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Distribution: yearly

  • Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC)

    Central Idea

    • The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched with 39 multinational corporations committing to resource efficiency and circular economy principles.

    What is RECEIC?

    • Foundation: The RECEIC, conceived during India’s G20 Presidency, is an industry-led initiative with a global focus on promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices
    • Objectives: It aims to address environmental issues arising from waste, such as plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
    • Participation: 39 multinational corporations from sectors such as steel, FMCG, and electronics joined RECEIC’s launch.
    • Leadership: The coalition will be industry-led, with the government playing a supporting role.
    • Focus: The coalition aims to address environmental challenges arising from different types of waste through resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
    • Presence: Ministers from Mauritius, Denmark, Italy, Canada, UAE, France, and the European Union attended the event.

    India’s measures in this regard

    • In 2021-22, India generated around 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processing units.
    • The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to manage plastic waste effectively.
    • Plastic waste processors generated 2.6 million tonnes of EPR certificates, and purchased approximately 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates for 2022-23 obligations.

    Also read:

    [RSTV Archive] Circular Economy: Concept & Challenges

  • In news: Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

    maitree

    Central Idea

    • Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), a state-owned engineering firm, achieved a major milestone in Bangladesh.
    • The 660-MW Unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) was successfully synchronized with the electricity grid in Bangladesh.

    Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

    • Location: The Maitree STPP is a 1,320-MW power plant situated at Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
    • Joint Venture: BHEL is responsible for setting up the power plant, which is a 50:50 joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and NTPC Ltd.
    • Infrastructure Priority: The project serves as a symbol of successful cooperation between India and Bangladesh and is a priority infrastructure development initiative for Bangladesh.
    • Objective: The primary goal of the project is to establish a reliable and cost-effective base-load power production system in Bangladesh.

    BHEL’s Technological Prowess and Global Leadership:

    • The successful synchronisation of the 660-MW Unit-2 underscores BHEL’s expertise and technological prowess in the power sector.
    • This accomplishment further solidifies BHEL’s position as a leading global player in providing dependable and sustainable energy solutions.

  • [pib] Hematene Nanoflakes

    hematene

    Central Idea

    • Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of nanoflakes of a material known as hematene, extracted from iron ore.
    • These nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities.

    What is Hematene?

    • Hematene is a novel 2D material that has been derived from hematite (common iron ore).
    • It is a thin, single-layer material with unique properties that make it promising for various applications, especially in the field of optics.
    • Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities, making them valuable for optical limiting applications.
    • The material’s stability and potential for futuristic technologies have garnered significant interest from researchers and scientists.

    How is it made?

    • Hematene is derived from naturally occurring hematite, the mineral form of iron oxide, through a process involving sonication, centrifugation, and vacuum-assisted filtration.
    • With a thickness of just 3 atoms, it exhibits improved photocatalysis efficiency.
    • Being ferromagnetic, like common magnets, it possesses magnetic properties.
    • Notably, it has the exceptional ability to withstand and provide shielding against high laser intensities.

    Applications of Hematene Nanoflakes

    • Optical Limiting: Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional optical limiting capabilities, making them valuable in protecting sensitive optical equipment, such as sensors, detectors, and other optical devices, from high laser intensities.
    • Photodetectors: Hematene’s properties make it suitable for developing high-performance photodetectors, which are used to detect and convert light signals into electrical signals. This application has potential in telecommunications, imaging, and optical communications.
    • Energy Storage: Hematene can be explored for applications in energy storage devices, such as batteries and super-capacitors, due to its unique electronic and electrochemical properties.
    • Optoelectronics: The material’s properties make it suitable for optoelectronic devices, which involve the interaction of light and electricity, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaic cells.
    • Photothermal Therapy: Hematene’s ability to withstand and shield against high laser intensities may find applications in photothermal therapy, a medical technique that uses light to treat diseases like cancer.
    • Environmental Applications: Hematene’s stability and potential for use in various environments may make it valuable in environmental applications, such as water purification and pollution control.
    • Sensors: The material’s unique properties may be utilized in developing high-performance sensors for various applications, including gas sensing and environmental monitoring.
    • Catalysts: Hematene’s surface characteristics and electronic properties could be explored for catalytic applications, promoting chemical reactions in various industrial processes.

  • Silvopasture Systems for Local Climate Resilience

    silvopasture

    Central Idea

    • Amidst the global decline of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems emerge as a relevant solution to counter deforestation trends.

    What is Silvopasture?

    • Silvopasture is a sustainable land management practice that integrates trees, forage crops, and livestock grazing on the same parcel of land.
    • The term “silvopasture” is derived from the Latin words “silva” (forest) and “pastura” (pasture), emphasizing the combination of forestry and pasture practices.
    • In this system, carefully selected trees or tree species are planted or retained on grazing lands or pastures.
    • The trees can be scattered throughout the pasture, arranged in rows, or established as windbreaks and hedgerows.
    • Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, or goats, graze freely within the area, utilizing the available forage while benefiting from the shade and other advantages provided by the trees.

    Advantages offered

    Enhanced Climate Resilience
    • Silvopasture systems regulate local climate conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes.
    • Trees provides shade and reduces heat stress for livestock and other animals, promoting a more favorable living environment.
    Carbon Sequestration
    • Trees act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
    • Such systems can store 5-10 times more carbon than pastures without trees, contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation and combating climate change.
    Soil Enrichment
    • Extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability, and enhanced soil quality.
    • Effectively combats erosion, making the soil more resilient and fertile.
    Improved Microclimatic Conditions
    • Foster milder microclimatic conditions compared to open pastures.
    • Livestock experience reduced heat stress due to the shading provided by trees, leading to improved animal welfare.
    Biodiversity Conservation
    • Promotes habitat diversity, creating a suitable environment for a variety of plant and animal species.
    • Provides a sustainable habitat for native wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
    Sustainable Land Use
    • By integrating trees with livestock grazing, silvopasture supports sustainable land management.
    • Allows for livestock farming while preserving and restoring forested areas, offering a practical solution to deforestation trends.
    Water Storage and Infiltration
    • Enhance water storage potential by improving soil infiltration rates.
    • Presence of trees helps retain water, reducing runoff and contributing to water conservation.
    Economic Benefits
    • Improved farm income through increased productivity and reduced input costs.
    • Integration of multiple elements on the same land optimizes resource use and enhances overall farm profitability.

     

  • India’s Economic Ascent: From Top 10 to Top 3 Economies

    economic

    Central Idea

    • India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy by FY28, two years earlier than projected, according to economists at SBI Research.
    • Prime Minister highlighted India’s remarkable economic progress during his tenure.

    India’s Economic Growth Trajectory

    • Actual progress: India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by an impressive 83% between 2014 and 2023, a close second to China’s growth rate of 84% during the same period.
    • Financial Crisis Impact: While India’s economy was affected by the 2008-09 Global Financial Crisis its resilience was significantly better than that of European countries, contributing to its growth advantage over them.
    • Stagnation of Competing Countries: Many other top 10 economies have struggled to maintain significant growth rates, allowing India to overtake them. Ex. the UK’s total GDP grew by only 3%, France’s by 2%, Russia’s by 1%, while Italy’s GDP stagnated, and Brazil’s GDP even contracted by 15% during the same nine-year period.

    India’s Projected Growth

    economic

    • India’s Prospective Rank: According to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is expected to become the third-largest economy globally by 2027, overtaking both Germany and Japan.
    • India’s Growth Advantage: Even with a more moderate growth rate of 6% per annum, India’s GDP in 2027 will be approximately 38% higher than its 2023 level.
    • Recessing countries: Japan and Germany are projected to achieve only a 15% increase over the same period, enabling India’s ascendancy to the third rank.
    • Challenges of Catching up: The gap between China and the US (the top two economies) and India’s GDP remains substantial.
    • Digitalization and Global Sentiment: Positive aspects include increased digitalization of the economy and the opportunity to attract investments due to negative global sentiment towards China.

    Issues with such growth: Per Capita GDP Disparity

    • Aggregate vs. Per Capita Numbers: While India’s aggregate GDP growth has been impressive, it is essential to consider per capita GDP figures to understand the actual prosperity of the country’s citizens.
    • Low Per Capita GDP: India’s per capita GDP, at $2,600 per annum, remains the lowest among the top 10 economies and lags considerably behind the countries it has overtaken, such as the UK, Brazil, and Italy.

    Reasons for such disparity

    • Pandemic Devastation: MSMEs, contributing 30% to India’s GDP and employing 110 million people, have been hit hard by the pandemic. Government surveys suggest that around 9% of these enterprises have shut down due to COVID-19.
    • Inflation: The decimation of MSMEs has resulted in core inflation, giving pricing power to a few large companies and burdening consumers with increased costs.
    • Unemployment Woes: The struggles of MSMEs are a significant reason behind India’s failure to reduce unemployment rates, leading many towards the rural job guarantee scheme for paid work.
    • Manufacturing-Led Economy: India’s inability to build a manufacturing-led economy remains a challenge, affecting job creation.
    • Factor Market Reforms: Successive governments have struggled to implement meaningful factor market reforms in land and labor laws.

    Conclusion

    • Addressing the hidden crisis will require sustained efforts from the government, focused on supporting MSMEs and implementing crucial reforms.
    • Taking timely and decisive action is essential to propel India towards a more stable and inclusive economic future.

  • Digital Birth Certificates to streamline Official Documentation

    birth

    Central Idea

    • India has tabled Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Amendment Bill, 2023 to introduce digital birth certificates that will serve as comprehensive documents for various essential purposes.

    About RBD Bill, 2023

    • It amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
    • The Act provides for the regulation of registration of births and deaths.

    Key Points from the Bill

    • National Database: The Bill mandates the appointment of a Registrar General of India to maintain a national database of registered births and deaths. State-level databases will also be maintained by Chief Registrars, connected to the national database.
    • Aadhaar Integration: Specified persons reporting births must provide Aadhaar details of parents and informants, expanding to include adoptive parents, biological parents in surrogacy cases, and single parents or unwed mothers.
    • Digital Registration: The proposed Bill aims to introduce digital registration and electronic delivery of birth and death certificates, streamlining services for the public.
    • Mandatory Death Certificates: Medical institutions must provide certificates regarding the cause of death for deaths occurring within their premises.
    • Quick disbursal of Certificates: The Registrar must provide birth and death certificates to the person who registered the event within 7 days of registration.
    • Appeal Process: Individuals dissatisfied with the actions or orders of the Registrar or District Registrar may appeal to the District Registrar or Chief Registrar, respectively, within 30 days of receipt. The decision on the appeal must be given within 90 days.
    • Child adoption ease: The Bill seeks to collect Aadhaar details to facilitate registration for adopted, orphaned, abandoned, surrendered, surrogate, and children of single parents or unwed mothers.
    • Integration with National Population Register (NPR): The database generated through the CRS will also be used to update the NPR, ration cards, and property registration records, enhancing the effectiveness of the NPR and laying the groundwork for the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

    Conclusion

    • India’s move towards digital birth certificates marks a significant milestone in streamlining administrative processes and public services.
    • By adopting a centralized system for registration and digital delivery of certificates, the country aims to improve efficiency and transparency in accessing various essential services.

  • UNESCO endorses Banning Smartphones from Schools

    smartphone

    Central Idea

    • The UNESCO has released Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023.
    • The report warned against the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s well-being and academic performance.

    What is UNESCO?
    Full Name United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    Established November 16, 1945
    Headquarters Paris, France
    Director-General Audrey Azoulay
    Purpose To promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
    Functions – Promoting education for all

    – Supporting scientific research

    – Safeguarding cultural heritage

    – Fostering freedom of expression

    – Promoting media development
    Membership Over 190 member states
    World Heritage Sites Over 1,100 designated sites worldwide
    Languages Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

    Working languages: English, French

    About Global Education Monitoring Report 2023

    • Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO.
    • At the 2015 World Education Forum, it received a mandate from 160 governments to monitor and report on progress on education SDG 4.0.
    • The report provides in-depth analysis and assessment of key education issues and challenges worldwide.
    • It also offers evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to improve education systems and outcomes.

    Concerns raised in the report

    • Ills of digital learning: The report highlights that learning benefits diminish if technology is used excessively or without qualified teachers’ involvement.
    • Equitable Learning: The report reveals that inequities in learning emerge when instruction becomes exclusively remote, affecting vulnerable students, especially in rural areas.
    • Evidence-based Approach: The report urges for sound, impartial evidence on technology’s impact in education, as most available evidence originates from technology companies and may be biased.
    • Long-term Costs and Sustainability: Countries need to consider the long-term costs of digital learning and connectivity. The expansion of the Edtech market should not overshadow unmet basic education needs.
    • Threats posed by AI: The growth of generative AI and technology necessitates digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
    • Protecting Children’s Rights: During the pandemic, many online education initiatives risked infringing on children’s rights.

    Key endorsements: Banning smartphones in schools

    • The report endorses banning smartphones in schools if technology integration does not improve learning or negatively affects student well-being.
    • Research indicates that banning mobile phones from schools can lead to better academic performance, especially among low-performing students.

  • What flipped the decline of India’s FOREX reserves?

    forex

    Central Idea

    • India’s forex reserves were at $578.4 billion as of March 2023—a fall of over $28 billion since March 2022, $19.7 billion of which was due to valuation changes, as per RBI.
    • The depreciation of the US dollar and increased capital flows contributed to a surge in reserves this year.

    What is Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserve?

    • Foreign exchange reserves are important assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies as reserves.
    • They are commonly used to support the exchange rate and set monetary policy.
    • In India’s case, foreign reserves include Gold, Dollars, and the IMF’s quota for Special Drawing Rights.
    • Most of the reserves are usually held in US dollars, given the currency’s importance in the international financial and trading system.
    • Some central banks keep reserves in Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan, in addition to their US dollar reserves.

    India’s forex reserves cover:

    1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
    2. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
    3. Gold Reserves
    4. Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

    Current Scenario: Impact of US Rate Hikes and Capital Inflows

    • US Rate Hikes and Capital Flows: The US Federal Reserve’s rate hikes have triggered a flow of foreign investments into the US treasury, leading to capital outflows from India.
    • Potential Capital Inflows: So far this year, the US Fed has raised rates by 75 basis points. This could potentially increase capital inflows into emerging markets like India.
    • Improved Balance of Payment (BoP): India’s Balance of Payment has improved significantly, with the current account deficit projected to be less than 2% of GDP.
    • Resumption of Equity Capital Flows: There is a resumption in equity capital flows, and India continues to attract substantial investments compared to other emerging market peers.

    Global Standing of India’s Forex Reserves

    • Rank among Nations: India ranks fourth among countries with the highest forex reserves, following China, Japan, and Switzerland.
    • Differences in Reserve Accumulation: Most countries maintain large and persistent current account surpluses, owing to a competitive exports market. However, India, Brazil, and the US have accumulated reserves primarily through capital flows rather than a significant current account surplus.

    RBI’s Strategy for Diversifying Forex Reserves

    • Internationalizing the Rupee: The RBI aims to reduce reliance on foreign currencies by internationalizing the Indian rupee.
    • Exploring Use of Asian Clearing Union Currencies: The RBI is exploring the use of currencies from member states of the Asian Clearing Union, including the rupee, for payment and settlement among themselves.
    • Agreement with Sri Lanka: An agreement with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka enables the use of the rupee as a designated foreign currency, promoting trade between the two countries and facilitating rupee transactions for Indian tourists in Sri Lanka.

    Conclusion

    • While India’s forex reserves have seen fluctuations due to various factors, the country’s sustained efforts to diversify and strengthen its reserves position indicate a proactive approach by the RBI.
    • The ongoing focus on attracting foreign investments, coupled with measures to internationalize the rupee, may contribute to a more stable and resilient forex reserve management system in the future.

  • 530 districts reported free of Manual Scavenging: Centre

    manual scavenging

    Central Idea

    • The Social Justice Ministry revealed that while 530 districts have reported themselves as manual scavenging-free, a significant number of districts are yet to do so.
    • Despite the government’s assertion that manual scavenging-related deaths have not occurred in the last five years, fatalities during sewer and septic tank cleaning persist.

    Manual Scavenging in India

    • Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks.
    • India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR).
    • The Act bans the use of any individual for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta till its disposal.
    • In 2013, the definition of manual scavengers was also broadened to include people employed to clean septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks.
    • The Act recognizes manual scavenging as a “dehumanizing practice,” and cites a need to “correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by the manual scavengers.”

    Reasons for its persistence

    • Low Awareness and Marginalization: Manual scavenging is often carried out by marginalized sections of society who are unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
    • Enforcement Issues: Weak enforcement of the Act and the exploitation of unskilled laborers contribute to the persistence of manual scavenging.
    • High Cost of Automation: The high cost of adopting automated cleaning methods in sewers is a deterrent for municipal authorities.
    • Cheaper Availability of Unskilled Labor: Contractors resort to illegal employment of unskilled labourers who are willing to work at lower wages, perpetuating the practice.
    • Caste Dynamics: The practice is reinforced by the existing caste hierarchy, with a majority of manual scavengers belonging to lower castes.

    Various Policy Initiatives

    • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2020: The proposed amendment seeks to mechanize sewer cleaning, provide on-site protection, and offer compensation in case of sewer-related deaths.
    • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: This Act goes beyond dry latrine prohibitions and outlaws all forms of manual excrement cleaning in insanitary latrines, open drains, or pits.
    • Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan: The “Maila Mukti Yatra,” initiated in 2012, aims to eradicate manual scavenging nationwide, starting from Bhopal.
    • Prevention of Atrocities Act: This Act serves as protection for sanitation workers, as a significant number of manual scavengers belong to the Scheduled Caste.
    • Compensation: The PEMSR Act and the Supreme Court’s decision in the Safai Karamchari Andolan vs. Union of India case mandate compensation of Rs 10 lakh for victims’ families.
    • National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK): Investigating the conditions of waste collectors in India, the NCSK provides recommendations to the government.
    • Proper Distinction: The Ministry now recognizes the difference between sanitation work and manual scavenging.
    • Enumeration of Sanitization Workers: The enumeration of sanitation workers will be conducted in 500 AMRUT cities as part of the National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE).
    • NAMASTE Scheme: The NAMASTE scheme aims to eliminate unsafe sewer and septic tank cleaning practices, enhancing the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.

    States and UTs with Pending Declaration of Manual Scavenging-Free Districts

    • Concerning Data: Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand are among the States and UTs with the highest number of districts yet to declare themselves as manual scavenging-free.
    • Disparity among States: While States like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have achieved 100% declaration of manual scavenging-free districts, several other States and UTs have reported only 15% to 20% of districts as free from the practice.

    Way forward

    • Regular surveys and social audits must be conducted against the involvement of manual scavengers by public and local authorities.
    • There must be proper identification and capacity building of manual scavengers for alternate sources of livelihood.
    • Creating awareness about the legal protection of manual scavengers is necessary.

  • What is the Biodiversity Act? What changes has the Lok Sabha cleared in the law?

    What’s the news?

    • On July 25, the Lok Sabha gave its approval to a Bill to amend some provisions of the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

    Central Idea

    • The Lok Sabha’s recent approval of the bill marks a significant step in preserving India’s biological diversity and promoting sustainable utilization. The bill aims to address concerns raised by central ministries, state governments, researchers, industries, and other stakeholders regarding the implementation of the 2002 Biological Diversity Act.

    What is the Biodiversity Law?

    • The Biodiversity Law, also known as the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, is a significant piece of legislation in India.
    • Its main objective is to conserve the country’s biological diversity, which includes animals, plants, microorganisms, gene pools, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
    • The law was enacted in response to the global need to protect and preserve biological resources, which were under threat due to human activities.

    Key amendments proposed in the Biodiversity Law

    • Exemption for Indian Systems of Medicine: Certain users of biological resources, like practitioners of Indian systems of medicine, are exempt from making payments to the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism.
    • Treatment of Indian Companies with Foreign Equity: Companies registered in India and controlled by Indians are treated as Indian companies, even with foreign equity or partnership, reducing restrictions on their activities related to biological resources.
    • Streamlining the Approval Process: Provisions have been included to expedite approval for research using biological resources and filing patent applications.
    • Rationalization of Penalty Provisions: Penalties for wrongdoing by user agencies have been rationalized.

    Significance of the Biodiversity Law

    • Conservation of Biological Diversity: The Biodiversity Law is crucial for preserving the diverse range of animals, plants, microorganisms, and ecosystems found in India.
    • Addressing Global Concerns: The law is a response to the global need to protect and conserve biological resources, which are under threat due to human activities. It aligns India with international efforts to safeguard biodiversity.
    • Implementation of CBD Commitments: India agreed to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994. The Biodiversity Law helps fulfill India’s commitments under this international framework agreement, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
    • Sustainable Resource Utilization: The law emphasizes the sustainable use of biological resources, ensuring that they are utilized in a manner that does not deplete them or harm the environment. This approach promotes responsible resource management.
    • Supporting Traditional Systems of Medicine: The law recognizes the significance of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, which rely on medicinal plants and biological resources. It supports the conservation of these resources and traditional knowledge.
    • Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Mechanism: The Biodiversity Law incorporates an Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism in alignment with the Nagoya Protocol. It ensures the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources with local communities.

    Factors behind the need for amendments

    • Addressing Stakeholder Concerns: Over the years, various stakeholders, including practitioners of traditional medicine, the seed sector, pharmaceutical companies, and the research community, raised concerns about certain provisions in the original law.
    • Supporting Traditional Systems of Medicine: One of the key reasons for the amendments was to encourage Indian systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda. The amendments sought to provide exemptions or favorable conditions for practitioners of traditional medicine to access and use these resources.
    • Attracting Foreign Investment: By simplifying and streamlining processes, the government intended to make it easier for foreign entities to engage in research and business activities related to biodiversity in India.
    • Promoting Research and Innovation: The amendments aimed to expedite the approval process for research involving biological resources and simplify procedures for filing patent applications.
    • Rationalizing Penalty Provisions: The amendments likely involved rationalizing the penalty provisions for wrongdoing by user agencies. This was done to ensure that the penalties imposed for non-compliance with the law were fair and appropriate.

    Way forward

    • Integrated Policies: Develop and implement integrated policies that prioritize both biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization. Ensure that economic development initiatives are aligned with environmental protection goals.
    • Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, industries, local communities, and researchers to jointly address biodiversity challenges and promote sustainable practices.
    • Empower Local Communities: Empower local communities, especially indigenous groups, in biodiversity management and decision-making processes. Recognize their traditional knowledge and incentivize their involvement in conservation efforts.
    • Conservation Reserves and Protected Areas: Strengthen and expand the network of conservation reserves and protected areas to safeguard critical ecosystems and habitats.
    • Sustainable Resource Use: Promote sustainable practices in industries relying on biological resources, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Encourage eco-friendly and resource-efficient approaches.
    • Green Business Practices: Encourage businesses to adopt green practices and environmental certifications, recognizing their commitment to sustainability.
    • Education and Awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable resource utilization. Educate citizens about the benefits of preserving natural resources.

    Conclusion

    • The passage of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill by the Lok Sabha reflects India’s commitment to preserving its rich biological diversity and promoting its sustainable use. As the bill advances to further stages of approval, it is essential to strike a balance between conservation and utilization, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the wealth of biological resources the country possesses.

    Also read:

    Monsoon session of Parliament to decide fate of Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill