Union Cabinet Approves Changes in PM JI-VAN Yojana
- Objective Expansion: The government extends the scope of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana to include a wider range of biofuels, aiming for a 20% ethanol blending target by 2025-26.
- Eligibility Widened: Now includes “bolt-on” and “brownfield projects” to enhance the production of 2nd generation ethanol.
- Environmental and Economic Impact: Aims to reduce pollution and provide stable income opportunities for farmers through the sale of agricultural residues.
India-Maldives Strengthen Ties with Development Projects
- Strategic Projects: India inaugurates significant infrastructure projects in Maldives, including the Addu Reclamation and Greater Male Connectivity Project.
- Geo-political Significance: Highlights Maldives’ critical position in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with India’s ‘SAGAR’ vision for regional stability.
- Bilateral Challenges: Issues such as rising Chinese influence and internal anti-India sentiments pose challenges.
Biofortification Initiatives
- Nutritional Enhancement: Focus on developing crops with enhanced nutrients such as iron and zinc to combat malnutrition effectively.
- Integration with Government Schemes: Linking biofortified crops with Mid-Day Meal schemes to ensure wider accessibility.
- Agricultural Impact: Aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes through high-yielding and adaptable crop varieties.
Global Cybercrime Treaty Finalized by UN
- Framework Establishment: The treaty establishes a legal framework for combating cybercrime globally, enhancing international cooperation.
- Protection Measures: Emphasizes protecting children from online abuse and ensuring data privacy.
- Human Rights Compliance: Stipulates that treaty implementation must align with international human rights law.
PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Implementation
- Solar Initiative: Guidelines released for creating Model Solar Villages, aiming for widespread adoption of rooftop solar solutions.
- Subsidy and Benefits: Households can receive significant subsidies on solar installations, potentially saving up to Rs 15,000 crore annually.
- Energy Self-reliance: Encourages villages to become self-reliant in energy production and management.
Space Diplomacy Enhances with Munal Satellite
- Indo-Nepal Collaboration: India supports the launch of Nepal’s Munal Satellite to develop a vegetation density database.
- Capacity Building: Includes training programs for international scientists and engineers, promoting global cooperation.
- Peaceful Space Use: Reaffirms India’s commitment to using space for peaceful purposes and enhancing global space capabilities.
Key Concepts and Policies
- Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: Aims to support the development of 2nd generation ethanol from surplus biomass and agricultural waste.
- Biofortification: Process of increasing nutrient levels in crops during growth rather than through manual means post-harvest.
- Model Solar Village: Part of the PM-Surya Ghar initiative, designed to promote self-sufficient energy communities through solar power.
