Science & Technology 25 September 2026 · Event date: 24 September 2026

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Formalises Commercial Launch of Bio-based Biodegradable Plastic under BioE3

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Formalises Commercial Launch of Bio-based Biodegradable Plastic under BioE3
Official visual from the source release · Source: Press Information Bureau

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA) under the Government's BioE3 framework. The initiative is taken forward by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited with a Rs 75 crore grant from BIRAC under the Department of Biotechnology. A 100 TPA pilot-scale facility will be established in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, to support sustainable manufacturing and India's growing bioeconomy.

Why It Matters

Important for UPSC, State-PSC, and Banking exams under government schemes, science and technology, and economic development sections.

UPSCState PSCBankingSSC

In Simple Words

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has formally launched bio-based biodegradable plastic derived from Polylactic Acid (PLA). This project operates under the government's BioE3 framework and is led by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited to promote sustainable manufacturing in India.

A Rs 75 crore grant from BIRAC supports a 100 TPA pilot facility in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative converts agricultural resources like sugar into bioplastics, boosting India's bioeconomy and advancing the "waste to wealth" and "Vocal for Local" approaches.

Key Points

  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA).
  • The initiative is carried out under the Government's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment Employment) framework.
  • Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) is taking the initiative forward.
  • A Rs 75 crore grant is provided by BIRAC under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
  • The 100 TPA pilot-scale R&D facility will be established at BCML's complex in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • India's bioeconomy grew from around US$10 billion in 2014 to nearly US$195 billion.
  • The project converts renewable sugar-based feedstock into PLA and bioplastics.
  • Dr. Rajesh Sudhir Gokhale is the Secretary of DBT, DG-BRIC, and Chairman of BIRAC.

Exam Angle

Framework
BioE3
Grant amount
Rs 75 crore
Location of pilot facility
Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh
Company involved
Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML)

A. Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh

Related Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs Digest — 8 November 2026 Today's comprehensive news digest covers major national leadership visits for Diwali, including PM Modi in Chhattisgarh and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Sikkim, alongside key environmental campaigns like WWF-India's Green Diwali in Delhi-NCR. International developments feature political updates from the US, New Zealand, and security incidents in Saudi Arabia, while the economy highlights FII inflows, gold price trends, and EV sales growth. Daily Current Affairs Digest — 7 November 2026 Today's comprehensive news digest covers major developments including India's strategic partnership with the EU through Horizon Europe, price capping on anti-cancer drugs by the NPPA, and record car sales hitting 5.24 lakh in October 2026. Important domestic events feature Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurating Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya and the successful conclusion of EPFO's Special Campaign 6. On the global and security fronts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed operational preparedness along the LAC in West Bengal, while international highlights include Nithya Raman's historic mayoral victory in Los Angeles. Daily Current Affairs Digest — 6 November 2026 The current affairs landscape for 6 November 2026 features major administrative milestones including the Central Bureau of Narcotics celebrating its 77th Foundation Day and the government doubling the Open Market Sale Scheme rice target. Key strategic developments include the conclusion of Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 and the maiden BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise. Economically, retail vehicle sales and stockbroker rankings witnessed shifts while international updates highlighted political changes in the US Congress and mayoral victories. Daily Current Affairs Digest — 5 November 2026 The Daily Digest for 5 November 2026 covers major national policy milestones including the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 where India reinforced its clean energy commitment, strategic Indo-Pacific maritime dialogues like IPRD-2026, and stellar economic indicators reflecting nearly 100 Mt in finished steel consumption. International updates capture key diplomatic milestones such as India's leadership in the Kimberley Process and defence engagements like Exercise Malabar 2026 in Japan.