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- The CPCB assesses industries based on a Pollution Index (PI), which reflects the environmental impact of industrial activities, factoring in air emissions, water discharges, and hazardous waste output. Industries are grouped into four categories: Red (PI above 80), Orange (PI between 55 and 80), Green (PI below 25), and Blue, a newer classification for industries providing critical environmental services.
- The introduction of the Blue Category is part of CPCB’s updated classification framework. This category is designed to promote sectors such as waste management and biomining by recognizing their environmental value. Examples include landfill operations, biomining projects, and waste-to-energy facilities. These industries benefit from incentives like a two-year extension on their operational consents.
- Interestingly, although waste-to-energy plants have a high Pollution Index (97.6), they are classified under the Blue Category due to their significant role in environmental protection. Similarly, Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants may also qualify for Blue status depending on the type of feedstock they use.
- CPCB is a statutory body established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, tasked with monitoring and controlling pollution across India.
- The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana is implemented through MUDRA, a specialized financial institution functioning under SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India). The scheme aims to provide micro-credit support of up to ₹10 lakh to small-scale entrepreneurs operating in the non-farm, non-corporate sector.
- PMMY offers financial assistance through four categories based on the loan amount:
- Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000, typically for startups or businesses in their early stages.
- Kishore: Loans ranging from ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh, aimed at growing businesses with some operational history.
- Tarun: Loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh, designed for more established enterprises seeking expansion.
- Tarun Plus: A new extension offering loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh to eligible entrepreneurs who have previously availed and successfully repaid loans under the Tarun category.
- The PMMY plays a vital role in promoting financial inclusion by enabling easy access to credit for micro and small businesses across the country.
- The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to enhancing economic collaboration and fostering regional integration among countries located along the Indian Ocean coastline.
- Membership is open to any sovereign state bordering the Indian Ocean that agrees to uphold the values and objectives outlined in the IORA Charter.
- At present, the association consists of 23 Member States:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
- It is important to note that Germany is not a member of IORA.