04 July 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Australia-India Strategic Research Fund 2. Scheme Guidelines for Funding under the National Green Hydrogen Mission 3. 102nd ‘International Day of Cooperatives’ 4. Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS)
1. Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
Syllabus: GS-2, International Relations
Prelims: Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
Mains: India – Australia Relations
Context:
Union Minister announces results of Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund:
- The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) is a bilateral program that supports collaborative research projects between Australia and India.
- It aims to strengthen the scientific relationship between the two countries and address common challenges through joint research efforts.
Results of the 15th Round of AISRF:
- The Union Minister for Science and Technology announced the results of the 15th round of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
- Five projects across various disciplines, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, biotechnology, urban mining and electronic waste recycling, and ultralow-cost solar and clean hydrogen technologies were awarded this year.
- These projects were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring they meet the highest standards of scientific excellence and have the potential for significant impact.
- Funding for this year focused on:
- Creating an AI-driven platform for monitoring soil carbon sequestration
- Eco-friendly recovery of essential metals from obsolete mobile devices
- Cost-effective solar thermal desalination by systems design with nanomaterials
- Harnessing the immune system’s power to combat antimicrobial resistance
- Advanced diagnostics and innovative therapeutics to detect and combat microbial infections
- The Indian recipients are:
- Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, Ludhiana
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Bombay
- IISc Bangalore
- AbGenics Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Pune
2. Scheme Guidelines for Funding under the National Green Hydrogen Mission
Syllabus: GS-3, Environment and Ecology
Prelims/Mains: National Green Hydrogen Mission, Green Hydrogen production and use in India, shift to renewable energy from fossil fuel
Context:
The Centre issues Scheme Guidelines for the funding of testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Details:
- The scheme will support the identification of gaps in the existing testing facilities for components, technologies, and processes in the value chain of Green Hydrogen & its derivatives.
- The scheme will support the creation of new testing facilities and the upgradation of existing Testing Facilities to ensure safe and secure operations.
- Total budgetary outlay for the scheme: Rs. 200 Crores till the financial year 2025-26
- Scheme implementing agency: National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)
- The scheme encompasses the development of robust quality and performance testing facilities to ensure quality, sustainability, and safety in GH2 production and trade.
- Green Hydrogen (GH2) is expected to play an important role in India’s journey towards decarbonization and energy security. To ensure quality, sustainability, and safety in GH2 production and trade, the development of robust quality and performance testing facilities has been kept as an integral part of the Mission.
- The scheme also encompasses ensuring the safe and secure operations of equipment/instruments used in the Green Hydrogen Value Chain.
- Additionally, the scheme seeks to encourage participation from private as well as government entities in the establishment of world-class testing facilities in India.
3. 102nd ‘International Day of Cooperatives’
Syllabus: GS-3, Economy
Prelims: International Day of Cooperatives
Mains: Cooperatives in the Indian economy
Context:
The 102nd International Day of Cooperatives will be observed on 6 July 2024.
International Day of Cooperatives:
- The International Day of Cooperatives is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement around the world.
- It has been observed on the first Saturday of July ever since 1923 by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
- The 102nd International Day of Cooperatives falls on 6 July 2024 which is also the third anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperatives.
- In May this year, the year 2025 was declared the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) by the United Nations General Assembly.
- The theme for the 102nd International Cooperative Day is “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.”
4. Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS)
Syllabus: GS-3, Environment and Ecology
Prelims: Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS)
Mains: Plastic recycling and plastic pollution
Context:
The Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) is being held in New Delhi.
Details:
- The four-day conclave is jointly organized by the All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) and the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers’ Association (CPMA).
- It focuses on the rising use of plastic, its impact on the environment and also on the steps needed for solutions.
- Various businesses and experts from across the country will attend the conclave.
- Aligned with India’s zero waste goal, the GCPRS showcases innovative recycling technologies, sustainable options like biodegradable and compostable plastics, and efficient waste management solutions.
- The event serves as a platform for industry leaders, startups, and environmental experts to demonstrate their latest advancements and share insights on achieving sustainability in the plastic industry.
- The conclave is particularly significant for businesses and companies involved in the plastic recycling industry, machinery manufacturers, plastic waste management businesses, biopolymer and compostable product manufacturers, raw material suppliers, startup entrepreneurs, and experts in testing and standards.
- Note:- India’s plastic recycling industry is rapidly growing, and is expected to reach $6.9 billion by 2033.
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