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Shimla, the picturesque capital of Himachal Pradesh, has set its sights on battling plastic waste through a strategic move. The state government has announced its commitment to implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a key approach to better manage plastic waste within its borders.In a significant development, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a meeting alongside officials from the state Pollution Control Board. The focal point of discussion was the Extended Producer Responsibility mechanism, which aims to ensure that all stakeholders engaged in the production of plastic waste actively contribute to its effective management.As part of this proactive stance, it was determined that plastic waste producers across all districts must undergo registration. The Chief Minister issued a clear directive to officials at the district, civic, and Pollution Control Board levels,…

In a significant move aimed at streamlining the regulatory framework for food businesses, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced that its central advisory committee has recommended extending licenses for food business operators (FBOs) to a period of five years. This adjustment marks a departure from the previous practice of granting licenses for a single year.The pivotal decision was reached during the 41st meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) held in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, the CEO of FSSAI, presided over the session and took stock of the ongoing efforts related to sampling food products across various states and Union Territories (UTs). Rao emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the prescribed quality and safety standards for food products.A strong emphasis was placed…

In a significant development, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ruled against Cloudtail India Pvt. Ltd. The company's appeal challenging the Central Consumer Protection Authority's (CCPA) Order has been dismissed. The appeal pertained to allegations of consumer rights violations in the sale of domestic pressure cookers that failed to meet mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines. The CCPA had issued an Order requiring Cloudtail to recall a specific batch of 1,033 domestic pressure cookers that were sold to consumers. The authority also mandated the reimbursement of prices to affected consumers. The company was further directed to submit a compliance report within 45 days. Additionally, Cloudtail was penalized with a fine of ₹1,00,000 for its breach of regulations and for infringing upon consumer rights. The pressure cooker in…

Introduction: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has declined the appeal of Cloudtail India Private Limited against an order from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). The order was issued due to Cloudtail's violation of consumer rights in the sale of pressure cookers that did not adhere to mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms and quality control orders (QCOs). The CCPA imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Cloudtail India for this transgression. Furthermore, the NCDRC upheld the CCPA's decision and instructed Cloudtail India to refund affected consumers, initiate a recall of 1,033 pressure cooker units, and submit a compliance report within 45 days.Pressure Cooker Violations: Cloudtail India, a seller on the Amazon e-commerce platform, offered a product named "Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Outer Lid Pressure Cooker,…

Introduction: In a recent development, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has rejected an appeal submitted by Cloudtail India Pvt Ltd. The appeal challenged a ruling issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) regarding the sale of substandard pressure cookers. The CCPA had imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on Cloudtail and instructed the company to rectify the situation.Background: Cloudtail India Pvt Ltd, a prominent seller on Amazon's platform, had marketed an "Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Outer Lid Pressure Cooker, 4 L (does not give pressure alert by whistle)." This product came under scrutiny for failing to meet the prescribed quality standards set by the Quality Control Order (QCO) for pressure cookers. The QCO mandates that only domestic pressure cookers adhering to Indian standards and carrying the Bureau…

Consumer activists in Mumbai have raised a fervent demand for action as a result of recent revelations about certain air conditioning units manufactured by Hitachi failing to meet energy efficiency standards. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has come under scrutiny following its release of newspaper advertisements cautioning consumers against purchasing two models of Hitachi air conditioners—split room AC and window room AC.The crux of the issue revolves around these ACs not meeting the prescribed energy efficiency parameters. In response, consumer advocates are calling for the BEE to take decisive steps, including recalling the deficient products from the market, changing the labeling, and outlining a plan for compensating affected buyers.BEE's public notices highlight that the split room AC failed…

In a significant stride towards revolutionizing the medical technology landscape, Indian medtech powerhouse SS Innovations has marked a historic milestone by exporting its cutting-edge surgical robotic system, the "SSi Mantra," to the Middle East. This pioneering move comes as the company celebrates its inaugural international order, destined for none other than Aster Hospital, a renowned healthcare institution nestled in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Aster Hospital, an integral component of the globally recognized Aster DM Healthcare Limited—a publicly-traded multinational healthcare conglomerate—will be the fortunate recipient of the maiden SSi Mantra unit on Middle Eastern soil. This momentous achievement highlights SS Innovations' commitment to spearheading innovation and cost-effectiveness in the realm of surgical robotics.Setting an impressive precedent, the SSi Mantra is a testament to Indian engineering prowess. It stands as…

In a significant move, the state government has enacted a strict rule imposing a fine of Rs 5000 on individuals found guilty of adorning government vehicles, including those utilized by ministers, with decorative lights. This decision follows a recent directive from the high court, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the law.The directive categorically declares the use of neon lights, flashing lights, and multi-colored LED lights, among others, as illegal when installed on vehicles. It's important to note that the installation of LED lights had become common practice, occupying the bumper grill space after the ban on beacon lights for ministers' vehicles.Moreover, the new regulations stipulate that any vehicle operating in snow-laden areas, seeking to equip fog lamps, must first secure special authorization from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). These…

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, concerns about the disposal of EV battery waste have become more pronounced. These batteries, with a current lifespan of around five to six years, are joining the ranks of electronic waste (e-waste) that includes items like mobiles, laptops, computers, and other electronics. Experts are now considering innovative strategies like a circular economy and extended producers' responsibility (EPR) to address this growing issue, although decisions on policies will ultimately rest with the central government.Mangesh Dighe, the environment officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), points out that advancements in technology might extend the lifespan of EV batteries in the future. Presently, there is no concrete plan for managing EV battery waste at the local level, but the concept of a circular…

In response to a surge in conjunctivitis cases across the state of Nagaland, authorities have taken the proactive step of temporarily closing schools in three districts. Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Nuiland will witness school closures until August 26th, as officials grapple with the growing number of cases of this highly contagious eye infection.The first reported case of conjunctivitis was identified in a member of the Assam Rifles, who had returned to the Phek district in July after taking leave. The state's program officer for the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), Dr. Hoito Sema, confirmed this. Since July 1st, the state has recorded a total of 1,006 cases, marking a significant increase in comparison to recent years.Among the districts, Dimapur has borne the brunt of the outbreak,…