India’s first demonstration facility for biopolymers in Pune

Context: Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune, built by Praj Industries.

More on the news

• This facility focuses on producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic, an eco-friendly alternative to fossil-based plastics.
  • Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable, bio-based plastic.
  • It is made from resources such as corn, sugarcane, seaweed, or shrimp shells. 

What are Biopolymers?

• Biopolymers are natural polymers produced by living organisms.
  • They consist of monomers linked in chains to form large molecules.
    • Monomers are small, single molecules that join together to form larger molecules, known as polymers. 
• Main Types of Biopolymers
  • Polynucleotides: Include RNA and DNA, which are long chains of nucleotides.
  • Polypeptides: Include proteins and short chains of amino acids like collagen, actin, and fibrin.
  • Polysaccharides: Chains of sugar molecules like starch, cellulose, and alginate.
• Other Examples of Biopolymers : Natural rubbers (isoprene polymers), suberin, lignin, cutin, cutan, melanin, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are other forms of biopolymers.
• Applications of Biopolymers
  • Biopolymers are used in industries such as food, manufacturing, packaging, and biomedical engineering due to their natural properties.

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Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Context: Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is leading a parliamentary delegation to the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.

About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

• The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments.
• Established: 1889, in Paris, as the first multilateral political organisation to promote representative democracy and world peace.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Membership: 180 member parliaments and 15 associate members.
• Mission and Vision:
  • Slogan: “For democracy. For everyone.”
  • Vision: A world where democracy and parliaments serve people, promoting peace and development.
  • Mission: Promote democratic governance, institutions, and values by working with parliaments and parliamentarians for peace, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action, and sustainable development.
• Key Functions:
  • Parliamentary Diplomacy: Facilitates dialogue and cooperation among parliaments to address global issues.
  • Democracy Promotion: Strengthens parliamentary systems, making them more inclusive (gender-balanced, younger, and more diverse).
  • Human Rights: Defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee of MPs from across the world.
• Funding: Primarily through contributions by member parliaments from public funds.

Structure

• IPU Assembly:
  • Principal statutory body expressing the views of the IPU.
  • Brings together parliamentarians to discuss international issues and recommend actions.
• Governing Council:
  • The plenary policymaking body, consisting of three representatives from each member parliament.
  • Responsible for establishing the IPU’s annual program and budget.
  • Chaired by the President of the IPU (ex-officio President of the Governing Council).
• Executive Committee:
  • 17-member body overseeing administration, providing advice to the Governing Council.
  • Includes 15 elected members serving for four-year terms, plus the President of the IPU.
• Standing Committees:
  • Three committees assist the Assembly in studying and addressing specific issues.

President of India Visit to Algeria

Context: Recently, the President of India reached Algiers, Algeria, on the first leg of her State Visits to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi. 

• This marks the first time an Indian President has visited the country.

key highlights of the meet

• Strengthening Bilateral Relations: President Murmu held talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, focusing on enhancing India-Algeria trade and investment ties.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: Addressed the Algerian-Indian Economic Forum, stressing opportunities in sectors like energy, construction, automobiles, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Jointly organised by the Algerian Economic Renewal Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
• Indian Investments: Urged Indian companies to engage more in Algeria’s rapidly growing economy.
• Cultural Tribute: Paid homage to Algeria’s War of Independence heroes at the Maqam Echahid Memorial.

India-Algeria Relations

• Economic relations:
  • The overall trade between our two countries stands at 1.7 billion US dollars.
  • Exports from India to Algeria during 2022-23 were US$ 613 million which further increased to US$ 848.16 million in 2023-24. 
  • India’s imports during 2022-23 were US$ 1.5 billion and during 2023-24 stood at US$ 885.54 million.
  • India’s exports to Algeria: Consist of rice, pharmaceutical products, polyethylene terephthalate, granite and boneless meat etc. 
  • India’s imports from Algeria: Consist largely of petroleum oils, LNG, natural calcium phosphates, saturated methanol and urea.
• Bilateral Agreements:
  • Space Cooperation Agreement signed between (ISRO) India and (Algerian Space Agency) Algeria in September 2018 at Bangalore.
  • Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders 
• Indian Community:
  • There are currently 3800 Indians working in various projects and establishments in the country.

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Facts about Algeria

• Algeria is Africa’s largest country and tenth largest country in the world. 
• The country is divided into two regions: 
  • Tell in the north, which is influenced by the Mediterranean, and 
  • Sahara in the south, which is mostly desert.
• Approximately 90 percent of Algeria is desert.
• Culture: Part of the Arab world, with an Islamic heritage, language, customs, and links to Europe and southern Africa. 
• Climate: Algeria has a Mediterranean climate in the north and is warmer and drier in the south. 
• National languages: The national languages are Arabic and Tamazight. French and English are also widely spoken.
• Currency: Algerian Dinar

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