Category: WPC

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,…

New Delhi: August 21, 2023 - A significant stride has been taken in India's journey towards the realization of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Indian Government has taken a pivotal step by officially introducing the Green Hydrogen Standard for the country. This defining standard, endorsed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energies (MNRE), underlines the specific emission criteria that must be met for hydrogen to be classified as 'Green,' meaning it is sourced from renewable origins. This crucial standard encompasses hydrogen produced through both electrolysis-based and biomass-based methods.After extensive consultations with various stakeholders, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has opted to delineate green hydrogen as hydrogen that maintains a well-to-gate emission (which includes water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and hydrogen compression) that does not exceed…

New Delhi: August 9, 2023 - In a significant move aimed at reshaping industry norms, the Indian government has taken a bold step by introducing mandatory quality standards for electric ceiling fans. The goal behind this initiative is to tackle the influx of sub-standard products into the market and promote the growth of domestic manufacturing within the electric fan sector. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) spearheaded this effort, issuing a notification to this effect on August 9.Under the newly introduced Electric Ceiling Type Fans (Quality Control) Order, 2023, manufacturing, sale, trade, import, and stocking of electric ceiling fans are strictly regulated and permitted only if they bear the coveted Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark. This measure has been deemed effective from six months following…

Dimapur, August 18 (MExN) - In a recent development, the Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a directive aimed at all Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating within the Nagaland region. The instruction mandates the procurement or renewal of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) License/Registration Certificate for establishments dealing with food. This directive encompasses both urban and rural areas of the state. The application process has been streamlined and is now conveniently accessible through the official FSSAI website: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in. FBOs are required to complete this process on or before the deadline of October 31.The scope of FBOs includes a diverse range of entities such as food and dietary supplement stockists, vendors of various food and health supplements, home-based food manufacturers, hostel mess facilities, office/private canteens,…

In today's interconnected world, consumer protection has emerged as a critical concern that transcends geographical boundaries and industry sectors. As consumers, we rely on a myriad of products in our daily lives, ranging from electronics and appliances to food items and personal care products. In this intricate web of consumption, one emblem stands tall as a guardian of our interests – the ISI mark certification. Understanding the ISI Mark Certification: The Indian Standards Institute (ISI) mark certification is a distinctive symbol of quality, safety, and adherence to predefined standards that have been meticulously outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification serves as a testament to a product's compliance with rigorous specifications, ensuring that it meets the highest benchmarks of quality and safety. Empowering Consumers: At its core, the…

In a significant stride towards enhancing the quality of education and fostering a deeper understanding of industry standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) orchestrated a comprehensive training initiative. The program, which took place at the vibrant heart of Chennai, saw the active participation of 68 mentors hailing from diverse educational institutions.Guided by the visionary G. Bhavani, the illustrious Head of BIS at the Chennai Branch Office, the training initiative was strategically crafted to empower mentors with knowledge that transcends the conventional realms of academia. Rooted in the ethos of empowerment, the mentors underwent an intensive standards club training program on a noteworthy Thursday.The focal point of this transformative program was to equip mentors with insights that will empower them to enlighten their students about the profound implications of adhering…

In a significant stride towards international cooperation, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been informed about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked on June 4, 2023, between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Suriname. This pivotal agreement was solidified during the visit of the Indian President to Suriname.The core objective of this MoU is to foster a productive dialogue on regulations concerning medical products and other pertinent subjects. The agreement lays the groundwork for collaboration and the exchange of vital information between CDSCO and Suriname's Ministry of Health, aligning with their international obligations.Key areas of cooperation under this MoU encompass:Regulatory Framework: Promoting mutual understanding of each party's…

In a significant stride towards international cooperation, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been informed about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked on June 4, 2023, between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Suriname. This pivotal agreement was solidified during the visit of the Indian President to Suriname.The core objective of this MoU is to foster a productive dialogue on regulations concerning medical products and other pertinent subjects. The agreement lays the groundwork for collaboration and the exchange of vital information between CDSCO and Suriname's Ministry of Health, aligning with their international obligations.Key areas of cooperation under this MoU encompass:Regulatory Framework: Promoting mutual understanding of each party's…

In a bid to enhance consumer protection and transparency in the gold market, the Indian government is poised to extend the gold hallmarking requirement to an additional 56 districts, a significant stride from the current 288 districts. The overarching objective is to eventually enforce the sale of exclusively hallmarked gold in all 766 districts across the nation. As a preliminary step, the proposed measure aims to restrict the sale of gold without proper hallmarking to 344 districts.To deliberate on the implementation strategy of this pivotal initiative, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are scheduled to hold a collaborative meeting on August 17. Representatives from the jewelry sector, bullion associations, and other pertinent stakeholders are set to participate in this crucial discussion.A notable development…