across the country. FSSAI certification has emerged as a gateway for food businesses to gain national and international market access, ensuring compliance with established quality standards. In this blog, we will explore the significance of FSSAI certification and how it opens doors to broader opportunities for food businesses.Understanding FSSAI Certification:The FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandated…

India has taken a significant stride toward establishing its first carbon market by releasing a draft framework for the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. This framework outlines the regulatory structure and key stakeholders responsible for the formation and operation of the carbon market. The move aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and aims to facilitate the decarbonization of the commercial and industrial sectors.The draft framework establishes a National Steering Committee that will oversee the operations of the carbon market. Headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Power, the committee will include representatives from various ministries, such as Environment, Finance, New and Renewable Energy, Steel, Coal, Petroleum, and Niti Aayog. This committee will play a crucial role in formulating procedures, setting emission targets for obligated…

In a recent development, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced its intention to review a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning the popular artificial sweetener aspartame and its potential link to cancer. The findings of the report, which is expected to classify aspartame as a possible carcinogen, have raised concerns among manufacturers and regulators alike.Aspartame, widely used as an artificial sweetener, is a common ingredient found in various food and beverage products, including soft drinks, breakfast cereals, ice cream, and juices. Its reputation as a "healthier" alternative to sugar has made it a popular choice among consumers in India and across the globe.If the WHO report is endorsed by India's food regulator, it could have a significant negative impact on the sales of products…

Madurai, a city in the southern parts of the state, continues to suffer from inadequate lighting on its roads despite the Madurai Corporation's expenditure of INR 347.83 crore over the past two years for the installation of LED lights. State Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru revealed this information, highlighting the discrepancy between the significant investment and the city's persistently poorly lit streets. Commuters are facing difficulties traveling after sunset due to either insufficient numbers of lights or the dimly lit LED lights already installed. The absence of lighting on wide roads, particularly in the medians, exacerbates the problem, making nighttime travel unsafe and perilous.The situation on some important roads in Madurai is indicative of the city's lighting woes. The Vaigai river bank road, Pandi Kovil junction, and outer Ring Road,…

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released a notification for the recruitment of Management Executives on a contract basis. According to the official BIS Recruitment 2023 announcement, eligible Indian candidates are invited to apply for these positions. The selected candidates will be appointed for a tenure of two years, which may be extended for an additional year. BIS reserves the right to revoke the engagement of Management Executives at any time, with or without cause, by providing them with a 30-day notice. Similarly, if an officer decides to resign, they must give a 30-day notice in advance or payment in lieu of notice.There are two vacancies available for the post of Management Executives, with one vacancy each for SCMD and TNMD departments. Interested candidates should possess an Engineering Graduate…

Date: July 3, 2023In a recent enforcement raid, officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Mumbai Branch Office, took action against a manufacturing unit located in Kandivali East, Mumbai. The raid, conducted on July 3, 2023, resulted in the seizure of a significant stockpile of control gear for LED modules that lacked BIS certification.Acting swiftly on credible information pertaining to the violation of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Quality Control Order 2021, a team of officials from BIS Mumbai Branch Office-I conducted the operation at M/s JSK Innovative Technology Private Limited. The manufacturing unit, situated at C-207, 2nd Floor, Jai Bonanza Industrial Estate, Ashok Chakravarti Road, Kandivali East, Mumbai, was found to be involved in the production, storage, and sale of electronic control gear…

Introduction As the world grapples with the growing environmental challenges, sustainable product design has emerged as a critical component in mitigating environmental impact. One way to ensure the incorporation of environmental considerations from the very beginning is through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certification. In this blog, we will explore the concept of EPR certification and its role in promoting sustainable product design. Understanding EPR Certification Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management. EPR encourages manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices by shifting the burden of responsibility towards them. EPR certification, therefore, is a formal recognition given to manufacturers who actively integrate environmental considerations into their product design, production, and end-of-life management processes. Importance of…