Paraquat Dichloride Ban in India
-
Context:The Central Government has notified a nationwide ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide associated with poisoning-related deaths.
-
The ban has been issued under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
About Paraquat Dichloride
- A non-selective, contact herbicide used to control weeds.
- Commonly applied after harvesting to eliminate weeds before the next crop cycle.
- Extremely toxic to humans even in small quantities if ingested or improperly handled.
Reasons for the Ban
- High risk of acute poisoning and poisoning-related fatalities.
- No specific antidote is available for Paraquat poisoning.
- Serious concerns regarding occupational exposure among agricultural workers.
- Widely reported cases of accidental and intentional poisoning.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits the manufacture, import, transport, distribution, sale, and use of Paraquat Dichloride across India.
- The decision is based on the recommendations of the Registration Committee and an Experts Committee.
Global Status
- Banned or severely restricted in more than 70 countries due to health and environmental concerns.
Significance
- Enhances the health and safety of farmers and agricultural workers.
- Aims to reduce poisoning-related deaths and accidental exposure.
- Aligns India with global efforts to phase out highly hazardous pesticides.
- Encourages the adoption of safer and sustainable weed management practices.
Takeda Dengue Vaccine, DCGI Approves India’s First Dengue Vaccine
- Context: India has approved the Takeda dengue vaccine (QDENGA/TAK-003), marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against dengue.
-
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorisation to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India’s QDENGA, making it the first dengue vaccine approved in India.
-
The vaccine is authorised for individuals aged 4 to 60 years, offering a new preventive tool against one of the country’s most widespread mosquito-borne diseases.
About the Takeda Dengue Vaccine Approval
- The approval of the Takeda dengue vaccine is a major public health milestone that strengthens India’s efforts to prevent dengue and reduce the impact of recurring outbreaks.
- First dengue vaccine in India: QDENGA (TAK-003) is the first dengue vaccine to receive market authorisation in the country.
- Protects a broad age group: Approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years, expanding preventive coverage.
- Reduces disease burden: Has the potential to lower dengue infections, hospitalisations, and severe cases.
- Supports public health initiatives: Complements existing mosquito control, surveillance, and awareness programmes.
- Improves outbreak preparedness: Provides an additional tool to manage seasonal dengue outbreaks more effectively.
- Enhances healthcare resilience: May help reduce pressure on hospitals and healthcare systems during peak dengue seasons.
- Advances preventive healthcare: Reflects India’s growing focus on vaccination as a key strategy against vector-borne diseases.
