Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commission on Genetic Resources
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Delegates from around the world have convened in Rome, Italy for the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA).
What is Commission on Genetic Resources?
|
Description |
| Establishment |
Established in 1983 by the FAO |
| Membership |
181 member countries including India |
| Governing Body |
Bureau consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and FAO representative |
| Mandate |
Promote conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture |
| ITPGRFA |
Responsible for implementing the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture |
| Functions |
Address specific areas such as plant genetic resources, animal genetic resources, and digital sequence information |
| Global Goals |
Contributes to SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and sustainable agricultural development |
Focus areas
- The session will focus on three main topics:
- Review of work on biodiversity, nutrition, and human health.
- Access and benefit-sharing for food and agriculture.
- Digital sequence information for food and agriculture.
- Biodiversity for food and agriculture.
- The role of genetic resources in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
- Forest genetic resources.
- Microorganism and invertebrate genetic resources, including pollinators and biological control agents.
- Animal genetic resources
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DPT3
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The coverage rate for DPT3 vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) in India reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 91% in 2019.
- This significant increase from the 85% coverage in 2021 was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
What is DPT3?
- DPT3 vaccines refer to a combination vaccine that provides protection against three infectious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
- The “DPT” in DPT3 stands for the initials of these three diseases:
- Diphtheria: It is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe throat and nose congestion, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart and nerve damage.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound when gasping for breath. Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
- Tetanus: Also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck muscles.
WHO records on immunization
- DPT3 Coverage Recovery: The WHO South-East Asia Region saw the DPT3 coverage recover to pre-pandemic levels of 91% in 2022, a significant increase from 82% in 2021.
- Measles Vaccine Coverage: The region also witnessed a six percent improvement in measles vaccine coverage, rising to 92% in 2022 from 86% in 2021.
- Zero-Dose Children: The number of zero-dose children (those who have not received even the first dose of the DPT vaccine) halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.
- Partially Vaccinated Children: The number of partially vaccinated children (those who received at least one dose but not the complete three-dose series) decreased from 1.3 million in 2021 to 650,000 in 2022.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Election Commission of India has implemented a fully online process for allotting airtime to political parties for campaigning on Akashvani and Doordarshan.
- The new system replaces the traditional method of collecting physical vouchers and instead issues digital time vouchers through an online platform.
Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning
- Objective: To provide equitable access to government-owned electronic media during elections for campaigning purposes.
- Legal basis: The allotment of time on public broadcasters during campaigning is governed by a scheme notified in January 1998, based on Section 39A of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
- Allotment Criteria: Each National party and recognized State party receive an equitable base time on Doordarshan (DD) and Akashvani.
- Scope for additional time: Factors such as past electoral performance, representation in the legislature, and the number of candidates fielded by the party are considered to ensure equitable distribution of airtime.
- Predefined Schedule: The date and time for telecasts and broadcasts by authorized party representatives are predetermined by Prasar Bharati, in consultation with EC and in the presence of party representatives.
Regulation of these Vouchers
- Scrutiny of Party Transcripts: Party transcripts undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with relevant codes. These codes prohibit content that criticizes other countries, attacks religions or communities, incites violence, or engages in personal attacks.
- Role of Apex Committee: Disagreements over vetted content are referred to an Apex Committee comprising members from Akashvani and DD. The committee’s decision is final.
Significance of Digital Vouchers
- Process Improvement: The decision reflects its commitment to leveraging technology for an improved electoral process and enhanced convenience for all stakeholders.
- Eliminating Physical Collection: Political parties will no longer need to send representatives to the commission’s offices to collect time vouchers during elections.
Operational Challenges
- Limited Access: The scheme is exclusively available to national and recognized State parties, leading to concerns about its true equity.
- Conflict of Interest in the Apex Committee: The Apex Committee consists of officials from Akashvani and DD, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- Row over transcript content: These officials are expected to review their own decisions when conflicts arise with political parties over the transcript content.
Also read:
How is a ‘National Party’ in India defined?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a pact during PM Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
- It established a framework for promoting the use of the Indian rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED) in cross-border transactions.
Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)
- LCSS Establishment: The framework aims to establish a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) between India and the UAE.
- Domestic Currency Transactions: LCSS enables exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies.
- Foreign Exchange Market Development: LCSS facilitates the development of an INR-AED foreign exchange market.
- Transaction Optimization: The use of local currencies optimizes transaction costs and settlement time.
- Remittance Benefits: LCSS benefits remittances from Indians residing in the UAE.
Interlinking of Payment Systems: UPI-IPP Linkage
- Payment System Linkage: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes the linking of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UAE’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP).
- Card Switches and Messaging Systems: It explores linking the card switches (RuPay switch and UAESWITCH) and messaging systems of both countries.
- Efficient Cross-Border Fund Transfers: UPI-IPP linkage facilitates fast, convenient, safe, and cost-effective cross-border fund transfers.
- Mutual Acceptance of Domestic Cards: The agreement enables the mutual acceptance of domestic cards and processing of card transactions.
Impact of the Move
- Trade boost: Bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached around $85 billion in FY23.
- Exchange Rate Risk Management: The agreement helps Indian exporters’ hedge exchange rate risks in rupee-based trade.
- Internationalization of the Rupee: It supports India’s efforts to internationalize the rupee and reduce dependence on the US dollar.
- Interest from Other Countries: Countries in Africa, the Gulf region, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have shown interest in trading in rupee terms.
Significance for Exporters
- Denominating in Local Currencies: Denominating export contracts and invoices in local currencies minimizes exchange-rate risks and aids in competitive pricing.
- Enhanced Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation between the banking systems of India and the UAE supports trade and economic activity.
- Major Export Categories: Major Indian exports to the UAE include mineral fuels, pearls, precious stones, electrical machinery, and equipment.
- Trade Growth and Destination: The UAE is India’s second-largest export destination, and India-UAE trade reached $85 billion in 2022.
Benefits for Remittances
- Reduced Transaction Costs: The agreement reduces high transaction costs and exchange rate margins associated with remittances.
- Affordable and Efficient Remittances: It makes remittances more affordable and efficient, particularly for low-wage earners.
- Increased Remittance Inflows: In 2022, India experienced a 24.4% increase in remittances to $111 billion, accounting for 3.3% of GDP.
- Contribution of GCC Countries: Remittance inflows from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contribute significantly to India’s total remittance inflows.
Larger Impact
- Reducing Dollar Dependence: The agreement promotes the use of local currencies, reducing dependence on the US dollar in international transactions.
- Strengthening Economic Ties: Strengthened economic ties between India and the UAE encourage investments, remittances, and trade growth.
- Rupee Internationalization: The agreement aligns with India’s goal of internationalizing the rupee and expanding its global acceptance.
- Similar Cross-Border Efforts: Similar efforts, such as collaboration with Singapore’s PayNow, have been undertaken to facilitate cross-border transactions.
Conclusion
- The agreement positively impacts bilateral trade, facilitates remittances, and supports India’s goal of internationalizing the rupee.
- By reducing transaction costs and enhancing financial connectivity, the agreement strengthens economic relations between India and the UAE, fostering trade growth and cooperation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, taking place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, aims to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
What are Biofuels?
- Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as plants, crops, and agricultural waste.
- They are considered an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, because they areproduced from renewable biomass sources.
There are several types of biofuels, including:
- Ethanol: It is a biofuel produced by fermenting and distilling sugars or starches found in crops like corn, sugarcane, and wheat. It is commonly used as a blending component in gasoline and can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, known as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).
- Biodiesel: It is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils. It is typically used as a substitute for diesel fuel and can be blended with petroleum diesel or used in its pureform. Biodiesel has lower emissions of pollutants compared to petroleum diesel and can be used in conventional diesel engines without any modifications.
- Biogas: It is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and animal manure. It primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be used for heating, electricity generation, or as a vehicle fuel after purification.
|
What is Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)?
- G20 Priority: The GBA is a crucial priority under India’s G20 Presidency.
- Learning from ISA: The GBA draws inspiration from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), jointly initiated by India and France in 2015 to combat climate change through solar energy adoption.
- Objective: This alliance will focus on promoting international collaboration and cooperation to encourage the acceptance and utilization of biofuels.
- Core Members: The GBA, comprising Brazil, the US, and India, aims to impact the global energy architecture and achieve net-zero emissions.
- Membership and Endorsement: Other nations can join the GBA by endorsing the foundation document, and membership is open to non-G20 countries.
Focus Areas of GBA
- Focus areas of the GBA include:
- The GBA will focus on strengthening markets and facilitating global biofuel trade.
- Concrete policy lessons will be shared, and technical support will be provided for national biofuel programs worldwide.
- The alliance will highlight successful cases and best practices in the biofuel industry.
Significance of GBA
- Addressing OPEC+: The initiative signals India’s focus on reducing dependence on conventional hydrocarbons and calls for increased production by the OPEC+
- Transformative Opportunities: GBA offer transformative opportunities for economic growth, rural development, energy self-sufficiency, reduced air pollution, and clean energy transition.
- Adoption of Sustainable Biofuels: The alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
India’s Biofuel Achievements
- Milestone Achieved: In the fiscal year 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion litres of ethanol, achieving a blending rate of 10.02% and resulting in a reduction of 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
- Goals and Targets: India aims to achieve a blending rate of 12% by 2022-23 and a goal of 20% blending by 2025, requiring an expanded production capacity of ethanol to 17 billion litres.
- Focus on Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG): India actively promotes compressed bio-gas (CBG) derived from waste through the Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) program.
- Target Deadline: India aims to install 5,000 CBG plants across the country by 2024.
Biofuel Advancements in Aviation
- First Commercial Passenger Flight: India conducted its first commercial passenger flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend produced domestically.
- Program Committee Established: The Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel Programme Committee has been established to advance the use of SAF in the aviation sector.
- Blending Targets: India aims to achieve a 1% SAF blend in jet fuel by 2025, requiring 140 million liters of SAF per year, and a more ambitious target of a 5% blend would need approximately 700 million liters per year.
Global response
- Brazil’s Support: Brazil expressed support for the GBA and its goals to expand and strengthen sustainable biofuels markets.
- Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Saudi, a major oil producer, has a focus on conventional hydrocarbons and has not favored the GBA.
- Russia’s Opec+ Involvement: Russia, as part of the Opec+ group, has been implementing production cuts despite fragile global economic recovery.
- China’s Opposition: China, a major biofuel producer, opposed the India-led initiative and boycotted a G20 meeting on tourism held in Srinagar.
Conclusion
- The establishment of GBA represents a significant step towards promoting international collaboration and the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
- India’s achievements in biofuel production and advancements in aviation fuel provide a strong foundation for the alliance’s objectives.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Cheetah, Cheetah- characteristics and conservation status
Mains level: Project cheetah, Significance of cheetahs reintroduction, conservation failures and way forward
What’s the news?
- Till now, eight translocated cheetahs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) have died.
Central idea
- The recent deaths of two cheetahs in Kuno due to suspected septicaemia from festering neck wounds caused by radio collars have raised concerns about the reintroduction project. Similar injuries have been observed in three other cheetahs. This unexpected setback has puzzled experts familiar with the routine use of collars for monitoring and research purposes in both India and Africa.
What are collars on animals?
- Collars on animals refer to devices worn around the neck or attached to the neck area of an animal. These collars serve various purposes depending on the specific context and the type of animal involved.
What are Radio Collars used on Cheetahs?
- Radio collars are like tracking collars which utilizes radio signals for monitoring animals.
- They are commonly used in wildlife research to gather information about animal movements, home ranges, and social interactions.
- Radio collars can provide valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of animals in the wild.
The Problem with Collars
- Carrying a device on the body for an extended period can have adverse effects.
- A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research highlighted the higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch wearers, which can lead to sepsis or death.
- Similarly, domestic dogs often develop acute moist dermatitis or hot spots under collars, worsened by tick or flea bites.
- Moreover, tight-fitting collars can cause pressure necrosis and hair loss around the neck, resembling bedsores
Factors Influencing Vulnerability of Cheetahs in Kuno
- Cheetahs possess a furrier winter coat compared to tigers or leopards, which retains more water and takes longer to dry.
- This prolonged moisture exposure weakens the skin over time.
- A study criticized the 3% collar weight rule for not considering animal athleticism.
- Accelerometer-based research revealed that collars exert forces on cheetahs during movement equivalent to up to 18 times the collar’s weight.
- This weight burden, particularly on a wet coat, may have adverse effects on cheetahs during high-speed sprints.
- Cheetahs may be vulnerable to local pathogens to which Indian tigers and leopards are immune.
- Alternatively, the cheetahs might have carried dormant pathogens that thrived under new conditions, given their weakened immunity due to stress
What needs to be done?
- An immediate action is to track, immobilize, and evaluate all cheetahs for neck injuries caused by the radio collars.
- Reevaluating the use of radio collars and exploring collar modifications or alternatives.
- Developing lighter collars and ensuring proper fitting to minimize the risk of collar-induced injuries.
- Non-invasive tracking methods that do not require collars could be explored.
- Providing appropriate veterinary care and treatment
- Understand and identify the specific pathogens causing collar-induced infections in the cheetahs of Kuno
- Collaboration among wildlife biologists, veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists is crucial. Consultation and sharing knowledge and experiences.
FYI: Some common types of collars used on animals
- Identification Collars: Collars with tags or labels are often used on domestic pets such as dogs and cats for identification purposes.
- Tracking Collars: Tracking collars are commonly used in wildlife research and conservation Equipped with GPS or radio transmitters – monitor movement and behavior of animals.
- Electric Fencing Collars: To train livestock and other animals to avoid crossing designated boundaries. Electric fencing systems and deliver a mild electric shock
- Training Collars: Training collars, also known as e-collars or shock collars, are used in dog training to aid in obedience training or behavior correction- mild electrical stimulation or vibrations to reinforce desired actions
Conclusion
- The recent collar-induced injuries and deaths of cheetahs in Kuno have posed a significant challenge to the reintroduction project. It is crucial to address the issues to ensure the success and well-being of the cheetahs. However, finding a solution that balances collar use with the cheetahs’ safety and health remains a complex task.
Also read: The impact of cheetahs on India’s grasslands
Reintroduction of Cheetahs and Its Potential Impact
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Economic indicators and concepts
Mains level: India's economic growth, Indicators, future prospect and challenges
What’s the news?
- With the receding impact of Covid-19 and hopeful prospects for an amicable resolution to the Russia-Ukraine War, India must now focus on charting its future growth strategy
Central idea
- India’s current per capita income estimated at $2,379 in 2022-23, which needs to be raised by nearly six times over the next 25 years. This ambitious goal will pave the way for a higher standard of living and the eradication of poverty. However, achieving this vision requires a comprehensive understanding of the challenges ahead and the necessary actions to overcome them.
What is per capita income?
- Per capita income refers to the average income earned by individuals in a specific geographic area. It is calculated by dividing the total income of a population by the total number of individuals in that population.
- Per capita income provides an indicator of the average standard of living and economic well-being within a given population.
What is Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)?
- GFCF refers to the total value of investment in fixed assets within an economy, such as machinery, equipment, buildings, and infrastructure, during a specific period.
- It represents the net increase in the stock of fixed capital goods.
- GFCF is an essential component of aggregate demand and is considered a driver of economic growth.
- Higher levels of investment in fixed assets contribute to increased production capacity, improved productivity, and long-term economic development.
- The GFCF ratio is often expressed as a percentage of GDP, indicating the proportion of total investment in fixed assets relative to the size of the economy.
What is incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR)?
- The ICOR is an economic indicator that measures- amount of investment required to generate an additional unit of output.
- It represents the ratio between the change in capital investment and the corresponding change in output or GDP.
- It provides insights into the efficiency of capital utilization and the productivity of investment in an economy.
- A lower ICOR indicates that a smaller amount of investment is required to generate a given increase in output, indicating higher efficiency and productivity of capital.
- A higher ICOR suggests that a larger amount of investment is needed to achieve the same level of output growth, indicating lower efficiency of capital utilization.
Growth Target and Investment Requirements
- To sustain continuous growth of 7 percent over the next 25 years, India must maintain a GFCF rate of 28 percent.
- According to the latest release of NSO, the GFCF rate in current prices for 2022-23 is 29.2 per cent of GDP.
- While the commonly assumed incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR) of 4 suggests improved capital efficiency, recent trends indicate an average ICOR of 4.65 from 2016-17 to 2022-23.
- Acknowledge the evolving ICOR and work towards an estimated investment rate of 30-32 percent of GDP.
- Both public and private investments, especially from the corporate and non-corporate sectors, need to increase.
- Direct investments into sectors that promote growth and generate employment opportunities
- Welcoming Foreign direct investment in emerging technological sectors
What global factors at present poses challenges?
- The overall climate for peace– necessary for growth– deteriorated- Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- Prolonged tension and conflicts- negative impact on global stability and economic growth.
- Shifting attitude of some countries towards global trade.
- Developed countries, which previously advocated for free trade, are now imposing restrictions on imports– challenges for developing countries like India, particularly as they strive to compete in the world market.
- Supply disruptions of critical imports, such as oil, can cause setbacks for developing and developed countries alike.
- The absorption of new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)- impact on the industrial structure and employment landscape– challenge for populous countries like India
- Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability may require compromises and adjustments in the growth rate.
What strategy India must follow to sustain its growth?
- India’s economic transformation in 1991 marked a departure from the past, embracing a more market-oriented approach.
- India needs to adopt a multi-dimensional approach that encompasses agriculture, manufacturing, and exports.
- Given India’s strength in the services sector, it is essential to preserve and enhance this advantage.
- Prepare to absorb new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI),
- Reorienting the educational system to equip students with required skills and
- Identifying labour-intensive economic activities to address potential job losses due to adoption of technology
Conclusion
- India has made significant strides in building a strong and diversified economy over the past 75 years. However, India’s per capita income remains low compared to many countries, emphasizing the need for sustained growth. By addressing domestic challenges, seizing opportunities, and prioritizing inclusive development, India can realize its vision of a prosperous and equitable future.
Also read:
Why Indian manufacturing’s productivity growth is plummeting and what can be done?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Biofuel and its applications, India's Biofuel program, GBA and ISA
Mains level: Global biofuel alliance, Biofuel Industry, significance In particular for India, India's Biofuel programme
What’s the news?
- The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, scheduled to take place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, will witness the establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
Central Idea
- The prospected establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) led by India during its G20 Presidency, with support from Brazil and the United States, aims to foster international collaboration and cooperation to promote the acceptance and utilization of biofuels. It seeks to leverage the transformative potential of biofuels in economic growth, rural development, energy self-sufficiency, reduced air pollution, and the global transition to clean energy.
What is Biofuel?
- Biofuel is derived from biological sources, such as plants, agricultural crops, organic waste, or animal by-products.
- It is a renewable energy source that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.
- The production and use of biofuels aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
Key types of biofuels
- Bioethanol: This is an alcohol-based fuel primarily produced by fermenting sugar or starch crops, such as sugarcane, corn, or wheat. Bioethanol is commonly used as a blend in gasoline for transportation purposes.
- Biodiesel: Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil. It can be used as a direct replacement for or blended with conventional diesel fuel in vehicles.
- Biogas: Biogas is a mixture of gases, primarily methane, produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, or sewage. It can be used for electricity generation, heating, or as a vehicle fuel.
Key Objectives and Initiatives of Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
- Developing robust markets for biofuels and facilitating global trade in biofuels.
- Promote policy coordination, share concrete policy lessons, and provide technical support to national biofuel programs worldwide.
- Collaborate and complement- existing regional and international agencies– energy transition initiatives, such- Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Platform, the Mission Innovation Bioenergy initiatives, and the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP).
- By leveraging synergies–maximize impact and accelerate the biofuel industry’s growth.
India’s Biofuel Program India’s and significant strides in recent years
- Ethanol Production: In 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion liters of ethanol, resulting in a blending rate of 10.02%. This led to a reduction of 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and significant savings in forex.
- Blending Targets: The current target for 2022-23 is to achieve a blending rate of 12%, with the ultimate goal- 20% by 2025.
- Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Program:
- India actively promoting CBG as a clean fuel derived from waste through the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) program. As of 46 CBG plants established so far, and around 16,164 tonnes of CBG have been sold.
- The goal- install 5,000 CBG plants across India by 2024, contributing- waste management -reducing pollution.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
- India conducted its first commercial passenger flight– domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend– commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector.
- The establishment of the Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel Program Committee by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas further advances the development of sustainable aviation fuel in the country.
Inspiration behind GBA: International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- The ISA jointly initiated by India and France in 2015.
- The ISA- significant contributions to combating climate change through widespread adoption of solar energy solutions.
- Facilitated- solar project development – initiatives like the Solar Finance Facility, SolarX Grand Challenge, Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, and the ‘One Sun One World One Grid Initiative.‘
- The GBA aims to replicate the success of the ISA by promoting the utilization of biofuels and reducing India’s reliance on foreign oil.
Conclusion
- The GBA is poised to revolutionize the global biofuel industry. India’s leadership in the G20 Presidency highlights the importance of biofuels in achieving energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering a clean energy transition. The GBA’s detailed roadmap, ambitious targets and initiatives will pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
Also read:
India plans to export Solar Power
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