All posts by Praveen

Toward a safer IT industry with more accepted substances

Hazardous substances used by the IT industry are a risk to both humans and the environment. Dioxins, halogens and other toxic substances end up in the natural environment because of improper use in manufacturing and when products are not recycled responsibly in a controlled environment. Since a very low percentage of substances have been studied and hazard-assessed, only banning a few substances that have been proven to be harmful is not enough. Substances should instead always be considered hazardous until proven safer before they are used.

TCO Certified is the leading sustainability certification for IT products. With the ground-breaking TCO Certified Accepted Substance List, TCO Certified creates more transparency and promotes a shift to safer substances. The list only includes substances which are proven to be safer. As the list is public and available to everyone, it helps drive chemical safety in the IT industry and society as a whole.

“While a few hazardous substances have been phased out through legislation, too little is known about the substances used to replace them. Regulatory development lags behind. TCO Certified Accepted Substance List leads to many sustainability benefits such as increased transparency, closed data gaps, and a faster shift to safer alternatives”, says Stephen Fuller, expert on hazardous substances at TCO Development, the organization behind TCO Certified.

Recently, six new substances (all process chemicals) were added to the list:

n-Butanol (71-36-3)
Butanone (78-93-3)
Ammonium hydroxide (1336-21-6)
CYBERSOLV (C8882 and C8622)
Vital (GW9066)

Criteria limiting the use of hazardous substances have been part of TCO Certified since 1995. Only plasticizers and flame retardants included on TCO Certified Accepted Substance List can be used in certified products. TCO Certified Accepted Substance List continues to expand to include additional substances that are identified as safer alternatives for both humans and the environment. In 2021 the system was expanded from substances used in products to also cover cleaner and degreaser substances used in the manufacturing processes.

MCCI organizes a session – Role of cities in combating climate change on 5 June, 2023

Chennai: The Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry(MCCI), under its Sustainable Chennai Forum organizes a session on “Role of cities in combating climate change”. The virtual event will be held on 5th June 2023 on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Cities are key contributors to climate change, as urban activities are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Statistics show that cities are responsible for 75% of global CO2 emissions. However, the fact remains that urbanisation cannot be avoided.

To create awareness on how cities can still fight climate change, MCCIorganizes this 7th Sustainable virtual talk between 4.30 pm and 5.45 pm on 5th June 2023 – Monday.

Mr. S.Anantha Krishnan, Secretary General, Urban Economic Forum, Toronto is the Speaker. He will talk about how major cities across the globe approach this issue and what Chennai can try to emulate.

Anyone wish to participate in this session can do the free registration at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIuc–urzosGNecF3adxSl7PvafO1Cybhhi OR contact 044 -24349452.

Mr. S.Anantha Krishnanhas over 40 years of rich experience includes serving in UN Habitat and UNEP, in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently he works as a consultant forthe Government of Norway.

The Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry formed a “Sustainable Chennai Forum” in its 175th year 2011. The Chamber has been holding numerous workshops/sessions covering areas like Renewable Energy, Water Conservation, Waste Management, Urban Greening, Electric Vehicles among others.

Honda Racing India announces riders for 2023 IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R

New Delhi, 2nd June 2023: Unveiling the young star riders for 2023 challenge, Honda Racing India today announced its riders’ squad for IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup set to kick off this weekend at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore.

The 2023 season of the IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup is set to deliver exhilarating racing action and provide a sneak peek into the promising future of motorcycle racing in India. The five-round season will showcase a remarkable line-up of 14 talented young riders, representing the prestigious Honda team, as they take on the Moto3 race machine – the NSF250R. Additionally, the team has welcomed five new riders who have demonstrated their skill and successfully progressed from the CBR150R novice category.

The IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup serves as a platform dedicated to developing and nurturing the next generation of riders for both national and international championships. This esteemed motorcycle-racing event promises to showcase the exceptional talent and potential of Honda’s aspiring racers. As they compete for glory, these young riders have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the national racing circuit in Coimbatore.

Commenting on the upcoming season, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani – President, CEO & Managing Director, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup is a testament to our unwavering dedication in nurturing young talent and fostering the growth of motorcycle racing in India. With our objectives firmly in focus, this platform has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of racing in the country. It offers young riders a valuable opportunity to excel, refine their skills, and unleash their full potential.

Speaking on the 2023 season, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “We are eagerly looking forward to witnessing the exceptional talent of our young riders in the upcoming IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup this weekend. Their consistently remarkable performances in the previous rounds have heightened our anticipation for their upcoming races. With their unwavering determination and relentless dedication, these young riders are well-prepared to deliver astonishing performances on the national stage. Equipped with the NSF250R, the ultimate Moto3 machine featuring a combination of power, agility, and advanced technologies. I have complete confidence in their abilities, and I am thrilled to witness their incredible potential unfold in the upcoming races.”

NCPCR launches a national campaign Addiction Free Amrit Kaal

New Delhi, 2 Jun. 2023: Welcoming the Government initiative of bringing tobacco regulation on OTT platforms, various health experts, child right activists and the chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Mr. Priyank Kanoongo unanimously called for the proposed COTPA Amendment Act in creating a tobacco-free environment for children.

For its part, on the World Tobacco Day on Wednesday, the NCPCR launched a nationwide campaign “Addiction Free Amrit Kaal”, an initiative aimed at promoting a tobacco and drug-free India with the help of children. This campaign, aimed at promoting a healthier and addiction-free India, marks a significant milestone in the mission to create a tobacco and drug-free nation. Organized by the NCPCR in technical partnership with Tobacco Free India, a citizens’ group, the campaign strives to address the pressing issue of tobacco and drug addiction in the country.

Mr. Kanoongo highlighted the concerning link between tobacco products and drug addiction, noting that the entertainment industry plays a significant role in enticing children into tobacco use. While we had rules requiring warnings on tobacco product scenes in films, there was a pressing need for regulations regarding Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, which have gained popularity in recent times and were being misused. The commission had recommended for the regulation of tobacco use on OTT platforms to address this issue effectively. And now, we are delighted that the government has introduced this much-needed regulation, addressing the importance of curbing tobacco use on OTT platforms.

“I strongly support a robust Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which can serve as an important tool in curbing tobacco use, especially among children. This legislation encompasses stringent measures to restrict all forms of tobacco advertising at the point of sale and put an end to the practice of designated smoking zones in public places. These smoking zones pose significant harm to children who are exposed to tobacco smoke in these areas,” stated the head of NCPCR during the event while launching the national campaign.

Highlighting the unique drive, he mentioned that children, who are the most affected by indirect tobacco use, have been made members of ‘Prahari Clubs’ established in schools. They will serve as the government’s eyes and ears, sharing information if any tobacco-selling shops exist near their schools. “So far, we have formed 67,000 such clubs with over 8 lakh members, Soon the number of its members will double. Along with this, these ‘Prahri Clubs’ can be used in the direction of liberating India from tobacco and drugs,” he added. The session was moderated by Mr. Mukesh Kejriwal, a renowned journalist and tobacco control activist.

Mr. Praveen Ramdas National Secretary of ‘Vigyan Bharati’ and keynote speaker of the event, stressed on the role of educational institutions in promoting traditional practices and holistic approaches to combat addiction. He also expressed concern that addiction is now being equated as an expression of freedom and fashion. “We not only need to plug the loopholes in the existing law but also focus on promoting institutions inculcating good habits and strengthening the family system,” he said.

Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi and a reputed public health expert, highlighted the health risks associated with drug and tobacco addiction. She emphasized that over 13 lakh people die annually in the country due to the consumption of deadly tobacco products. The COTPA Amendment Bill will not only save lives but also reduce the burden on the healthcare system, she added. She urged for the immediate implementation of COTPA amendments “because each second matters, given that the product is claiming a large number of youths in the country.”

Speaking about the theme of World No Tobacco Day this year, “We need food, not tobacco,” Dr. Uma Kumar emphasized the adverse health effects faced not only by tobacco users but also by those involved in its manufacturing, including green tobacco sickness and cancers.

Dr Jagdish Kaur, regional advisor , Tobacco Free Initiative, WHO gave insight into global perspective on addiction prevention and control and warned that as people are becoming more aware about the tobacco menace, the industry is adopting innovative ways to trap the youth. “We are glad that a move has been initiated to regulate OTT contents.” she said.

The inaugural event also highlighted the key objectives of the campaign, including the protection of children’s rights to have a tobacco and drug free environment around them. Several initiatives, workshops, awareness programs, and outreach activities are planned to actively engage schools, parents, and communities in the fight against tobacco and drug addiction.