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- As part of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, the government has approved the allocation of an additional 2.8 million tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) at subsidised rates.
- This move targets energy security and aims to ease the burden of surplus rice stocks—currently 61 million tonnes against a buffer norm of just 13.58 million tonnes.
- The economic cost of rice is estimated at ₹4,173 per quintal for 2025–26, making ethanol production a viable outlet. Ethanol, a renewable biofuel, helps reduce fossil fuel imports and supports "Make in India" by enhancing rural incomes and employment.
- However, using food staples like rice, sugarcane, and maize for ethanol raises concerns about food and feed security, as well as inflation from rising food prices.
- Ethanol is produced via sugar fermentation or petrochemical methods and is used as a fuel, industrial solvent, and disinfectant. The EBP targets 20% blending by 2025–26, up from 15% in 2024.
- At the World Bank Land Conference 2025, India’s innovative land governance initiatives, notably the SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform, gained international recognition as models for inclusive and tech-driven rural development.
- The SVAMITVA Scheme, which uses drone technology to map rural land parcels and establish clear ownership, has surveyed over 68,000 sq. km and enabled land monetization worth ₹1.16 trillion—showcasing its potential for scalable economic transformation.
- Gram Manchitra, a geospatial planning tool, was commended for enabling Gram Panchayats to create climate-resilient, data-driven development plans, particularly relevant to the Global South.
- Efficient land management is critical for economic growth—it enhances access to credit by formalizing property rights, supports entrepreneurship, and attracts private investment.
- Additionally, it enables governments to fund infrastructure through stable land-based revenues.
- Globally, land taxes contribute just 0.6% of GDP in low-income nations, far below the 2.2% in developed economies. Improved land access also boosts food security and urban resilience.
- The Chief Minister of Telangana, along with several other leaders and citizens, has contributed to the National Defence Fund (NDF), demonstrating solidarity and support for India’s armed forces.
- The NDF, established in 1962, was created to manage voluntary donations made in cash or kind to strengthen national defence efforts.
- These contributions are primarily utilized for the welfare of armed forces personnel—including paramilitary forces—and their families.
- The fund is overseen by an Executive Committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Defence, Finance, and Home Ministers serving as members.
- The Finance Minister also serves as the Fund's Treasurer. Importantly, all donations to the NDF qualify for tax exemption under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.
- Such gestures of public support reflect collective national commitment to the well-being of those who serve and protect the country, and further reinforce the role of the NDF in supporting defence-related welfare initiatives.