Current affairs 22 March 2025

India Achieves 7% Rise in Textile Exports with Government Schemes.

• India recorded a 7% rise in textile and apparel exports, with key markets being the USA, EU, and UK, accounting for 53% of exports in FY 2023-24.
• Government schemes like PM MITRA Parks, PLI, and National Technical Textiles Mission aim to strengthen the sector's global position.
• Measures such as MSP for cotton and zero-duty on ELS cotton support the sector's growth and competitiveness.

India Surpasses 1 BT Mark in Coal Production in 2024-25.

• India achieved a historic milestone of surpassing 1 billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25, 11 days ahead of last year's record.
• The coal sector’s success is attributed to efforts by PSUs, private players, and over 5 lakh mine workers across 350+ coal mines.
• Government reforms in the coal sector have reduced imports, saving $5.43 billion in forex by December 2024.

India's Bioeconomy Hits $165B with Bio-Sarthi Launch.

• India’s bioeconomy reached $165 billion, driven by 10,000 biotech startups, as highlighted by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• He launched the India BioEconomy Report 2025 and Bio-Sarthi, a global mentoring initiative for biotech startups.
• The India BioEconomy Report is an annual publication by the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC that tracks the growth and performance of India’s bioeconomy.

CSIR-IIIM, HAPICO Industries Collaborated for Biopesticide Development.

• CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu and HAPICO Industries Pvt. Ltd. signed an MoU to jointly develop novel biopesticides using medicinal and aromatic plants.
• The collaboration aims to reduce the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on health and the environment.
• The MoU was signed by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed (CSIR-IIIM) and Mr. Shabeer Ahmed (HAPICO Industries).

Astroscale Partner with Digantara, Bellatrix for Space Debris Solution.

• Japan's Astroscale collaborated with India's Digantara & Bellatrix Aerospace to provide on-orbit servicing & space debris removal technology.
• The partnership aims to offer orbital services for Indian clients within 1-2 years, marking Astroscale's 1st operations in the Asia-Pacific.
• India’s liberalized space policy and $116 million fund for startups attract global space firms like Astroscale.