News In Shorts: 05 October 2024

National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

Background: India imports 57% of its edible oil demand, creating a significant dependency on foreign sources.

Key Features of the Mission 

• Implementation Period: 2024-25 to 2030-31
• Total outlay: Rs 10,103 crore
• Focus on Primary and Secondary Oilseeds:
  • Key Primary crops: Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum
  • Secondary sources: Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils (TBO).
• Production Targets:
  • Increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31
  • Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the aim is to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Strategies to Increase Oilseed Production:
  • Adoption of high-yielding, high oil content seed varieties
  • Expansion into rice fallow areas and promotion of intercropping
  • Use of genome editing and global technologies for quality seeds.
• Formation of over 600 Value Chain Clusters across 347 districts, covering over 10 lakh hectares annually.
• Creation of 65 seed hubs and 50 storage units to improve seed infrastructure.
• ‘SATHI’ (‘Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) Portal: Introduction of a 5-year rolling seed plan through the Portal, to enable states to form advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies like cooperatives, FPOs, and seed corporations.

Government Measures to Promote Self-Sufficiency in Edible Oils:

• NMEO-Oil Palm: Launched in 2021 with a Rs 11,040 crore outlay to boost domestic oil palm cultivation.
• PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan): Provides MSP to oilseed farmers through price support and deficiency payment.
• Import Duty: A 20% duty on edible oils protects domestic producers and encourages local cultivation.

International Energy Efficiency Hub

• BEE’s Role: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will implement India’s participation and align it with national goals.

 About International Energy Efficiency Hub

• Established in 2020: The Hub was created as a successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), where India was a member.
• Member Countries: Sixteen countries, including the U.S., China, and Germany, are already members as of July 2024.
• Objectives of the Energy Efficiency Hub
  • Foster Collaboration: Promote cooperation to improve global energy efficiency.
  • Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Encourage sharing of best practices among countries, organizations, and the private sector.
  • Increase Visibility: Raise awareness of energy efficiency issues worldwide.

Impact of India Joining Hub

• Access to Resources: India will gain access to global expertise and best practices in energy efficiency.
• Sustainable Development: Joining the Hub enhances India’s efforts towards a low-carbon economy and energy security.
• Global Contributions: India will collaborate with other nations to promote energy-efficient technologies and tackle climate change.

Akashteer Systems

The Akashteer System: 

• Akashteer is an Indian Air Defence Control & Reporting System.
• Development: Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). 
• Akashteer will help safeguard against aerial threats like missiles and rockets.
• Features
• • Integrated Control and Reporting: Akashteer is a sophisticated system designed to manage all aspects of air defence operations.
  • Real-Time Surveillance: It provides a real-time battlefield view which  allows for timely detection and tracking of threats.
  • Multiple Integrations: Akashteer integrates various radar systems, sensors, and communication technologies into a single operational framework.
  • Versatility: The system is suitable for a wide range of operational environments, including border areas and urban centres.

Importance in National Security

• Global Threat Response: The system strengthens India’s ability to respond to missile and rocket threats, especially in the context of rising global tensions.
• Regional Security: Tensions with neighbouring countries highlight the need for advanced air defence systems like Akashteer.
• Boosting Self-Reliance in Defence
  • ‘Make in India’ Initiative: The Akashteer project aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reducing dependency on foreign imports.
  • High-Tech Jobs: Domestic production creates jobs and fosters innovation in advanced defence technologies.

SPRP for dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses

About  Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP)

• The SPRP aims to reduce the impact of dengue and other Aedes-borne diseases like Zika and chikungunya.
• It promotes a coordinated global response to these health threats.
• Key Objectives
  • Decrease disease burden, suffering, and deaths from Aedes-borne arboviruses.
  • Foster collaboration across various sectors to improve disease management.
• The SPRP aligns with the Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 and the Global Arbovirus Initiative launched in 2022.
• Implementation Timeline
  • The plan will be implemented over one year, concluding in September 2025.
  • It requires funding of US$ 55 million to support health preparedness efforts.

Five Key Components of SPRP

• Emergency Coordination: Establish leadership and coordination for outbreak responses.
• Collaborative Surveillance: Strengthen tools for early detection and control of outbreaks.
• Community Protection: Engage local communities in prevention and response efforts.
• Safe and Scalable Care: Provide effective clinical management and ensure healthcare access.
• Access to Countermeasures: Support research for improved treatments and effective vaccines.