Monday, August 9, 2010
Indiscriminate Disposal of CFLs Health Hazards
Fluorescent lamps, having mercury as a vital component for their functioning, can cause health related problems, if disposed of indiscriminately at the end of their life. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified standards for safety and performance related requirements of fluorescent lamps. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s estimates, there is an average of 30 mg of mercury in a fluorescent tube light (FTL) and 5 mg of mercury in a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), indicating that CFLs are less hazardous than FTLs.
CPCB has issued technical guidelines for environmentally sound mercury management in fluorescent lamp sector, including CFLs. These guidelines prescribe best practices at various levels, such as at manufacturer’s level, that include mercury consumption, process technology, raw mercury distillation, on-site storage, treatment, recycling and disposal of mercury bearing wastes, mercury spill management; and at consumer’s level which includes handling of used/broken lamps, consumer awareness pertaining to collection, transport, treatment and disposal of used fluorescent lamps.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Priya Dutt in Lok Sabha
Changing Pattern Of UPSC Examination
The Government has approved the proposal for introduction of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in place of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. The CSAT is expected to come into effect from Civil Services Examination, 2011 would be transparent. This will enable screening of candidates having a right aptitude for Civil Services.
In CSAT, one of optional subjects, which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optionals, is being replaced with a common paper on aptitude test. The syllabus of CSAT is being worked out by the UPSC. The CSAT is aimed at providing a greater degree of level - playing field to candidates of different backgrounds.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha
In CSAT, one of optional subjects, which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optionals, is being replaced with a common paper on aptitude test. The syllabus of CSAT is being worked out by the UPSC. The CSAT is aimed at providing a greater degree of level - playing field to candidates of different backgrounds.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha
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