Bureau of Energy Efficiency Commemorates 25th Foundation Day

Environment

Context

The 25th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was celebrated at the India Habitat Centre.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

It is an Indian statutory body under the Ministry of Power.
Established in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001,
Objective – to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy through market-driven initiatives and self-regulation.

Major Programs & Initiatives

Standards & Labelling (S&L) Scheme: Provides star-rating labels on appliances (e.g., refrigerators, ACs) to inform consumers about energy efficiency and savings potential.
Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT): A market-based mechanism under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) that incentivizes large energy-intensive industries to meet efficiency targets.
Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC): Guidelines for efficient building design.
Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries and Establishments (ADEETIE) Scheme: Assists MSMEs in adopting energy-efficient technologies with technical and financial support.
National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA): Annual recognition for exemplary energy efficiency achievements.

Economy

In News

The Government of India has decided to temporarily discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes after a review of its implementation.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

Launched in – It was announced as part of the relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aim – To ensure sufficient food for the poor and needy during the coronavirus crisis.
Ministry – The department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Beneficiaries – Under the scheme, about 80 Crore beneficiaries are eligible for foodgrains (free-of-cost).

Additional Information – Food fortification

Definition – Food Fortification is the practice of increasing the content of one or more micronutrients (i.e., vitamins and minerals) in a food.
Significance – To improve the nutritional quality of the food and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health.
Rice fortification – It involves the addition of micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12).
Milk fortification – It involves the addition of vitamins A and D, which helps in combating deficiencies linked to these vitamins.
Salt fortification – It involves the addition of iodine (iodized salt) to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

Health

Context

India ranks second globally in the number of children who are overweight or living with obesity, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026 released on World Obesity Day (4 March).

World Obesity Atlas

Published by – World Obesity Federation.
It provides global data, projections, and policy insights on obesity trends and related health risks.
The report highlights that the global target to halt the rise in childhood obesity by 2025 has been m issed, and the deadline has now been extended to 203

Government Initiatives

POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Focuses on improving nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, and women through convergence of nutrition-related schemes.
Fit India Movement: Launched to promote physical activity, fitness culture, and behavioural change among citizens.
Eat Right India: Initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to encourage healthy diets, food safety, and reduction of unhealthy food consumption.
School Health and Wellness Programme: Promotes health education, physical activity, and lifestyle awareness among school students.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency Commemorates 25th Foundation Day | Rice fortification Scheme Suspended | World Obesity Atlas 2026