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PIB digest for Saturday, 17 October

Saturday, 17 October7 briefs

  • India's Space Economy to Reach USD 40-45 Billion

    Department of Space · Science & Tech

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India's space economy is expected to grow from its current valuation of USD 9 billion to USD 40-45 billion in 7-8 years, driven by increased private investments and policy reforms following the unlocking of the space sector.

    This release is important for UPSC as it highlights India's evolving space policy, public-private partnerships in high-technology sectors, and the commercialization of space capabilities, illustrating key themes under Science and Technology and economic development.

    Key objectives
    • India's space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next 7-8 years from its current valuation of around USD 9 billion.
    • The space sector was opened to private participation in 2019-2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
    • Key requirements for scaling up the private space industry include predictable demand, faster regulatory approvals, sustainable business models, and increased domestic and international investments.
    Read full article

  • NBA Disburses Rs 1.19 Crore Under ABS Mechanism

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · Environment

    The National Biodiversity Authority disbursed Rs 1.19 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Biodiversity Council to support conservation and community welfare using contributions from the agricultural sector.

    This release highlights the implementation of the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which is crucial for environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development as tested in the UPSC civil services exam.

    Key objectives
    • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed Rs 1.19 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Biodiversity Council.
    • Allocations were proportional to estimated cultivation areas of agricultural biological resources based on Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare statistics.
    • Funds must be utilised exclusively for activities under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    • Total disbursements by NBA have exceeded Rs 203 crore, with Rs 86 crore realized from the agriculture sector.
    Read full article

  • CAQM Reviews Stubble Management in Punjab Districts

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · Environment

    A high-level team from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) visited Firozpur and Faridkot districts to review paddy stubble management measures, emphasizing the timely availability of CRM machinery, farmer facilitation, and the prevention of stubble burning during the harvesting season.

    This release is important for UPSC syllabus under environmental pollution, conservation, and institutional frameworks like CAQM designed to address air quality issues in northern India.

    Key objectives
    • Review ground-level implementation of measures to prevent paddy stubble burning in Firozpur and Faridkot districts
    • Ensure timely availability and optimal utilisation of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery
    • Strengthen in-situ and ex-situ management of paddy straw and enhance stakeholder coordination
    • Deploy technology-based monitoring including drones and low-cost sensors for trend analysis
    Read full article

  • Tech Solutions for Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Explored

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · Environment

    The Union Environment Minister interacted with start-ups under the 'Saaf Hawa mein Hissedaari, Hum Sabhi ki hai Zimmedaari' campaign to explore technology-driven solutions for mitigating air pollution in Delhi-NCR across nine key areas.

    This initiative is significant for UPSC General Studies Paper III (Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation), as it highlights governance mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and technological interventions in tackling urban air pollution.

    Key objectives
    • Explore affordable, scalable, technology-driven solutions for air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
    • Present specific problem statements across 9 key areas of air pollution management to innovators.
    • Leverage artificial intelligence, sensors, remote sensing, and drone-based technologies for real-time monitoring and enforcement.
    Read full article

  • FSSAI Proposes Pesticide Residue Limits for Tea

    Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Agriculture

    FSSAI has proposed draft amendments setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Acetamiprid at 20 ppm and Imidacloprid at 50 ppm in tea to ensure consumer safety and regulatory clarity.

    This policy update is vital for UPSC aspirants studying food safety regulations, agricultural practices, and export standards under the Indian economy and agriculture syllabus.

    Key objectives
    • FSSAI notified draft amendments proposing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Acetamiprid (20 ppm) and Imidacloprid (50 ppm) in tea.
    • India's average pesticide use stands at less than 0.5 kg per hectare, which is significantly below the global average of 2.38 kg per hectare.
    • The proposed limits aim to balance consumer safety, compliance, and effective pest management in the tea sector.
    Read full article

  • FSSAI Proposes Restricting Added Sugars in Infant Food

    Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Health

    The FSSAI published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, proposing to prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age. The initiative aims to minimise early exposure to added sugars and address childhood obesity.

    This regulatory measure is vital for UPSC aspirants studying public health policies, child nutrition, and food safety standards governed by bodies like the FSSAI in India.

    Key objectives
    • Proposes a prohibition on adding sucrose and fructose to food products intended for infants up to six months of age.
    • Publishes a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
    • Invites stakeholder objections and suggestions within 60 days of the notification date.
    Read full article

  • Trade Margin Rationalisation on 137 Anti-Cancer Drugs

    Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers - Department of Pharmaceuticals · Health

    The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has capped trade margins at 30% for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, reducing their MRP by up to 70% effective November 9, 2026.

    This update illustrates government intervention in healthcare pricing and regulation, directly relevant to the UPSC syllabus regarding issues relating to development and management of social sectors/services relating to Health.

    Key objectives
    • National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has undertaken Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, capping trade margins at 30% of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
    • The revised prices will become effective from November 9, 2026, and are expected to reduce MRP by up to 70%.
    • The measure is carried out under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, based on recommendations from an Expert Committee under the DGHS.
    Read full article