Why in News? 

India has recently opposed the inclusion of Chlorpyrifos, a hazardous insecticide, under the Stockholm Convention.  

About the Stockholm Convention  

Genesis: Adopted in 2001 and enforced in 2004, the Stockholm Convention aims to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). 

Objective: The convention focuses on eliminating or restricting the production and use of chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, accumulate in living organisms, and are toxic to both humans and wildlife. 

Key Features 

1. POP Characteristics: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are carbon-based organic chemical substances that persist for extended periods in the environment, accumulating and magnifying in living organisms, making them hazardous to both humans and wildlife. 
2. India's Position: India has signed and ratified the Stockholm Convention but has expressed opposition to the global phase-out of Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide deemed harmful to the environment and public health.