EU REGULATORS
EU's 2030 ban on single-use ketchup sachets puts condiment packets in spotlight
Starting in 2030, the European Union will ban single-serve condiment sachets, including ketchup and mayonnaise, in restaurants as part of efforts to tackle waste. Takeaway services and specific healthcare facilities will be exempt to ensure hygiene. Alternative solutions such as refillable dispensers and small bowls will be encouraged, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable practices in response to environmental concerns about single-use plastics.
Activists breach Microsoft data centre construction site as protests spread in Europe
Activist groups have announced actions in 16 countries on Friday and Saturday, according to the "Stop Dirty Data Centres" coalition, which is rallying environmental groups and digital rights campaigns behind calls to pause large-scale construction.
EU charges TikTok over harmful algorithmic 'rabbit hole' effects
EU tech regulators charged social media platform TikTok on Friday with breaching the bloc's online content rules due to the so-called "rabbit hole" effect of its recommender system, which attracts users' attention to a constant stream of
Beyond payments: Here is how Adyen is helping Prism globally through its unified payments platform
As Indian enterprises branch out to international markets, a fragmented payments ecosystem, non-compatible with the local payment rails, can be a major roadblock. PRISM’s journey to global markets, and its partnership with Adyen, highlights how a unified payments platform can mitigate the pain points and help businesses integrate local payment experiences with global scale seamlessly. Read on!
EU Transport Commissioner activates security protocols after flight bomb threats; says "too early" to establish links
European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed concern over recent hoax bomb threats affecting flights in Europe. Many budget airlines were targeted, with investigations ongoing to determine the source of the threats. Multiple countries reported threats that prompted increased security measures and emergency landings. All affected flights were able to land safely after thorough inspections confirmed no explosives were present.
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Oman tightens expat worker recruitment rules from January 2027; agencies must provide insurance, refunds
Effective January 1, 2027, Oman is set to enforce new, tougher rules for hiring expatriate workers, which will necessitate insurance coverage and adherence to recruitment timelines. Recruitment agencies will shoulder increased financial duties, including the possibility of refunds for employers.
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.
Meta halts new business terms after backlash over data scraping and AI use
Meta has postponed the rollout of new terms affecting its business accounts due to significant backlash. Critics claimed these changes could lead to unauthorized data scraping and unfair competition against news publishers. A Norwegian court granted an injunction on the terms, highlighting concerns over Meta's market dominance. The U.K. competition authority has also initiated an investigation into these new business conditions.
Is India prepared to tackle 369 million cybersecurity incidents and AI challenges ahead?
India experienced a notable increase in cybersecurity incidents which has raised concerns over its infrastructure and talent shortages. The adoption of AI is rising, yet the country lags behind others in global rankings. Challenges related to AI, such as data protection and algorithmic liability, are becoming more complex. To address these issues, comprehensive regulatory frameworks and national legislation are urgently needed.
Who sent $2 bn military equipment to Iran past US blockade? More than 5,000 agencies
Iran has developed a clandestine network involving over 5,000 agencies to import military equipment and evade sanctions. This network functions despite ongoing US naval blockades and sanctions since the war began. Extensive investigations reveal significant transactions and military logistics supporting their activities. The secretive agencies have been linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and elite controlled businesses.
Indian industry has become aware of carbon emissions, says CII’s Narayan Sethuramon
Indian industry is becoming aware of the impact of European carbon emissions regulations on their competitiveness. The expected India-EU Free Trade Agreement will create opportunities for growth in the coming years. Different categories of buyers are emerging, with some looking to diversify sources away from China. Key sectors such as textiles and defense are poised to benefit from these trade dynamics.
EU can learn from India on cutting regulatory burden, says Piyush Goyal as Dutch minister rules out CBAM rethink
Piyush Goyal addressed the India-Netherlands Business Forum, highlighting India's deregulation efforts to reduce burdens on businesses. He asserted that the EU could learn from India's successful approach to regulatory matters. Dutch Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma acknowledged the importance of necessary regulations but emphasized the need to review those that hinder trade. He reiterated that climate and product safety regulations are crucial for European consumers.
EU carbon tax: Piyush Goyal asks Europe not to 'invite disaster' or 'shoot themselves in the foot'
Goyal said the EU had accumulated around 75-77 regulations, arguing that repeated additions were increasing the compliance burden on businesses and making them less competitive in global markets.
Privacy group files complaints against Scale AI over alleged worker surveillance
The European digital privacy group, noyb, has launched several complaints against Scale AI across multiple nations, claiming the company improperly surveilled freelance workers engaged in AI data tasks. Investigative findings highlighted concerning tracking practices, including keystroke logging and persistent identity verification. Moreover, the use of game-like rewards has drawn prior regulatory attention. Freelancers reported challenges accessing their data, with requests often ignored by Outlier.
Great Eggspectations: Brown, free-range, omega-3 or protein-rich? What’s really worth paying for in an egg
India’s premium egg market is growing as health-conscious consumers pay more for free-range, cage-free and nutrient-enriched varieties. But higher prices do not always mean better nutrition. While farming practices and specialised feed can raise costs, experts say unclear labelling and limited verification make it difficult for consumers to assess what they are paying for.
India to remain strict on quality: Industry minister Piyush Goyal
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised a strict stance on quality and environmental regulations. He noted that many companies are eager to invest in India across various sectors. Goyal mentioned India's advantages in decarbonisation amidst competition from Europe’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. Discussions on free trade agreements indicate significant potential for job creation in India.
From nasal delivery to sterile injectables: Biodeal Pharmaceuticals’ expansion plans
Biodeal Pharmaceuticals is set to broaden its horizons with a state-of-the-art sterile injectables plant in Himachal Pradesh. This venture will notably elevate its production capacities and diversify its contract development and manufacturing services. Biodeal is committed to fortifying existing partnerships with clients leveraging its innovative nasal and oral drug formulations.
Berlin Global Dialogue: EU inviting disaster through carbon tax, says Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal expressed concerns over the EU's carbon tax and numerous regulations impacting their steel industry. He warned that these measures could lead to increased costs and decreased competitiveness for EU businesses. Goyal highlighted that the high import duties and standards could harm the economy and raise the cost of living. He mentioned the reciprocal nature of trade regulations in response to the EU's actions.
Poland to become second EU member of global healthcare AI network
Poland has announced its intent to join the HealthAI-led Global Regulatory Network, becoming just the second EU nation to do so after Portugal. This network includes numerous countries like Britain, India, and Brazil, which work together to ensure safe AI applications in healthcare. Members gain access to AI healthcare tools that have undergone regulatory review and benefit from a real-time system for reporting harmful incidents.
Europe's financial regulators query Google over cloud outage that hit banks
The European Banking Authority said that it has been in contact with Google Cloud to obtain further information on the incident, understand its implications and assess its potential impact on financial entities in the EU, a spokesperson for the watchdog told Reuters.
Booking.com targeted in EU investigation into phishing scams, fraudulent listings
The Commission, which is the EU tech and competition enforcer, said it opened an investigation following a preliminary probe and after analysing risk assessment reports submitted by Booking.com this year and the previous three years.
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.
Germany's Merz touts defence, AI and chip investment drive in pitch to investors
Germany aims to quadruple its artificial intelligence computing capacity by 2030 as part of a broader push to strengthen technological competitiveness, he added.
Trump move to restart direct US flights with Lebanon hits roadblock
The UN aviation agency has found Beirut’s main airport lacks valid certification, an emergency plan and adequate firefighting resources for long-haul aircraft, potentially delaying the resumption of direct US-Lebanon flights announced by President Donald Trump. Lebanese authorities say corrective measures are underway, while security concerns and regional hostilities pose additional challenges.
US considers removing sanctions on some shadow fleet vessels to cut freight rates, official says
Discussions are ongoing regarding potential sanctions relief on shadow fleet vessels transporting legal oil and products. Companies would need to apply to the US Treasury for approval to buy these vessels. Although sanctions may be eased, freight rates are not expected to drop significantly. High tanker freight rates remain a concern for the administration amid inflation and supply issues.
Stripchat loses legal fight against EU tech label
Adult content platform Stripchat has lost its legal case against EU regulators over online content rules. The European Commission had designated Stripchat as a very large online platform under the Digital Services Act. The court found that adequate reasons were provided for their decision on user calculation. Stripchat may still appeal the ruling at the EU Court of Justice if it chooses to do so.
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