Chemicals News Today

Himalaya NITI Abhiyan urges Himachal to halt sale of highly hazardous pesticides like paraquat, citing health risks. Centre proposed a ban after 70 countries restricted it, with 80% mortality rates.

Dr Reddy's Foundation's Hyderabad soil lab targets 75,000-1 lakh samples before the next Rabi season, scaling operations due to soil health concerns. Operational since Jan 2025, it processed 40,000+ samples this year, offering precise nutrient advisories and partnering with ICAR.

Canada's Tetrahydrophthalic Anhydride market, valued at $28-40M in 2026, is projected to grow 3.5-5% annually to 2035, reaching 8,500-10,500 tonnes, driven by electronics and electrical equipment demand.

New fuel efficiency norms from April 1, 2027, will boost ethanol-compatible vehicles (E85, E100), giving them a competitive edge. This encourages automakers to adopt cleaner technologies, increasing flex-fuel car availability and reducing crude oil dependence.

India's Midwest Ltd, a private firm, secured a landmark deal with Indonesia's PERMINAS for critical minerals. This first-of-its-kind partnership aims to produce 5,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide, valued at $750 million, in four years, boosting India's supply chain and manufacturing.

PHDCCI hosted a National Roundtable on Green Chemistry, gathering over 80 experts to accelerate India's sustainable industrial transformation. Discussions focused on innovations, policy, and collaboration, with a collective commitment to adopt green technologies and strengthen India's leadership in environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Egypt's "Garbage City" recyclers are thriving due to Iran war-driven plastic supply shortfalls. Demand tripled, and prices for some recycled plastics surged up to 60%, boosting local businesses and opening new markets.

Odisha attracted Rs. 2 lakh crore in chemical and petrochemical investments in two years, driven by tailored incentives, streamlined clearances, and dedicated industrial hubs, positioning itself as a prime industrial hub.

Kolhapur ANTF raided an illegal unit in Pune, seizing 3,420 kg chloral hydrate and 5,800 litres raw chemicals, capable of producing 15 lakh litres toxic liquor. Machinery worth ₹1 crore was seized, and four arrested.

A chemical factory fire near Karaikal sickened over 10 villagers with smoke inhalation, prompting hundreds of evacuations. Fire and rescue services controlled the blaze within two hours.