Ammonium Nitrate Rules Amended: Fee Relief for MSMEs, Startups & Women Entrepreneurs Introduction The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced significant amendments to the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 via the Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2025, notified on June 9, 2025. The changes aim to promote inclusivity, reduce regulatory costs, and support ease of doing…

Hydrogen Safety Takes Center Stage: Key Highlights from the SMPV Amendment Rules, 2025 Introduction As India accelerates its green energy mission, the Explosives Act, 1884, has been updated to accommodate emerging technologies—specifically, the SMPV Hydrogen Safety Compliance and safe use of compressed and liquefied hydrogen gas. The SMPV (U) Rules, 2016 have been significantly amended…

PESO Notifies Discontinuation of Electric Detonators for Civil Use Introduction In a major regulatory shift, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has issued a directive Discontinuation Electric Detonators by PESO for civil applications. This decision, made in coordination with industry stakeholders and the Standing Committee on Explosives, is part of PESO’s commitment to enhancing safety,…

Gujarat Pollution Control Board Enables Auto-Renewal for CCA Applications Introduction To further enhance Ease of Doing Business in Gujarat, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has introduced an auto-renewal facility for Consolidated Consent and Authorization (CCA). This decision, formalized in the circular issued on June 5, 2025, applies to eligible industries operating under valid CCAs…

Gas-Based Power Plants Ordered to Operate Amid Rising Electricity Demand Introduction With electricity demand soaring across India due to rising temperatures and industrial activity, the Ministry of Power has directed all Gas-Based Generating Stations (GBSs) Gas-Based Power Directive to operate continuously between May 26 and June 30, 2025. This mandate, issued under Section 11 of…

PESO Launches Online Form-H License Portal Applications under Gas Cylinder Rules Introduction To streamline licensing and ensure faster regulatory clearances, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has introduced an online application system for Form-H licenses under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016. Applicants seeking prior approval or licensing for Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG) storage or…

CPCB Extends Deadline for 37th AQC Exercise Report Submission Introduction In a recent update aimed at easing procedural delays, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has extended the deadline for submitting test reports related to the 37th Analytical Quality Control (AQC) exercise. Citing delivery delays of test samples, CPCB has granted an additional two-week window,…

CPCB SOP for Spent Calcium Chloride Utilization in Pigment Violet Production Introduction The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in April 2025, released a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the utilization of spent Calcium Chloride powder—a hazardous waste by-product generated during the manufacturing of Triethyl Phosphite (TEP) and Trimethyl Phosphite (TMP). The SOP is framed…