Landmark Monograph “Pollution and Health” Launched
A new publication, “Pollution and Health,” addressing the far-reaching adverse effects of pollution on human health, has been launched by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology. The monograph, edited by Prof. Dr. Vitull K. Gupta, Chief Editor and Chairman of the Association of Physicians of India (API), Malwa Branch, features contributions from 86 experts across India.
Government Interventions Maintain Price Stability for Essential Food Items
Tur production is projected to increase by 2.5% compared to the previous year, with government procurement sanctions already in place. Chana and Masur production are also expected to be strong, and Kharif Moong production is estimated to be 20% higher than last year. Similarly, onion and potato sowing has progressed well due to favorable climate.
FSSAI Sets July 1st as Annual Enforcement Date for Labeling Amendments
Starting from 2025, any changes to labeling regulations will come into effect on July 1st of each year. A minimum of 180 days’ notice will be provided from the date of notification of the amendments. This applies to amendments under the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations and any labeling changes specified in other FSS Regulations.
Extended Deadline for Waste Tyre and E-Waste Management Report Filing
The deadline for filing reports for the financial year 2023-24 has been extended from January 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. This extension applies to all registered entities on the Waste Tyre EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Portal or the E-Waste EPR Portal. Entities can continue filing quarterly and annual reports, and the EPR portal will facilitate generation and transfer of EPR certificates.
Draft Guidelines For The Pharmaceutical Industry In India
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued draft guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry aiming to regulate and mitigate its environmental impact. Stakeholders and the general public have until February 5, 2025, to provide their feedback on the proposed guidelines. Suggestions can be submitted via email to designated CPCB officials or sent to the IPC-I Division of CPCB in Delhi.
Guidance Document Validation Of Rapid Diagnostics For Pathogen Identification And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing, 2025
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released a comprehensive guidance document for the validation of rapid diagnostics aimed at pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). This document bridges existing gaps in the validation process and provides a framework for innovators and developers to ensure their diagnostic tools meet regulatory standards.
Draft Regulations for Medical Faculty Eligibility
The primary aim of TEQ-2024 is to ensure uniform standards in the qualifications and experience of teaching faculty across graduate and postgraduate medical education. This includes detailed guidelines on the appointment of professors, associate professors, and other faculty positions.
Government Boosts Chemical Safety with Training Program for Major Accident Hazard Units
As part of India’s “Viksit Bharat@2047” initiative, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals recently conducted a two-day training program focused on “Chemical and Petrochemical Industrial Safety,” specifically targeting Major Accident Hazard (MAH) units. The program took place at CIPET: IPT-Bhubaneswar on January 10-11, 2025.
Draft Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2024
The draft proposes doubling the permissible storage duration for certain explosives from 5 years to 10 years. This could potentially reduce the frequency of required renewals for storage licenses.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry Extends Validity Periods for Pressure Vessel Licenses
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has proposed amendments to the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016. These changes aim to simplify regulations and extend the validity periods for various pressure vessel licenses.
