NBA Launches Digital Portal for Certificate of Origin for Cultivated Medicinal Plants

Current Context: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched the ABS e‑Filing Portal on 5 February 2026 in New Delhi.

• This portal issues Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants entirely online.
• It provides a single‑window, end‑to‑end system for registration, application, and certificate download.
• Aim: To simplify compliance under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and support Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemptions.
• The initiative promotes ease of doing business, transparency, and sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants.

Question:

Q.1 The ABS e-Filing Portal launched by the NBA primarily facilitates the issuance of which document?
a) Bio-resource export permits
b) Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants
c) Environmental clearance certificates
d) Geographical Indication certificates

Answer: b) The portal enables entirely online issuance of Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants, a key requirement under biodiversity rules.