CHEMICAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
From tyres to footwear: How Brisil is finding new uses for rice husk ash
Rice husk ash is often treated as industrial waste. Vadodara-based Brisil converts it into green silica—a material used in tyres, footwear, paints, toothpaste, and rubber products, offering industries a lower-carbon alternative to silica made from mined sand and quartz.
With most drug candidates failing in humans, India’s draft rules bet on the wrong science in animal lab testing
Recent draft rules in India threaten advancements in non-animal testing for drug development and safety. The new regulations may prioritize animal testing over innovative human-based methods, despite their proven reliability. Efforts to incorporate non-animal methodologies into national standards have gained support from various government initiatives. Significant funding has been allocated to promote alternative testing methods throughout the country.
India leads on non-animal testing and its draft lab animal rules threaten to undo that
India's draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules 2026 proposes significant changes to animal research regulations and oversight. It allows for harsher experimental practices that could cause severe suffering to animals. Local committees would gain power to approve experiments without thorough central review, raising concerns about ethical standards. This shift contradicts the existing legal framework established by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
Not inclined to completely ban firecrackers, says SC; stresses implementation of orders
The Supreme Court expressed reluctance in imposing a complete ban on firecrackers during a recent hearing. The bench indicated that effective enforcement of existing orders is crucial for addressing air pollution issues. Measures taken by the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management were discussed during the proceedings. The court encouraged utilizing prominent personalities for public awareness regarding firecracker regulations.
Risks spelled out for Anthropic investors include possible harms from runaway AI
The risks laid out by the San Francisco company in its filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission included discussion of bad actors potentially using AI models to build deadly weapons or the technology itself going rogue with untold consequences.
Crude oil is the key to bringing FII money back to Dalal Street: Equirus AMC’s Ashutosh Tiwari
Foreign investors may return to Indian equities only if crude oil prices cool, according to Ashutosh Tiwari, managing director and chief investment officer—public equities at Equirus Asset Management. While valuations have corrected and earnings growth is expected to improve, rising oil prices have emerged as the key trigger behind renewed FII selling and remain the biggest hurdle to a sharper market re-rating.
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Europe’s last penicillin plant faces a bitter fight against China’s cheaper drugs
The Sandoz penicillin plant in Kundl, Austria, is under threat from cheaper Chinese antibiotic production. European healthcare programs benefit from the lower prices, which could jeopardize self-sufficiency. China's share of the EU penicillins market has rapidly increased in recent years. European policymakers are becoming increasingly concerned about reliance on China for essential medicines. The current dynamics highlight the significant trade challenges facing European pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Pakistan's factory workers swelter in extreme heat as global brands fail on safety pledges
Workers in Karachi's garment factories face extreme heat and unsafe conditions while producing clothing for international brands. Many report health issues due to the high temperatures and lack of adequate protections from their employers. Complaints about working conditions often go ignored, leading to serious health repercussions for workers. Some companies have pledged to improve safety measures, but implementation remains insufficient.
Maharashtra FDA bans sale of loose spice powders, mixed spices to curb adulteration
Maharashtra's FDA has implemented a ban on the sale of loose and unpacked spice powders. This initiative aims to prevent adulteration and ensure traceability of spice products. Businesses involved in spice processing must comply with strict packaging and labelling regulations. The order also prohibits harmful substances used in spices, ensuring only permitted sterilisation methods are utilized. Violations of these regulations could lead to severe penalties, including closures and license cancellations.
One power bank banned on all flights in India after IndiGo Delhi-Chennai flight fire scare; reason behind power banks explosions inside planes
Which power bank has DGCA banned? DGCA has banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank from flights to, from and within India after an IndiGo Delhi-Chennai flight was diverted to Hyderabad following smoke from a passenger’s electronic device. The incident has renewed concerns about lithium-ion battery fires, why they happen and how passengers should carry electronic devices on flights.
India eyes reduced critical tech dependence over next 20-25 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India is planning over a 20-25 year horizon to reduce critical technology dependencies and strengthen its ability to withstand global disruptions, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, emphasising that the country aims to become a trusted partner across global technology supply chains rather than pursue complete self-sufficiency.
FDA seizes 1,394kg of banana from an APMC in Navi Mumbai allegedly being treated with a banned chemical to make the ripe
In a recent operation, food safety authorities confiscated approximately 1.4 tonnes of bananas at the APMC Fruit Market located in Turbhe. These bananas were reportedly treated with a chemical solution to accelerate ripening artificially. The seized lot, valued at an estimated Rs 67,814, sparked concerns regarding the authenticity of the packaging and the health implications of ethephon residues present on the fruit.
When nothing is cheap, winners may come from any corner: 19 stocks with downside to upside potential of -28% to plus 22%
Because each pharma company took a different road, they no longer rise and fall together. Where any one of them stands in 10 years depends on what it chose in the last five or six. So, one name can do wonderfully while the one sitting next to it does very little. Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, is a comprehensive report that evaluates five key components of 4,000+ listed stocks – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. The simple average of the above-mentioned five component ratings is normally distributed to reach an average score.
EU vows AI rules will protect Europeans. Will they?
The EU says its AI Act is strong enough to address risks from advanced AI systems, including loss-of-control incidents, but lawmakers and experts warn of gaps around liability, enforcement capacity and access to cutting-edge models. Concerns are also growing over whether Brussels has enough technical resources and political appetite to aggressively police mostly US-based AI companies.
It’s safety first for gas suppliers at Semicon Inc
Suppliers want detailed guidelines from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), without which they believe commercial hubs face heightened risk of leaks, fires and process disruption.
India needs its own AI safety framework, not a copy of US pact: Industry experts
India should build its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework suited to its languages, scale, and application-led AI ecosystem rather than replicate a voluntary pact signed by US President Donald Trump and top technology firms last week, industry experts said.
India needs its own AI safety framework, not a copy of US pact: Industry experts
Industry experts say India should develop an AI safety framework tailored to its own languages, scale and application-driven ecosystem rather than simply copy the voluntary US pact signed by major tech firms. While there is broad support for independent audits, accountability and safeguards against deepfakes and cyberattacks, experts differ on whether India should rely mainly on self-regulation or combine voluntary standards with binding rules.
Pest resistance is forcing India’s crop-protection firms to rethink product strategies: Insecticides India MD
Resistance to chemicals and formulations is an evolving challenge, particularly in crops where the same pest pressures persist over multiple seasons, said Rajesh Aggarwal, MD of Insecticides (India).
In healthcare, the patient is the least informed consumer
Significant price differences in healthcare consumables have drawn attention, prompting calls for better consumer protection. Maharashtra's FDA has uncovered alarming disparities, highlighting information asymmetry faced by patients. The Supreme Court reaffirmed consumer accountability for medical services, emphasizing the need for transparency. Consumers are encouraged to ask questions and take advantage of available grievance mechanisms. Strengthening enforcement and data-sharing among regulators can improve the integrity of healthcare transactions.
ISM 2.0: Several chip companies plan to invest in India in 6 months, says Ashwini Vaishnaw
India’s second semiconductor mission has drawn nearly $12 billion in industry interest, with investments expected to begin within six months, Ashwini Vaishnaw told ET. The IT minister also called for greater responsibility from AI companies on safety.
In 1991, scientists used red dye to trace weedkiller in a Washington river choked by milfoil; the study reported a 99% decline in milfoil and up to 1,000% more native plants
Researchers used a red dye to precisely track herbicide application in Washington's Pend Oreille River. This innovative method allowed for a significant reduction in herbicide dosage while achieving excellent results. Invasive Eurasian watermilfoil biomass declined dramatically, allowing native plants to recover and thrive. Native plant biomass increased substantially, and their variety more than doubled in treated areas. This successful intervention demonstrated effective ecological damage repair through careful, measured application.
These large- and mid-cap stocks with ‘Strong Buy’ & ‘Buy’ recos have upside potential of up to 25%, according to analysts
Talk of tariffs, especially steep ones, makes the market nervous. Which is exactly why the next few trading sessions are critical, and why being in a hurry to take any market-related decision is the one thing to avoid right now. It is better to be cautious, to wait and watch. And let the picture become a little clearer before you act.
BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
What’s in a word? For India's FMCG brands, it's increasingly everything
Indian regulators are intensifying scrutiny over misleading food product claims. Companies now face legal challenges for unsubstantiated marketing statements. New front-of-pack warning labels are proposed for unhealthy packaged foods. This regulatory push aims to provide consumers with clearer product information. Companies are consequently allocating more resources towards compliance and quality checks.
Mix 2 tablespoons borax, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 cups hot water; the three-part spray may work as an all-purpose household cleaner
A well-known DIY cleaning solution combines borax and vinegar to efficiently tackle grime. This blend effectively disrupts surface tension, helping to eliminate grease and soap scum. However, it's important to note that vinegar's acidity does not provide adequate disinfection. As borax is a registered pesticide, it should be stored securely away from children. While this spray is an excellent cleaning option, it shouldn't replace certified disinfectants.
Mumbai raid uncovers fake expiry dates, nutrition labels on food export products
Indian authorities raided an illegal operation in Mumbai last week. They seized nearly eighty thousand dollars worth of faked food export products. This illicit warehouse systematically altered expiry dates and nutritional information. Popular brands like PepsiCo and Nestle were among those affected. The investigation highlights ongoing challenges in food safety enforcement.
FSSAI warns traders, food businesses against use of calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening during mango season
FSSAI has urged the Food Safety Departments of States and Union Territories to be vigilant and take stringent action against those violating these regulations. The authority emphasised that using calcium carbide, a hazardous chemical, poses significant health risks and contravenes the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with its associated rules and regulations.
FSSAI moves to make food packaging safer
The survey findings show the packaging material used in organised sector is largely safe, while it highlights major discrepancies in unorganised sector.
FSSAI for fixing limits of melamine in milk, milk products
To check adulteration, food safety regulator FSSAI has proposed for the first time fixing of maximum permissible limit of melamine content in milk and related products.
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