PIB Summary- 22th February, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

How Biotechnology is Transforming North East India

Context

India’s North East Region is leveraging biotechnology for sustainable growth through research, education, and entrepreneurship.

Introduction

• India’s North East Region (NER) is rich in biodiversity, culture, and natural resources.
• Biotechnology is playing a key role in preserving this heritage while promoting growth and sustainability.
• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been supporting various initiatives to harness bioresources, improve education, and create job opportunities.

Funding and Major Initiatives

• Since 2010, DBT has allocated 10% of its annual budget to specialized programs in NER.
• These programs focus on research, education, and employment in biotechnology.

Key Programs Under the North Eastern Programme

Twinning R&D Programme for NER

• Launched in 2010-11 to build biotechnology capacity in NER.
• Collaborations between 65+ institutions have supported nearly 650 R&D projects.
• Benefitted around 450 researchers and 2,000 students.

Biotech Hubs

• Since 2011, 126 Biotech Hubs have been established in universities, colleges, and institutions.
• These hubs provide infrastructure and training to support biotechnology education and research.

Biotechnology Labs in Senior Secondary Schools (BLiSS)

• Initiated in 2014 to provide students with well-equipped biology laboratories.
• Aims to create awareness and interest in biological sciences at the school level.

Visiting Research Professorship (VRP) Programme

• Started in 2015 to bring expert scientists to institutions in NER.
• Focuses on advancements in biotechnology and life sciences.

Specialized Training for NE Researchers

• Chemical Ecology Programme (2015): Trained young scientists from NER in chemical ecology through collaboration with Bangalore institutions.
• Genomics-Driven Research (2016): Focused on training scientists, researchers, and clinicians in biomedical research and molecular genetics.

Human Resource Development (HRD) in NER

• Programs emphasize services for farmers and academics.
• DBT-North East Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB): Phase III focuses on agricultural advancements.
• Citrus Research Facilities: Established in Assam to develop disease-free citrus varieties.

Support for Farmers and Entrepreneurs

• 64.1 acres dedicated to cultivating medicinal crops like Curcuma caesia and lemongrass.
• 649 farmers and entrepreneurs have received training and awareness.
• An essential oil distillation unit set up in Arunachal Pradesh to help farmers generate income.
• Docynia indica (Assam apple) Value Addition: Farmers and tribal communities trained to make products like pickles, jam, and juice.

Major Achievements
Development of Bacterial Blight-Resistant Rice

• A new rice variety named “Patkai” was developed in Assam.
• It is resistant to bacterial blight and has been approved by the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC).

Rapid Disease Detection for Livestock

• A lateral flow assay was developed for detecting brucellosis in livestock.
• The test provides quick and accurate results based on serum samples.

Mobile Application for Pig Disease Diagnosis

• Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) was developed to assist in diagnosing pig diseases.
• The app is available on the Google Play Store and helps veterinarians and farmers manage livestock health.

Conclusion

• Biotechnology initiatives in NER are helping preserve biodiversity, boost education, and promote entrepreneurship.
• By integrating science with traditional knowledge, the region is advancing toward sustainable economic growth.

Ministry of Mines classifies Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as Major Minerals

Background and Policy Context

Notification: Issued by the Ministry of Mines on 20th February 2025 through a gazette notification.

Reclassification: Minerals Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz moved from minor to major minerals category.

Policy Alignment: Follows the National Critical Mineral Mission approved by the Union Cabinet on 29th January 2025, aimed at self-reliance in critical minerals.

Rationale Behind Reclassification

• Quartz, Felspar, and Mica are found in pegmatite rocks—rich sources of critical minerals like Lithium, Beryl, Niobium, Tantalum, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten.
• Baryte is associated with ores of Antimony, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Silver.

Under-Reporting Issue:

• Under minor mineral leases, critical minerals were overlooked as the focus was on using primary minerals for construction, glass, ceramics, etc.
• Leaseholders did not declare or extract associated critical minerals, leading to loss of strategic resources.

Economic and Strategic Significance:
Critical minerals are vital for:

• Energy transition technologies (e.g., lithium for batteries)
• Spacecraft industries (lightweight, heat-resistant materials)
• Healthcare sector (advanced diagnostic devices)

Baryte’s use in oil and gas drilling, radiation shielding, electronics, and construction materials underscores its industrial relevance.

Implications of Major Mineral Classification

• Mines to be regulated by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) for scientific mining practices.
• Increased exploration expected due to stricter compliance and higher investment incentives.

Lease Period Extension:

• Existing leases will not be adversely affected.
• Major mineral leases: Extended up to 50 years under Section 8A of the MMDR Act, 1957.

Revenue and Federal Dynamics:

• Revenue sharing pattern unchanged; states continue to accrue mining revenues.

Transition Period:

• Four-month window provided until 30th June 2025 for operational adjustments.

Key Benefits of the Move

• Reduces dependence on imports of critical minerals crucial for energy and technology sectors.

Resource Optimization:

• Promotes co-mining of associated minerals, ensuring better resource utilization.

Boost to Industries:

• Enhances the supply chain for renewable energy, electronics, defense, and healthcare industries.

Environmental Considerations:

• Scientific mining practices to reduce environmental degradation and improve sustainability.

Challenges and Considerations

• Mines and leaseholders must adapt to stricter IBM compliance norms.

Environmental and Social Concerns:

• Scaling exploration may pose ecological challenges; needs careful Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

Capacity Building:

• States and private players need to upgrade mining technology and exploration techniques.

Way Forward

• Focus on Sustainable Mining: Balance economic gains with environmental protection and community welfare.
• Promote Innovation: Encourage use of advanced mining technologies for efficient resource extraction.
• Enhance Private Sector Participation: Attract investments through policy stability and ease of doing business measures.
• Monitor Critical Mineral Supply Chains: Develop strategies for long-term mineral security to support India’s energy and technological ambitions.