PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Contribution of BioE3 Policy

 

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Contribution of BioE3 Policy

Posted On: 06 AUG 2026 2:56PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has identified six thematic verticals in the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy for establishing Biomanufacturing Hubs and Biofoundries. They are as follows:

1. Bio-based chemicals, Bioplastics, Active Pharmeceutical Ingredients (APIs), and Enzymes
2. Functional Foods and Smart Proteins
3. iii. Precision Biotherapeutics (monoclonal antibodies, mRNA therapeutics, cell & gene therapy)
4. iv. Climate resilient agriculture (agri-biologicals)
5. Biofuels and Carbon capture
6. vi. Futuristic marine and space research

Five priority sectors are identified for establishment of Bio-AI hubs:

1. Ayurveda
2. Agriculture Innovations
3. Genome Diagnostics
4. Synthetic Biology
5. Biomolecular Design

The Bioenablers which include Biomanufacturing Hubs, Biofoundries and Bio-AI hubs are established after rigorous multi-tier evaluation of proposals received in response to the nationwide call for proposals through advertisements. Following criteria have been adopted for selection:

1. Letter of Intent /Proposals invited through national calls.
2. Screening of the proposals done through ‘Screening Committee’ based on the defined eligibility criteria. The proposals are selected based on Technical evaluation followed by Financial Evaluation.
3. The ‘Selection Committee’ evaluated the technical aspects of the proposals taking into consideration the experts comments and the presentation.
4. The ‘Financial Evaluation Committee (FEC)’ evaluated the proposals w.r.t financial mechanisms/modalities such as co-funding/equity financing & management/royalty sharing, etc.
5. Selection of proposals with defined objectives/milestones, deliverables, duration, total cost, funds disbursement mechanisms/modalities, etc. are recommended by the Apex Committee

The implementation of the BioE3 Policy is expected to generate approximately 1500 direct and indirect employment opportunities over the next five years in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

To promote indigenous bio-manufacturing and encourage participation of start-ups, MSMEs, and private industry, under BioE3 policy, financial assistance of up to 70% of the project cost is provided, while the remaining 30% of the project cost is expected to be contributed by the private sector.

The BioE3 Policy is expected to significantly contribute towards achieving the target of a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 by fostering innovation-led growth, strengthening indigenous bio-manufacturing capabilities, and expanding the biotechnology ecosystem.

The policy aims to promote high-performance biomanufacturing by establishing Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing hubs for enabling scale-up and validation of bio-based technologies of various start-ups, innovations and industries. So far, over 600 beneficiaries have availed these facilities. In addition, a pipeline of discovery led and bridging the gap research and development across thematic verticals including bio-based chemicals and enzymes, functional foods and smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and marine and space biotechnology is also being implemented. Together these will foster Make-in-India initiative for the Biotech sector and contribute to the bioeconomy growth. The initiative has so far mobilized investment commitment from private sector to the tune of Rs. 602.09 Cr.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Atomic Energy, Space Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

***

Scientists discover unusual ozone layer above North Bay of Bengal

 

Scientists discover unusual ozone layer above North Bay of Bengal

Posted On: 10 AUG 2026 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

Scientists have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal. This unexpected finding is helping researchers better understand how air currents transport ozone through the stratosphere.

The ozone layer, which protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, normally reaches its maximum concentration at altitudes of about 25–30 km. Researchers have been trying to understand how atmospheric circulation and dynamical processes influence the distribution of ozone in the stratosphere over the Indian region.

Following this quest, scientists from institutions across India, of which the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, was an important participant, used data from a countrywide network of atmospheric radars, weather balloons, satellites, and advanced atmospheric models to conduct an experiment to provide a detailed picture of how ozone moves high above the Earth.

The findings, published in Earth and Space Science by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), provide quantitative experimental evidence of the redistribution of stratospheric ozone over the Indian subtropical region during winter.

The study was carried out as part of the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign, a nationwide scientific programme that brought together research institutions across India. The campaign aimed to better understand the complex processes taking place in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists and researchers from several institutions participated in the campaign, including Dr Manish Naja and Dr Samaresh Bhattacharjee from ARIES.

During the campaign, the indigenously developed 206.5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere (ST) Radar at ARIES, Nainital accumulated data alongside similar radars at Haringhata, Gadanki and Kochi.

Researchers also launched weather balloons carrying instruments to measure atmospheric conditions and ozone levels. By collecting data simultaneously from different parts of the country, scientists were able to compare wind patterns and vertical air movements across India, helping them better understand the unusual ozone event and the atmospheric conditions that caused it.

During the campaign, scientists discovered an unusually thick ozone layer about 21 to 23 kilometres above the North Bay of Bengal. The amount of ozone in this layer was much higher than normally seen over eastern India, and the layer remained in place for more than a day. This unexpected discovery raised an important question about the reason behind the accumulation of so much ozone at this altitude.

To unravel the mystery, scientists combined measurements from ozone- and weather-monitoring balloons with observations from a nationwide radar network, the Aura MLS and INSAT-3DR satellites, and advanced atmospheric models. This comprehensive approach helped them identify the processes that led to the formation of the unusual ozone layer.

Fig: Height profiles of ozone partial pressure and temperature showing the enhanced stratospheric ozone layer (top panels), and vertical air motion measured by the ARIES ST Radar (bottom panels) during the campaign.

The enhanced ozone layer was observed during both daytime and nighttime, suggesting that sunlight-driven photochemical processes were unlikely to be its primary cause. Satellite measurements also revealed the unusual ozone structure, supporting the balloon observations. Scientists then examined the roles of convection, atmospheric wind shear, horizontal transport and vertical air motion. The observations revealed persistent downward air motion in the lower stratosphere.

Combining the evidence from different instruments, the researchers concluded that the unusual enhancement was mainly associated with the transport of ozone-rich air, followed by downward atmospheric motion and compression of the air mass.

The findings demonstrate the value of coordinated observations from atmospheric research facilities across India. They also highlight the significant contribution of the indigenously developed ARIES Stratosphere–Troposphere Radar and balloon-based measurements in national research programmes aimed at improving our understanding of Earth's atmosphere.

🚨 ASSEMBLY POINT – A SIMPLE PLACE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES WITH

 🚨 ASSEMBLY POINT – A SIMPLE PLACE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES WITH HSE Trainer 🦺👷‍♂️

During a fire, gas leak, chemical spill, explosion, earthquake, or any other emergency, every second matters. The Assembly Point provides a designated safe location where employees, visitors, and contractors gather after evacuation so that everyone can be accounted for.

🛑 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO DURING AN EMERGENCY?

🔔 1. Hear the alarm → STOP WORK

Immediately stop your activity and make the area safe if it can be done without putting yourself at risk.

🚪 2. EVACUATE SAFELY

Follow the designated emergency route and use the nearest safe exit. Never use an unsafe route or take unnecessary shortcuts.

🏃‍♂️ 3. DO NOT RUN OR PANIC

Walk quickly and calmly. Help others when it is safe to do so.

📍 4. GO DIRECTLY TO THE ASSEMBLY POINT

Do not stop for personal belongings, tools, or unnecessary activities.

👥 5. STAY WITH YOUR TEAM

Remain at the designated location so supervisors and emergency coordinators can complete the headcount.

📋 6. PARTICIPATE IN HEADCOUNT

Report to your supervisor / Safety Officer and confirm your presence.

⚠️ 7. REPORT MISSING PERSONS

If someone is missing or last seen in a particular area, immediately provide the information to the responsible emergency team.

🚫 8. NEVER RE-ENTER

Do not return to the workplace until the area has been officially declared safe by the authorized person/emergency response team.

🔥 WHEN MAY AN ASSEMBLY POINT BE USED?

• Fire or smoke emergency 🔥

• Gas leak / hazardous substance release ☣️

• Chemical spill 🧪

• Explosion or blast incident 💥

• Earthquake 🌍

• Structural emergency 🏗️

• Major equipment failure ⚙️

• Any situation requiring workplace evacuation 🚨

🧠 REMEMBER THE 4C RULE

CALM – Stay calm; don't panic.

COMMUNICATE – Follow instructions and share impor

tant information.

COOPERATE – Help your team and follow emergency procedures.

CONFIRM – Make sure you are accounted for.

💡 SAFETY MESSAGE:

“The Assembly Point is where accountability begins after evacuation.”

A good emergency response is not only about getting out—it is also about knowing where to go, staying together, being counted, and preventing unnecessary re-entry.

👷 HSE Trainer – Train • Inspire • Protect

#HSE #HealthAndSafety #AssemblyPoint #EmergencyPreparedness #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyFirst #SafetyOfficer #ConstructionSafety

L&T Infotech Safety Plus Safety Pro Safety first SAFETY MGMT STUDY

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Effective use of water in AI Data centres

 

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Effective use of water in AI Data centres

Posted On: 06 AUG 2026 6:59PM by PIB Delhi

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centres do not, per se, require Environmental Clearance (EC) under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, as amended. However, AI Data Centres proposed as part of a “Building and Construction Project” under Item 8(a), i.e. built up area exceeding 20,000 sq. m or a “Township and Area Development Project” i.e. covering an area ≥ 50 ha and /or built up area ≥ 1,50,000 sq. m under Item 8(b) of the schedule to the EIA Notification, 2006 require prior EC. The EC for such a building project is granted by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) at the State/UT level.

During the appraisal of such building projects for grant of EC, various aspects such as availability of freshwater particularly in water-stressed regions, water balance report, generation of greywater, recycling and reuse of greywater are duly considered and appropriate environmental safeguards are prescribed. Further, the use and discharge of water and greywater during the construction and operation of AI Data Centres is regulated under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Compliance with the provisions of these Acts, including the prescribed standards for water use and wastewater discharge, is monitored by the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC), as applicable.

Further, groundwater extraction for infrastructure/commercial projects is regulated in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti vide Notification S.O. 3289(E) dated 24.09.2020, as amended vide Notification dated 29.03.2023.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has issued the District Cooling Guidelines, 2023, which, inter alia, recommend the use of treated water as cooling tower make-up water, wherever feasible, to reduce dependence on freshwater resources and promote sustainable water management. The Guidelines also emphasize the adoption of energy-efficient cooling technologies, optimization of cooling system performance, utilization of alternative water sources, and implementation of water conservation measures. These measures are particularly relevant for large cooling-intensive facilities, including data centres, and support enhanced energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and sustainable operation of cooling infrastructure.

As per information provided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the ‘Resilience, Innovation & Efficiency’ Working Group of the India AI Impact Summit has been set up to examine energy efficiency, water management, and environmental resilience in digital and AI infrastructure.

This information was provided by MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

🌬️ POOR VENTILATION IN WORK AREAS — SAFETY AWARENESS WITH HSE Trainer

 🌬️ POOR VENTILATION IN WORK AREAS — SAFETY AWARENESS WITH HSE Trainer 

🚨 Fresh Air Saves Lives — Ventilate Today, Protect Tomorrow!

Poor ventilation can turn an ordinary work area into a hidden hazard zone. When fresh air is insufficient, contaminants such as welding fumes, toxic gases, vapours, dust, smoke, and excessive heat may accumulate faster than they can be removed.

👷‍♂️ Realistic Workplace Scenario

Imagine a maintenance team working inside a partially enclosed area. Welding and grinding activities are taking place, but the exhaust fan is not operating properly. The workers initially feel fine, so the job continues.

After some time, fumes begin accumulating. One worker develops a headache and dizziness, another experiences shortness of breath, and visibility starts reducing because of smoke. If the atmosphere contains a toxic or flammable gas, the situation could become even more serious. ⚠️

The problem is that dangerous atmospheres are not always visible, and you cannot always smell them.

A simple ventilation failure can therefore develop into a toxic exposure, oxygen-deficient atmosphere, fire/explosion hazard, or loss-of-consciousness emergency.

---

🔴 COMMON CAUSES

❌ Blocked or damaged ventilation ducts

❌ Non-functional exhaust fans

❌ Insufficient fresh-air supply

❌ Closed doors/openings in enclosed areas

❌ Welding, cutting or painting without suitable extraction

❌ Poorly planned temporary ventilation

❌ High worker/equipment occupancy

❌ Accumulation of dust, fumes or vapours

❌ Inadequate ventilation maintenance

❌ Failure to monitor atmospheric conditions

---

⚠️ WARNING SIGNS — DON'T IGNORE THEM

🚩 Stale or stuffy air

🚩 Strong or unusual odours

🚩 Visible smoke or fumes

🚩 Excessive heat or sweating

🚩 Condensation or moisture buildup

🚩 Headache or dizziness

🚩 Nausea or unusual fatigue

🚩 Breathing difficulty

🚩 Eye, nose or throat irritation

🚩 Unusual readings from gas/air-quality monitors

If conditions change, stop and reassess the work. 🛑

---

🏭 WHERE IS VENTILATION ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT?

🔹 Confined spaces — tanks, vessels, manholes and silos

🔹 Welding and fabrication areas

🔹 Painting/coating areas

🔹 Chemical handling/storage areas

🔹 Generator rooms

🔹 Tunnels and basements

🔹 Enclosed workshops

🔹 Excavation-related enclosed areas

🔹 Areas with combustion equipment

🔹 Any enclosed or semi-enclosed workplace

---

🛡️ HSE CONTROL MEASURES

1️⃣ Eliminate or Reduce the Source

Where practical, avoid generating unnecessary fumes, vapours, dust or contaminants.

2️⃣ Engineering Controls

💨 Install suitable local exhaust ventilation (LEV).

💨 Provide adequate fresh-air supply.

💨 Position extraction close to the contaminant source.

💨 Maintain fans, ducts, filters and exhaust systems.

💨 Prevent exhaust air from being recirculated into occupied areas when it could reintroduce contaminants.

3️⃣ Atmospheric Monitoring

Use appropriate, calibrated instruments when the risk assessment requires monitoring.

Depending on the hazard, monitoring may include:

🟢 Oxygen (O₂)

🟡 Flammable gases/vapours (%LEL)

🔴 Toxic gases such as CO or H₂S

🔵 Other contaminants identified by the risk assessment

Important: Air-quality limits are not one universal set of numbers. Applicable occupational exposure limits and confined-space requirements should come from the relevant legislation, company procedure, SDS, permit system, and competent-person assessment.

4️⃣ Administrative Controls

📋 Risk assessment / JSA

📋 Permit-to-Work where applicable

📋 Confined-space procedure where applicable

📋 Worker training

📋 Exposure-time control

📋 Emergency arrangements

📋 Continuous or periodic atmospheric monitoring as required

5️⃣ PPE

🦺 PPE should support—not replace—effective engineering controls.

Respiratory protection must be selected for the specific contaminant and exposure, and an appropriate respiratory-protection program should be in place.

---

✅ DO's

✔️ Check ventilation before starting work.

✔️ Keep air inlets and exhaust outlets unobstructed.

✔️ Inspect ventilation equipment regularly.

✔️ Use LEV for fumes, vapours and dust where appropriate.

✔️ Monitor the atmosphere when required.

✔️ Stop work when unsafe conditions develop.

✔️ Report defective ventilation immediately.

✔️ Follow the approved permit and risk controls.

✔️ Maintain emergency communication and rescue arrangements where applicable.

❌ DON'Ts

❌ Don't work in a poorly ventilated area without assessing the risk.

❌ Don't block ventilation openings.

❌ Don't assume an area is safe because it looks clean.

❌ Don't rely on smell to detect hazardous gases.

❌ Don't bypass ventilation or gas-monitoring systems.

❌ Don't enter a confined space without following the required entry procedure.

❌ Don't continue working when workers develop symptoms.

❌ Don't use an unsuitable fan or ventilation arrangement for hazardous atmospheres.

---

🚨 THE GOLDEN RULE

“If the air is unsafe, the job is unsafe.”

💨 CHECK THE AIR

🔧 CONTROL THE SOURCE

🌬️ IMPROVE VENTILATION

📡 MONITOR CONDITIONS

🛑 STOP WHEN UNSAFE

🦺 PROTECT PEOPLE

A safe workplace is not just about what you can see—it is also about what you breathe.

#HSETrainer

#HSE

#WorkplaceSafety

#VentilationSafety

#ConfinedSpaceSafety

#OccupationalSafety

#SafetyAwareness

#SafetyFirst

Safety first Safety Plus Lâm Thư Jewelry Lim Zamora Gemota L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited

Panel Discussion on CSR by RSM GC Advisory by- Dr. Ram Babu Sir.

 

root cause analysis

 

Happy independence Day 2026

 

On 15 August 1947, India gained independence from British rule, establishing itself as a sovereign nation. This historic event concluded over two centuries of colonial dominance and set the groundwork for the world’s largest constitutional democracy. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

---

🏛️ The History of Independence Day

The independence movement was driven by decades of structural resistance, transitioning from early armed revolts like the Revolt of 1857 to mass civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi. Important structural milestones included: [1, 2, 3]

• Key Nationwide Movements: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942) systematically dismantled colonial administrative control. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• The Legislative Transition: The UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947, which transferred absolute legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. [1, 2, 3]
• The Midnight Hour: At midnight on 14–15 August 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered his historic "Tryst with Destiny" speech. He hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, starting a tradition that continues every year. [1, 2, 3, 4]

---

📜 Fundamental Rights vs. Fundamental Duties

The Indian Constitution structures civic life through a balance of individual liberties and civic responsibilities. [1, 2, 3]

                  ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
                  │          CIVIC BALANCE SHEET           │
                  └───────────────────┬────────────────────┘
                                      │
             ┌────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┐
             ▼                                                 ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐                       ┌─────────────────────────┐
│   FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS    │                       │    FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES   │
│  (Part III, Arts 12-35) │                       │  (Part IVA, Article 51A)│
├─────────────────────────┤                       ├─────────────────────────┤
│ • Justiciable in court  │                       │ • Non-justiciable       │
│ • Protects individuals  │                       │ • Guides citizens       │
│ • Limits state power    │                       │ • Added via 42nd Amnd.  │
└─────────────────────────┘                       └─────────────────────────┘

Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 12–35)

These rights are justiciable, meaning citizens can directly petition the Supreme Court or High Courts if they are violated. [1]

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): Prohibits discrimination and abolishes untouchability.
2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): Guarantees freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, and life/liberty.
3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24): Bans human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28): Guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession of religion.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30): Protects the rights of minority communities to preserve their culture.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Empowers citizens to move courts to enforce their rights (termed the "Heart and Soul" of the Constitution). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, Article 51A)

Added via the 42nd Amendment Act (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee, these non-justiciable duties serve as moral obligations for citizens. The 11 duties include: [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Abiding by the Constitution and respecting the National Flag and Anthem.
• Cherishing the noble ideals of the freedom struggle.
• Protecting the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
• Defending the country and rendering national service when required.
• Promoting harmony and brotherhood, transcending religious or regional diversities.
• Valuing and preserving the rich heritage of the nation's composite culture.
• Protecting the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
• Developing scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry.
• Safeguarding public property and abjuring violence.
• Striving toward excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
• Providing educational opportunities to children aged 6 to 14 years (added by the 86th Amendment in 2002). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

---

🏗️ Infrastructure Growth: 1947 vs. 2026

In 1947, India inherited an underdeveloped, extraction-oriented colonial economy with fragmented infrastructure. By 2026, major investments and structural shifts changed the country's landscape. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Infrastructure Sector	Status in 1947	Status in 2026	Key Drivers / Modern Milestones
National Highways	~21,378 km	~146,500+ km	National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Golden Quadrilateral, and the Bharatmala Project.
Railways	54,693 km track	~69,900+ km (Broad Gauge)	Near 100% electrification of broad-gauge lines, Vande Bharat train networks, and dedicated freight corridors.
Aviation / Airports	< 10 operational airports	150+ operational airports	The UDAN scheme connected smaller tier-2 and tier-3 cities through regional airports.
Digital Capital	Telegrams & basic copper lines	World's largest digital public infrastructure	The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Aadhaar-linked verification networks, and nationwide 5G coverage.
Energy & Power	~1,360 MW capacity	430,000+ MW capacity	Large shift toward green energy via the National Green Hydrogen Mission and massive solar parks.
Financial Allocations	Budget focused on food shortages	Capital expenditure hit ₹11.2 Lakh Crore (BE)	Structural moves like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and PM GatiShakti master plan.