Read Current Affairs
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- Why in News?
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revised its guidelines for the National Bioenergy Programme, specifically targeting the ‘Waste to Energy’ and ‘Biomass’ segments.
- Key Provisions:-
- Launched in 2022, the programme is being implemented in two phases with a total budget of ₹1,715 crore (Phase 1: 2021–22 to 2025–26). It aims to utilize surplus biomass—mainly from rural areas—for clean energy generation, while enhancing rural incomes.
- Bioenergy, derived from burning organic materials like crop residues and household waste, is a key renewable energy source. The programme includes three components:
- Waste to Energy – Promotes generation of Biogas, BioCNG, electricity, and syngas from waste.
- Biomass Programme – Supports biomass pellet/briquette units and cogeneration projects.
- Biogas Programme – Encourages biogas plants for clean cooking, energy access, and sanitation.
- Eligible developers receive Central Financial Assistance, with a 20% bonus for special categories like SC/STs and hill states.
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- Why in News?
- The National Turmeric Board, officially notified in October 2023, was inaugurated in January 2025 in Nizamabad, Telangana—a major turmeric-producing region. Set up under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Board aims to lead the development of the turmeric sector by coordinating with various government bodies, including the Spices Board.
- Key Provisions:-
- The Board’s structure includes a Chairperson appointed by the Centre, officials from AYUSH, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals ministries, state representatives (on rotation), research institutions, and turmeric farmers/exporters. Its key roles include boosting R&D, enhancing exports, raising awareness of turmeric's health benefits, improving yields, and strengthening supply chains.
- India is the world’s top turmeric producer, accounting for 70% of global output. Major producing states—Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh—contribute over 63% of the country’s supply. India also dominates global exports, mainly to Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia. Several regional turmeric varieties have GI tags, highlighting their uniqueness and quality.
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- Why in News?
- The Ministry of Power has initiated a task force to develop the India Energy Stack, a cutting-edge Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) designed to transform the country's energy landscape.
- Key Provisions:-
- This platform aims to standardize and streamline operations across the electricity ecosystem by offering a secure, interoperable, and unified digital framework.
- The India Energy Stack (IES) will serve as a foundation for innovation, real-time monitoring, and improved energy management. Its core features include assigning unique identification numbers to consumers, energy assets, and transactions to ensure transparency and traceability. The system will also enable consent-based, real-time data sharing and support open APIs to promote seamless integration among various energy service providers.
- Beyond operational efficiency, the IES is intended to empower consumers, improve market access, and stimulate innovation in the energy sector—paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable energy future for India.
​​​​​
- Why in News?
- The Ministry of Power has initiated a task force to develop the India Energy Stack, a cutting-edge Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) designed to transform the country's energy landscape.
- Key Provisions:-
- This platform aims to standardize and streamline operations across the electricity ecosystem by offering a secure, interoperable, and unified digital framework.
- The India Energy Stack (IES) will serve as a foundation for innovation, real-time monitoring, and improved energy management. Its core features include assigning unique identification numbers to consumers, energy assets, and transactions to ensure transparency and traceability. The system will also enable consent-based, real-time data sharing and support open APIs to promote seamless integration among various energy service providers.
- Beyond operational efficiency, the IES is intended to empower consumers, improve market access, and stimulate innovation in the energy sector—paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable energy future for India.
​​​​​
- Why in News?
- The Ministry of Power has initiated a task force to develop the India Energy Stack, a cutting-edge Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) designed to transform the country's energy landscape.
- Key Provisions:-
- This platform aims to standardize and streamline operations across the electricity ecosystem by offering a secure, interoperable, and unified digital framework.
- The India Energy Stack (IES) will serve as a foundation for innovation, real-time monitoring, and improved energy management. Its core features include assigning unique identification numbers to consumers, energy assets, and transactions to ensure transparency and traceability. The system will also enable consent-based, real-time data sharing and support open APIs to promote seamless integration among various energy service providers.
- Beyond operational efficiency, the IES is intended to empower consumers, improve market access, and stimulate innovation in the energy sector—paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable energy future for India.