Top News Highlights- 13 August 2024

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.