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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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.…

A key conference focused at promoting global TV technology standards was recently held in India. Delegates and representatives from a number of nations, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Congo, Egypt, France, Gambia, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, and others, attended the meeting, which was organised by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The occasion was significant since it was the first time India has hosted ITU-T Study Group 9 (SG-9) in person following the COVID-19 outbreak. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN organisation founded in 1865, works to improve access to Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in underserved areas, facilitate global radio spectrum and satellite orbit allocation, and facilitate international connectivity in communication networks. ITU…

Srinagar, June 11: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Governing Council's sixth meeting came to an end on Saturday. The conference was presided over by Ashwini Kumar Choubey, minister of state for the ministries of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and environment, forest, and climate change. Senior BIS executives and members of the Governing Council were present at the meeting, where they praised the organization's recent efforts and numerous initiatives.As part of BIS's "learning science via standards" effort, Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey unveiled 10 lesson plans for teachers and students during the conference. These lesson plans have been written in clear, basic language to make it easier for pupils to understand. The BIS theme music was also made public at the meeting, along with the "Manak Rath" knowledge-sharing platform…

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has created a new category of alcoholic beverages called "Ready to Drink" or low-alcohol beverages. These beverages have an alcohol content of 0.5-8%.The FSSAI has also laid down the standards, composition, and definition of these beverages, as well as the safety parameters to be adopted.Low-alcohol beverages can be made from spirits, a mixture of spirits, or any alcoholic beverage other than wine and beer. They can have natural, nature-identical, or artificial flavors, and/or food additives permitted under the regulations concerned. They can also be mixed with fruit or vegetable juice, with or without added sugar/salt, and with or without carbonation.Industry players have welcomed the move, saying that it will help to clarify the market for low-alcohol beverages and ready-to-drink products. They…

The Indian government has banned 14 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, citing that there is "no therapeutic justification" for these medicines. The ban comes after a review by an expert committee, which found that the drugs were not safe or effective.FDCs are combinations of two or more drugs in a fixed dosage. They are often marketed as a single, convenient pill or capsule. However, the expert committee found that many FDCs were not necessary and could actually be harmful.For example, the committee found that the combination of Nimesulide and Paracetamol was not effective in treating pain and inflammation. In fact, the committee found that Nimesulide could actually increase the risk of liver damage.The committee also found that the combination of Chlorpheniramine and Codeine was not effective in treating coughs. In fact,…