NBA Releases Rs 534 Million to Maharashtra BMCs Under ABS Rules

28 Nov 2025 CW Team

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has recently released Rs 534 million to around 85 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Maharashtra under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework. The beneficiary committees fall under Nagar and Gram Panchayats in Wada Tehsil of Palghar District and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, with funds to be routed through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.

The release follows a case where soil microorganisms from the Bacillus genus were accessed by a company to develop probiotic products. With nearly 15 per cent of ABS applications relating to microorganisms, the initiative underscores how ‘micro’ resources can deliver ‘macro’ benefits for farmers, local communities and other stakeholders. The disbursement reinforces NBA’s commitment to ensuring fair and equitable benefit sharing for local communities, who serve as custodians of biodiversity. By strengthening their role in conservation, the initiative aligns with India’s vision of sustainable and inclusive biodiversity management.

This latest allocation adds to the Rs 256 million previously disbursed to 108 BMCs and seven institutions in the state. With the new release, India’s cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed Rs 1.16 billion, highlighting the country’s pioneering efforts in implementing the global ABS mechanism effectively.

Infrastructure Urban

28 Nov 2025

India–UAE Review CEPA as Trade Surges Past USD 100 Billion

India and the UAE recently held the third Joint Committee meeting under the India–UAE CEPA in New Delhi, co-chaired by Shri Ajay Bhadoo and H.E Juma Al Kait. Both sides noted the rise in bilateral trade, which crossed USD 100.06 billion in FY 2024–25, marking a 19.6 per cent increase. Discussions included market access, data sharing, allocation of Gold TRQ, Rules of Origin, BIS licensing, and anti-dumping matters. India also outlined its new competitive bidding process for Gold TRQ. The two nations reviewed recent ministerial engagements and reiterated their commitment to growing non-..

C-DOT, IIT Roorkee Partner to Set Up Telecom Innovation CoE

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has recently signed an MoU with IIT Roorkee to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on advancing indigenous telecom innovation. The new facility aims to boost research, prototype development and capacity building in emerging domains such as 5G, 6G, quantum technologies, wireless communication, cybersecurity and AI-led applications. The initiative is designed to strengthen academia–industry collaboration by combining IIT Roorkee’s academic strengths with C-DOT’s R&D expertise. The partnership was formalised in the presence of ..

ICG Hosts First Conference on Shipbuilding and Indigenisation

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recently hosted its first Shipbuilding, Indigenisation & IT Conference in Madikeri, Karnataka, marking a key step in advancing India’s maritime capabilities. A major highlight was the signing of an MoU between the ICG, the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association and the Defence Innovation & Atal Incubation Centre to drive innovation and strengthen indigenisation through the Defence Innovation Hub at Coimbatore. DG Paramesh Sivamani underscored the importance of indigenous design, resilient supply chains and digital infrastructure, while noting pr..