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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BioE3 Policy
Why in the News?
After the BioE3 Policy approval in August 2024, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) held consultations with State governments on setting up biomanufacturing facilities across India.
What is the BioE3 Policy?
- It is a national initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology to promote biomanufacturing and a circular bioeconomy in India.
- Biomanufacturing involves the industrial production of bio-products such as biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agricultural products.
- It focuses on scaling up biotechnology-based industries, enhancing research and innovation, and creating employment opportunities in sustainable bio-based sectors.
- It aligns with India’s Net Zero carbon commitment and aims to make biomanufacturing a key driver of economic growth.
Objectives and Features of the BioE3 Policy
- Promoting Biomanufacturing: Establishing biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries to produce bio-based chemicals, polymers, and enzymes.
- Strengthening R&D and Innovation: Encouraging state-driven biotechnology policies, bio-AI hubs, and technology-driven bioindustries.
- State-Centric Implementation: States will adopt at least two thematic areas under BioE3, focusing on local bio-based industries and sustainable agriculture.
- Workforce Development: Expanding biotechnology training programs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities to build a skilled workforce.
- Biosafety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to global biosafety standards and responsible biotechnology innovation.
- Carbon Capture and Sustainability: Supporting carbon sequestration technologies and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Creating a business-friendly environment for biotech startups, public-private partnerships, and global collaborations.
Programs Implemented Under the BioE3 Policy:
- State-Centric BioE3 Cells: Dedicated cells will be established in State departments to coordinate investments, research, and policy execution.
- Precision Biotherapeutics and Functional Foods Initiative: Research into next-generation bio-based medicines, smart proteins, and functional foods.
- Carbon Capture and Bioeconomy Models: Development of technologies for carbon sequestration and sustainable bio-based industrial processes.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions to drive biomanufacturing investments and commercialization.
PYQ:[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum. 2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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