Shri Narayan Ramachandran Committee
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In News
- Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) constituted a high-level expert committee formally known as the Committee for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG).
- It was chaired by Shri Narayan Ramachandran,
- Mandate – The committee is tasked with a comprehensive review to modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS).
National Pension System (NPS)
- It is a voluntary, market-linked retirement savings scheme regulated by PFRDA for Indian citizens aged 18-70.
- It encourages systematic savings to provide a regular pension income post-retirement.
Agarwood
In News
- The Union Minister laid the foundation stone of the ₹80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme in Tripura.
Agarwood
- Agarwood is a rare, highly fragrant wood that forms inside certain trees (Aquilaria) when they get infected or wounded, and the tree produces a special dark resin as a defence.
- This resin‑rich wood is then used to make high‑value perfume oils (oud), incense and traditional medicines, and is traded globally, especially in West Asia and East Asia.
- It is mainly found in tropical, high‑rainfall regions of South and Southeast Asia, including Tripura and other parts of Northeast India, where the climate and soils suit Aquilaria trees.
- Only a small share of trees naturally develop resin, and it can take decades, which is why agarwood is rare and expensive.
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