Current Affairs - National

The 13th National Seed Congress 2024 is being held at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi from November 28 to 30, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, this event brings together over 700 delegates from various sectors to discuss innovations, collaborations, and strategies for enhancing the seed industry. Key themes include leveraging biodiversity, public-private partnerships, and technology for food security and climate resilience. Important initiatives, such as the Rice Fallow Atlas, were also launched to optimize crop planning and improve food security in Eastern India.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with an enhanced budget of ₹2,750 crore for the period till March 31, 2028. This mission aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India, with key initiatives including the opening of 2,500 new innovation labs in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, North East, and aspirational districts and blocks.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has partnered with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance commerce-based skill courses, specifically targeting the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. This collaboration aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills, improving their employability in the accountancy and finance sectors. ICAI will contribute to the development of course content, syllabus, and career guidance, while also supporting teacher training and awareness programs.

The VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network), inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, aims to empower underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. By funding internships and fostering innovation, the portal bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. This initiative aligns with Vision India 2047, focusing on inclusive growth and providing opportunities for marginalized communities, contributing to India's technological and entrepreneurial advancement.

Coking coal is crucial for steel production, accounting for 42% of steel production costs, and infrastructure development. India's reliance on imports (85% of its coking coal needs) highlights the need to enhance domestic production. The NITI Aayog's recommendation aligns with global trends, such as the European Union's declaration of coking coal as a critical raw material. Including coking coal in the critical minerals, list will enable policy changes to leverage India's 16.5 billion tonnes of medium coking coal reserves and achieve self-reliance while adhering to Net Zero commitments by 2070.