India is hosting a global event in the sugar sector, the ‘ISO Council Meeting,’ in New Delhi from June 25th to 27th, 2024. Delegates from more than 30 countries and representatives of numerous international organizations will gather to discuss critical issues in the sugar and biofuel sectors.
India’s Role and Initiatives
India, being the world’s largest consumer and the second-largest producer of sugar, has been nominated as the Chair of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) for 2024. The meeting will begin with an industrial tour for international delegates to a grain-based distillery in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on June 24th, 2024, showcasing India’s adoption of the latest technology in biofuel production and other by-products.
Workshop: ‘Sugar and Biofuels – Emerging Vistas’
- Date: June 25, 2024
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam
- Inauguration by: Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy
- Participants:
- International delegates
- Top management of Indian sugar mills
- Industry associations such as ISMA & NFCSF
- Technical experts
Objectives
- Discuss future perspectives of the global sugar sector, biofuels, sustainability, and the role of farmers.
- Strengthen the Global Biofuel Alliance, an initiative by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, promoting the development and adoption of sustainable biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
International Sugar Organization (ISO)
- Affiliation: United Nations
- Headquarters: London
- Membership: Approximately 85 countries, covering almost 90% of the world’s sugar production.
- Mandate: Bring together major sugar-producing, consuming, and trading nations to foster mutual understanding and progressive approaches to sugar sector issues. The ISO also focuses on biofuels, especially ethanol, with sugarcane being a major feedstock.
Cultural Program
A cultural program is scheduled for the evening of June 25th, 2024, to give international delegates a glimpse of India’s diverse and rich culture.
Committee Meetings
- Dates: June 26th and 27th, 2024
- Focus: Various administrative and functional aspects of the ISO, including presentations of studies conducted by ISO economists.
- Chair: Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, will chair the meetings in his capacity as the Chairman of the ISO.
Conclusion of the Program
- Red Fort Tour: Evening of June 27th, 2024
- Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Visit: June 28th, 2024
Summary
The week-long program will encompass brainstorming sessions, discussions, academic studies on the sugar and biofuel sectors, and administrative functions of the ISO. It reflects India’s leadership in the sector and its commitment to sustainable development.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When is the ISO Council Meeting 2024 scheduled to take place in New Delhi?
- A) June 20-22, 2024
- B) June 25-27, 2024
- C) July 1-3, 2024
- D) June 15-17, 2024
- Which country has been nominated as the Chair of the ISO for 2024?
- A) Brazil
- B) China
- C) India
- D) Australia
- What is the purpose of the industrial tour scheduled on June 24, 2024?
- A) To visit historical monuments
- B) To showcase India’s latest technology in biofuel production
- C) To meet local farmers
- D) To hold committee meetings
- Who will inaugurate the workshop titled ‘Sugar and Biofuels – Emerging Vistas’?
- A) Shri Narendra Modi
- B) Shri Sanjeev Chopra
- C) Shri Pralhad Joshi
- D) An international delegate
- What is the main goal of the Global Biofuel Alliance?
- A) To promote tourism in India
- B) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development of sustainable biofuels
- C) To increase sugar production
- D) To regulate international trade
- Where are the headquarters of the International Sugar Organization located?
- A) New Delhi
- B) New York
- C) London
- D) Paris
- What will be the final event of the week-long ISO program?
- A) Industrial tour
- B) Workshop on biofuels
- C) Cultural program
- D) Visit to the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library
- How many countries are members of the ISO?
- A) About 50
- B) About 85
- C) About 100
- D) About 120