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.
Extended Validity for Ammonium Nitrate Licenses
These proposed changes aim to streamline regulations for entities dealing with ammonium nitrate. The draft amendments are open for public comment until February 12, 2025. Individuals can submit feedback to the DPIIT via mail or email.
Draft Amendments to Pressure Vessel Rules Offer Fee Reductions for Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs
Reduced License Fees are proposed for MSEs, Micro & Small Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs across various categories, including storage of compressed gas, auto-LPG and auto-LNG dispensing stations, and transportation of compressed gas. Similar fee reductions are proposed for other services, including approval of manufacturing shops, design drawings, import of pressure vessels, repairs, recognition of competent personnel, vehicle mounting approvals, and license-related processes.
New Drug Rules Allow Nasal Sprays for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine
The National Licensing Authority will grant licenses for nasal spray products based on specific guidelines outlined in a new Schedule TB. Only ingredients defined as Ayurvedic, Siddha, or Unani drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act can be used. The rules also detail specifications for the device (pump, bottle, actuator) and the finished product.
National Turmeric Board Launched to Boost Golden Spice Industry
The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership, enhance existing efforts, and facilitate coordination with government departments and agencies related to the turmeric sector. This focused approach aims to capitalize on the vast potential for expanding turmeric and turmeric product trade, particularly given the growing recognition of its health benefits.
PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Gets Boost: New Models and Financial Assistance for Rooftop Solar
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced new guidelines to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar power under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. These guidelines introduce two new implementation models alongside the existing option. The scheme also includes a ₹100 crore corpus fund to establish a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM).
Clarification On Minimum Standard Requirement for Post Graduate Courses
To avoid any confusion, it is hereby clarified that “Minimum Standard of Postgraduate Courses-2024” (PGMSR-2024) should be read as Revised PGMSR-2023 (modified as on 23.08.2024). This revision is in accordance with the provisions of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (PGMER-2023).
Kerala Pollution Board Updates Industry Categorization for Consent Applications
The update adds 309 new industries to the categorization list, including Gamma Sterilization Units (White category) and Automobile workshops with limited horsepower (Green category, with specific pollution control requirements). Based on industry feedback and a pollution monitoring study, the PCB has reclassified gate and grill manufacturing units.
