FSSAI Proposes Pesticide Residue Limits in Tea

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published draft amendments, proposing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for acetamiprid and imidacloprid in tea.

Key Highlights of the Amendment

• Proposed MRLs: The draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026, propose limits of 20 mg/kg (20 ppm) for acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg (50 ppm) for imidacloprid in tea.
• International Standards: The proposed acetamiprid limit is lower than the corresponding limits of 30 ppm in Japan and 50 ppm in the United States.The imidacloprid limit has been formulated with reference to international Codex standards.
• Regulatory Review: The proposal continues FSSAI’s periodic review of pesticide residue standards based on scientific evidence and international regulatory practices.The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2024, also revised pesticide residue standards.
• Agricultural Considerations: Pesticides, when used appropriately and according to prescribed practices, help control pests, reduce crop losses and maintain agricultural productivity.India’s average pesticide use is less than 0.5 kg per hectare, compared with the estimated global average of 2.38 kg per hectare.

India to Host 61st Meeting of International Committee of Legal Metrology

Context: India will host the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the first time in New Delhi from 26–28 October 2026.

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• An international seminar on “Evolutions in Legal Metrology” will be held on 26 October, followed by an OIML Strategy Workshop on 27 October 2026.
• Discussions will cover international measurement standards, revision of international recommendations, the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS), digital transformation, capacity building and international cooperation.
• The meeting will also provide India an opportunity to showcase regulatory reforms and promote fair trade, consumer protection and ease of doing business.

About the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML)

• Established: 1955.
• Nature: An intergovernmental organisation that promotes the international harmonisation of legal metrology procedures.
• Key Functions:
• Develops international recommendations, standards and related documents for measuring instruments.
• Promotes harmonised measurement requirements to facilitate international trade and reduce technical barriers.
• Supports reliable measurements in trade, industry, healthcare, safety and environmental protection.
• Promotes international cooperation and the recognition of measuring instruments through systems such as the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS).

India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026

Context: The fifth edition of the India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

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• The exercise is being conducted from 19 October to 1 November 2026, with approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army.
• For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is participating in the exercise.
• It aims to enhance interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination between the two armies, reinforcing their shared commitment to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

About AUSTRAHIND 2026

• Participating contingents: The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian Army contingent comprises troops from its 13 Brigade.
• Theme: “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate”.
• Key training activities:
• Joint planning, tactical drills and combat-oriented training under realistic operational conditions, including aerial and maritime dimensions.
• Coordinated operations in island and coastal environments, surveillance and reconnaissance, and protection of vital installations.
• Response to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) contingencies.
• Exchange of professional experience and best practices.
• Operational focus: Developing a common understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in island and coastal terrain.
• Previous edition: The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025.