Government to Allocate Land for MSMEs in New Townships

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has announced the government’s intention to allocate land to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the 20 new townships being developed across India. This move is aimed at fostering the growth of MSMEs and strengthening their role in India’s industrial ecosystem.

Government Introduces New Coastal Shipping Bill to Boost Maritime Trade

The bill seeks to address various challenges faced by the sector and create a more conducive environment for maritime trade. The bill introduces a licensing regime for vessels engaged in coasting trade, including foreign-flagged non-propelled vessels like mobile offshore drilling units and accommodation barges. A central database will be created to track information on coasting trade, including vessel movements, cargo details, and licensing information.

India’s Plan for Cooperative Grain Storage

The “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector” aims to construct godowns at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level. The pilot project has successfully constructed 11 godowns in 11 states: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Tripura, and Rajasthan.

India’s Commitment to Sustainable Mining Practices

The adoption of advanced mining technologies like surface mining, continuous mining, and highwall/longwall mining has minimized environmental impact and improved efficiency. By increasing the use of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, the government aims to reduce the reliance on road transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.

Government Promotes Bio-Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture

Biofertilizers are promoted under Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) schemes. Under PKVY scheme, farmers are provided financial assistance of Rs 15000/ ha for 3 years through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs including bio-fertilizer. Under MOVCDNER, financial assistance @ Rs 32500/ ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off farm /on –farm organic inputs including bio-fertilizer.

India Intensifies Efforts to Combat Tuberculosis

The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) focuses on prompt diagnosis and treatment of TB patients with high-quality drugs and treatment regimens. The program actively seeks out TB cases in high-risk and vulnerable populations.

Government Amends Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022

This sub-rule, which dealt with the constitution of a Central Coordination Committee, has been removed. Sub-rule (9) of Rule 13 has been amended to specify that any person who fails to comply with the provisions of these rules shall be liable to a penalty under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.