India, July 23 -- France's minister for the environmental transition is stepping down over a controversial emergency agriculture bill granting temporary exemptions for the use of restricted pesticides that scientists say are harmful to bees.

Monique Barbut, who was appointed in October last year, said she will hand her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

The legislation passed by French lawmakers Tuesday allows the French food, environmental and occupational health agency to exceptionally authorise the use of acetamiprid and flupyradifurone for a few struggling agricultural sectors. "Over the past nine months, I have defended those who do not march, who do not vote, and who do not shout: the silence of our fore...