16th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) Bioenergy in India Why in News? India’s potential in bioenergy was highlighted during India Energy Week 2025, emphasizing its role in the country’s clean energy transition. Background • What is Bioenergy? It is energy derived from biomass—organic materials like wood, dung, and charcoal. • Types of Bioenergy: o Traditional bioenergy – Combustion of biomass (wood, animal waste, etc.). o Modern bioenergy – Liquid biofuels, biogas, and biomass-based electricity. Details India’s Bioenergy Status • Energy Contribution: Modern bioenergy contributes 13% to India’s total energy mix, with a projected 45% growth (2023–2030). • Global Role: India is expected to drive over one-third of the global bioenergy demand growth. • Key Factor: India produces about 750 million metric tons (MMT) of biomass annually. Key Targets for Bioenergy • Ethanol Blending: 20% by 2025-26 • Biodiesel Blending: 5% by 2030 • Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Blending: 5% by 2028-29 Challenges in Bioenergy Adoption • Feedstock Supply Issues: Unreliable fuel quality and availability. • Lack of Data: No centralized information on biomass resources. • Limited Storage & Infrastructure: Challenges in storing and transporting biofuels. Measures Required • Centralized Feedstock Assessment: To ensure adequate and quality biomass supply. • CBG Production Registry: For tracking biofuel production and consumption. • Technical Standards: For biogas and biomethane facilities. Key Initiatives for Bioenergy Promotion 1. National Bioenergy Programme (NBP) – Covers waste-to-energy, biomass, and biogas initiatives. 2. National Policy on Biofuels (2018, Revised 2022) – Framework for ethanol, biodiesel, and biofuel development. 3. SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) – Encourages CBG production. 4. GOBAR-Dhan Scheme – Promotes organic waste-to-biofuel conversion. 5. Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana – Provides financial aid for advanced biofuel projects. This structured approach highlights India’s bioenergy potential and the steps required to maximize its role in the clean energy transition.   B.) Paradox of Protein Deficiency in Rural India Why in News? A study has revealed a paradox where protein deficiency is widespread in rural households despite their access to protein-rich foods. More than two-thirds of households in semi-arid tropics of India consume less protein than recommended, leading to hidden hunger. Background • Hidden Hunger: A form of micronutrient deficiency where people consume sufficient calories but lack essential nutrients (FAO). • Major Causes: Underutilization of protein-rich foods (pulses, dairy, eggs) due to cultural food habits, financial constraints, and low nutritional awareness. Details Key Findings of the Study • Underutilization of Protein-rich Foods: Limited consumption of pulses, dairy, and eggs due to dietary preferences and affordability issues. • Unbalanced Nutrient Intake: Cereal-heavy diets (rice and wheat) lack essential amino acids, leading to nutritional imbalance. • Public Distribution System (PDS): While improving calorie intake, PDS has unintentionally promoted cereal-dominated diets. • Women’s Education: Households where women are educated have better access to nutritionally balanced diets. Recommendations 1. Nutrition Education: Integrating nutritional awareness into public health programs and school curricula. 2. Context-Specific Approach: Moving away from a one-size-fits-all model to region-specific nutrition strategies. 3. PDS Reform: Incorporating protein-rich foods into the subsidized food supply system. 4. Diversification of Farming Systems: Promoting nutrient-dense crops like millets, legumes, and integrating dairy farming. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) • Established: 1972 • Special Status: Recognized as an "International Organization" under United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947. • Vision: To ensure food security, prosperity, and resilience in dryland tropics. • Mission: To reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation in dryland regions. This study underscores the urgent need for nutritional reforms in India, especially in rural areas, by promoting protein-rich diets, reforming PDS, and enhancing public awareness.   C.) 50th Institute Day of NIMHANS Why in News? The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) celebrated its 50th Institute Day, marking five decades of contributions to mental health and neuroscience in India. Background • Established: 1972, Bengaluru. • Mission: To deliver high-quality patient care, conduct advanced research, and provide cutting-edge training in mental health and neuroscience. Details Status & Recognition • Deemed University: Declared in 1994. • Institute of National Importance: Conferred in 2012 by a separate Act of Parliament. • Nodal Centre for Tele MANAS: A nationwide tele-mental health initiative. Tele MANAS Programme • Full Form: Tele Mental Health Assistance and Nationally Actionable Plan through States. • Objective: To provide accessible and free mental health services across India. • Helpline: 14416 (Toll-free, Nationwide). • Services: Offers counseling, crisis support, and referrals for mental health concerns. NIMHANS continues to play a pivotal role in mental health awareness, policy-making, and telemedicine services in India.   D.) NAMASTE Scheme: PPE Kits & Ayushman Cards Distributed Why in News? The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment distributed PPE kits and Ayushman Cards to sewer and septic tank workers under the NAMASTE Scheme to ensure their safety and well-being. Background The NAMASTE Scheme aims to formalize sanitation work, promote mechanized cleaning, and improve worker safety. Details About NAMASTE Scheme (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) • Objective: o Formalizing sanitation workers. o Promoting mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. o Ensuring occupational safety and dignity. • Implementing Ministries: o Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE). o Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). • Implementing Agency: o National Safai Karmacharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) under MoSJE. • Duration: 2023-24 to 2025-26 (3 years). • Target Group: o Sewer & septic tank workers (SSWs). o Waste pickers (added in 2024). The NAMASTE Scheme is a major step towards mechanizing sanitation work and ensuring the dignity, health, and social security of sanitation workers.   E.) Approval for Check Dam in Anamudi Shola National Park Why in News? Kerala has received approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to construct a check dam across the Silandhi river using forest land from Anamudi Shola National Park. Background • Silandhi River: A tributary of the Amaravathy River, which eventually feeds the Cauvery River. • Objective of Check Dam: To improve water availability and support local communities and wildlife. Details About Anamudi Shola National Park • Location: Idukki District, Kerala, along the Western Ghats. • Surrounding Protected Areas: o Eravikulam National Park o Pampadum Shola National Park o Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary o Mathikettan Shola Park Key Features • Tallest Peak: Anamudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in South India. • Flora: o Southern subtropical hill forests o Southern montane wet temperate forests o Moist deciduous forests • Fauna: o Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Indian Bison, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar, etc. The check dam project is expected to enhance water conservation while ensuring ecological balance in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats.   F.) Madhya Pradesh: First State to Introduce a GCC Policy Why in News? Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy to attract investments and boost employment in the sector. Background • Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are offshore units set up by multinational companies (MNCs) to handle critical business functions such as IT services, R&D, analytics, and customer support. • India is a global hub for GCCs, playing a crucial role in business transformation and innovation. Details About GCCs • Purpose: Utilize global talent pools and advanced technology to improve business efficiency. • Impact: GCCs are reshaping the Indian corporate sector and influencing global business dynamics. Current Scenario in India • GCC Growth: o 2019: ~1,430 GCCs. o 2024: 1,700+ GCCs. • Employment: Nearly 1.9 million professionals are employed in India’s GCC sector as of FY24. With this new GCC policy, Madhya Pradesh aims to attract multinational companies, create high-skilled jobs, and establish itself as a key player in the global services industry.