Shri Jaipal Reddy Inaugurates International Bioenergy Summit

Press Information Bureau: Nov 06, 2012Releases “The Bioenergy Road-Map –Vision 2020” of the Department of BiotechnologyIn an endeavor to create a roadmap for the next five years for innovative technologies and policies for biofuels development in India, the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India along with The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) launched a two day International Summit on ‘Bioenergy: Algae Biofuel & Synthetic Biology 2012’ here yesterday. Shri Jaipal Reddy, Minister of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences inaugurated the Summit.

During the two day summit, experts and policymakers are aiming to identify the primary tasks that must be undertaken to accelerate the sustainable deployment of biofuels in India. The summit is witnessing the participation from renowned scientists from over 7 countries, including India, USA, France, Belgium, Malaysia, and South Africa along with 10 eminent international speakers.

Delivering the inaugural address, Shri. Jaipal Reddy, Minister, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, opined “There is no denying the fact that the country is facing some serious challenges in food and nutrition, healthcare, energy and environment. To meet these mounting challenges, Science and Technology can play a crucial role in developing an instrumental framework both nationally and internationally. Innovation requires institutional framework and adequate human resources, in order to succeed we need to strengthen and redesign to move towards progress in product development” .He further added, “We need to accelerate our global efforts that will immensely help us in the economic and social development of our country. The best of modern technology should be harnessed for a sustainable future and ensuring some tangible outcome”. The Minister also released “The Bioenergy Road-Map – Vision 2020” of Department of Biotechnology.

Dr. M. K. Bhan, Secretary, DBT and Chairman, BIRAC said “We should use our science and engineering base and our industry strength to create an innovation nation for bioenergy for sustainable future”. He emphasized on the need for redesign new Institutional mechanisms for forthcoming innovation and Public Private Partnership. Dr. Bhan further said “I am hopeful this summit will witness some intelligent discussions, feedback and chalk out the way forward for cutting edge research in the field of algae and synthetic biology for biofuels”.

Dr. Pachauri, Director General, TERI stated “The significance of this summit is very timely on account of the challenges that the nation has been facing. In order to have a green and sustainable future we need to ensure that our resources are properly exploited. I am extremely sure that algae can play a pivotal role towards ensuring a better future. The future lies in coming up with innovative technologies that will give us a sustainable future”. He further added “With regard to the development and commercialization of technologies, I am very pleased to know that Department of Biotechnology and TERI have come up with an intensive plan of action, I sincerely believe this will set some very high standard’s and will go a long way in creating a sustainable future”.

The two day summit has included plenary talks, invited talks, and panel discussions to deliberate on key issues for next generation fuels. It will provide a unique opportunity for communication and collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-makers and will enable government, industry, and financial partners to identify the steps needed and implement measures to accelerate required technology development.

The summit will highlight on the various scientific themes like Algal Bioengineering, Algae as Production System, Sustainable Algae Mass Cultivation, Synthetic Biology for Advanced Bioenergy, System and Computational Biology in Bioenergy, Synthetic Biology and Industry Potential and Adoption of Bio-energy Solutions in Industry and Other Sectors.

It aims to unite researchers in the field of next generation fuels for exchange of innovative ideas, leading edge concepts, new technologies and ongoing R&D efforts in the field of 'Algal biofuel and Synthetic biology for advanced bioenergy' but will be an unique platform for communication and collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-makers.

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President inaugurates the 32nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2012

Press Information Bureau: Nov 15, 2012The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 32nd edition of the India International Trade Fair today (14.11.2012) at Pragati Maidan. Addressing the function, the President said the fair has been an excellent platform for micro, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products and penetrate both domestic and international markets at attractive prices. President stressed that MSMEs are a source of rural empowerment, which is one of the key objectives of Government’s agenda of inclusive growth.

The President was happy to note that the theme of the IITF this year is “Skilling India”. He stated that skill building is an integral part of a nation’s economic progress. He said ITPO has done commendable work in bringing all stakeholders together to share their experience at this important event.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Mikhail V Myasnikovich, Prime Minister of Belarus, Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce, Smt. D. Purandeswari, Union Minister of State for Commerce, Ms. Elizabeth Thabethe, Dy. Minister, Trade & Industry, South Africa, Lt Gen (Retd.) Bhopinder Singh, Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Vijay Bahuguna, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi.

At the 32nd IITF, the focus state and country are Andaman Nicobar Islands and South Africa respectively. The partner state and the country are Uttarakhand and the Republic of Belarus respectively. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Thailand have set up their “National Pavilion” at this Trade Fair; and about 480 overseas exhibitors from 22 countries are participating in the event.

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