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War & Conflict3h 18m ago

India allowed the continued use of the herbicide 2,4-D, a component of 'Agent Orange,' reversing a 2020 draft proposal that recommended a ban due to cancer risks and environmental harm.

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India

Who
India's agricultural policymakers, Dr. Anupam Verma, agrochemical companies
What
India allowed the continued use of the herbicide 2,4-D, a component of 'Agent Orange,' reversing a 2020 draft proposal that recommended a ban due to cancer risks and environmental harm.
When
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:19:52 GMT · 3h 18m ago
Where
India ·
Why
The reversal followed 'behind-the-scenes negotiations' and 'strategic bureaucratic manoeuvring' that removed 2,4-D from the list of prohibited chemicals.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

The decision permits a chemical linked to cancer and harmful to bee populations to remain in use in India, raising public health and environmental concerns given its historical use as a biological weapon.

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