Government Declares New Services As Public Utility Services
The central government has issued a series of orders extending the designation of certain critical industries as “public utility services” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. These industries are considered essential for national security and economic well-being.
Ammonium Nitrate Bags to Get Barcodes for Enhanced Tracking
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has announced an order aimed at strengthening security measures for Ammonium Nitrate. It has mandated that each bag containing Ammonium Nitrate must be marked with the identification number of the package or bar coding.
Public Input Sought on Draft Guidelines for Petrol Depots
The CPCB has prepared a draft SOP for Petrol Depots and is now seeking feedback from the public and relevant stakeholders. The CPCB encourages all interested parties to submit their comments by June 6, 2024.
Amendments Made To Specifications In Respect Of Biostimulants
he amendment states that biostimulant specifications shall include tracer molecules in addition to active ingredients. The order also introduces ‘live micro-organisms excluding biofertilizers and biopesticides’ as an additional category of biostimulants specified under Schedule VI. Additionally, the amendment order also increases the permissible limit of pesticide in biostimulants from 0.01ppm to 1ppm.
Government Updates Fertilizer Control Order To Add New Categories and Nano Fertilizers
The introduction of new fertilizer categories provides farmers with more options to address specific soil nutrient deficiencies. Inclusion of micronutrients like Zinc and Copper in nano form could potentially improve nutrient uptake by plants.
New Nano Urea (Liquid) 16 Gets Government Approval
Nano Urea (liquid) 16 will be manufactured by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) for 3 years. This product boasts a higher nitrogen content compared to previously available Nano Urea options.
Ortho Phosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024
The amendment exempts Ortho Phosphoric Acid used as a raw material in fertilizer production from the quality control order for a period of 90 days from the notification date. Hence, Ortho Phosphoric Acid used in fertilizer production is exempted from this quality control order until July 12, 2024.
Latest Deadline Extended for Insecticide License Holders to Acquire Qualifications
The amendment rules revise the timeline for compliance with qualification requirements for retailers and dealers possessing valid licences. All retailers or dealers possessing a valid licence without the prescribed qualification will now be allowed time up to June 30, 2024 to comply with the said qualifications.
Insecticides (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024 Introduced
Any individual seeking a license for pest control operations involving Glyphosate and its derivatives will be automatically granted a license if the licensing officer fails to approve the application within thirty days of its submission. This provision is applicable upon submission of the application along with a fee of one thousand rupees for all designated operation areas involving the use of Glyphosate and its derivatives.
Government Includes New Substances in Schedule of Insecticides Act, 1968
The Central Government, after consultation with the Central Insecticides Board, has introduced 11 new substances into list of insecticides under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Their inclusion aims to regulate and monitor their usage for pest control purposes while ensuring the safety and well-being of the environment and public health.
