Isro completes testing of European network system to communicate with Gaganyaan

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has completed the testing of the European Space Agency''s network system, which will be used to communicate with the Gaganyaan Crew Module in space.
• Isro conducted a series of Radio Frequency Compatibility Tests (RFCT) to validate the network operations of Gaganyaan Orbital Module communications systems with the European Space Agency (ESA) Ground Stations.
•  "These tests are essential towards ensuring the readiness of the entire communications architecture and validation of compatibility of Isro’s systems with external ground stations before undertaking Gaganyaan missions.
• The testing included integrating the operation of the Gaganyaan onboard telemetry, tracking & command, data handling, and audio/video systems with the external ground station.
• With the successful accomplishment of these RFCT jointly with ESA, end-to-end compatibility between Isro’s Gaganyaan Orbital Module communications systems and ESA’s Ground station network has been demonstrated," .
• Isro and the European Space Agency had signed an agreement to cooperate on the Gaganyaan Mission. India had recently launched Europe''s Proba-3 mission to space.
• Following the launch, a Technical Implementing Plan (TIP) for providing Ground Tracking Support for Gaganyaan Missions was signed by both Isro and ESA.
• "Ensuring seamless communication between Mission Control Centre and Gaganyaan Orbital Module is vital for the mission''s success. This is essential for successful accomplishment of mission operations in human space missions such as communication with onboard Crew, monitoring of various onboard systems of the Orbital Module as well as commanding operations by a team of ground-based Flight Controllers,".

Meds platform launch gives children with cancer a fighting chance

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have commenced distribution of critically-needed childhood cancer medicines in Uzbekistan and Mongolia, through the ‘Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines’.
• Four other countries that are part of the pilot phase are Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal and Zambia. Within days, El Salvador, Moldova, Senegal, Pakistan, Ghana and Sri Lanka will join the programme too.

What is the significance of this global platform?

• Around 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year and most of them live in low-income countries where medicines are either unaffordable or unavailable, resulting in an overwhelming 70 per cent death rate.
• The majority of these children, living in resource-limited settings, are unable to consistently obtain or afford cancer medicines. It is estimated that 70 per cent of the children from these settings die from cancer due to factors such as lack of appropriate treatment, treatment disruptions or low-quality medicines.
• This is in stark contrast to high-income countries, where survival rates exceed 80 per cent.
•  The needs of a child suffering from cancer are complex and demanding, ranging from qualified professionals to pharmaceutical companies and communities that are ready to support a family through the traumatic process of diagnosis.
•  An effective market for childhood cancer medicines is constrained by complex, interrelated systemic factors, resulting in market fragmentation, lack of availability of essential medicines, low-quality products, and high purchasing costs.
•  A number of initiatives for improving access to cancer medicines have been developed over the past decade.
• St. Jude and WHO announced the platform in 2021 to ensure children around the world have access to lifesaving treatments. 
• The platform brings together governments, the pharmaceutical industry and non-governmental organisations in a unique collaborative model focused on creating solutions for children with cancer. The co-design approach addresses the broader needs of national stakeholders, with a focus on capacity building and long-term sustainability.
• Countries in the pilot phase will receive an uninterrupted supply of quality-assured childhood cancer medicines at no cost. 
• The WHO’s goal – working with leading US paediatric facility St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – is to reach 50 countries where needs are greatest, providing medicines to treat 120,000 children with cancer in the next five to seven years.
• The platform provides comprehensive end-to-end support, from consolidating global demand to shaping the market, assisting countries with medicine selection and developing treatment standards. 
• It represents a transformative model for the broader global health community working together to tackle health challenges, in particular for children and non-communicable diseases.
• The initiative also draws on the experience of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Pan American Health Organisation Strategic Fund, which procure and distribute the medicines.

PM Modi co-chairs AI Action Summit in Paris

• The AI Action Summit in Paris underscored the need to reinforce a diverse AI ecosystem, emphasising a human-centric, rights-based, and ethical approach to artificial intelligence.
• With a focus on safety, and security, the summit called for urgent action to address inequalities and support capacity-building in developing countries.
• A total of 58 countries, in addition to the European Union and African Union, are the signatories of the joint statement released following the Action Summit co-chaired by India and France. It is pertinent to note that two big names who refused to sign the statement are the United States and the United Kingdom.
• The statement on ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet’ released after the Paris AI Summit stated, “This Summit has highlighted the importance of reinforcing the diversity of the AI ecosystem.
• It has laid an open, multi-stakeholder and inclusive approach that will enable AI to be human rights-based, human-centric, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy while also stressing the need and urgency to narrow the inequalities and assist developing countries in artificial intelligence capacity-building so they can build AI capacities.”
• The summit also acknowledged the significance of current initiatives on AI, such as the UN General Assembly Resolutions, the Global Digital Compact, and the work of organisations like UNESCO, the G7, and G20.
• “Acknowledging existing multilateral initiatives on AI, including the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions, the Global Digital Compact, the UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics of AI, the African Union Continental AI Strategy, and the works of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe and European Union, the G7 including the Hiroshima AI Process and G20,” .
• The summit also set some priorities, including — promoting AI accessibility, ensuring ethical development of AI, innovation, and making AI sustainable.
• “We have affirmed the following main priorities: Promoting AI accessibility to reduce digital divides; Ensuring AI is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy, taking into account international frameworks for all; Making innovation in AI thrive by enabling conditions for its development and avoiding market concentration driving industrial recovery and development; Encouraging AI deployment that positively shapes the future of work and labour markets and delivers opportunity for sustainable growth; Making AI sustainable for people and the planet; and Reinforcing international cooperation to promote coordination in international governance,” the statement added.
• The High-Level Segment of the Summit commenced with a dinner hosted by Macron at the Elysee Palace, bringing together Heads of State and government, leaders of international organisations, CEOs of major AI companies and other distinguished participants.
• PM Modi offered to host the next AI Action Summit in India.

AI Action Summit in Paris

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just an industrial and technological revolution. It has the potential to bring about a profound paradigm shift in our societies, in how we relate to knowledge, work, information, culture and even language. 
• This technological revolution knows no borders. 
• The AI has incredible potential and could resolve a great many very complex problems, seeking new therapies, predicting climate hazards and discovering new scientific correlations through analysis of large datasets. 
• At the right scale and with the right governance, AI can help develop, for example, tailored and effective education models that support both learners and teachers. 
• The use of AI can be advanced in many sectors, including health, science and, more generally, fields where it can boost productivity considerably.
• In this sense, AI is a scientific, economic, cultural, political and civic issue requiring intense international dialogue involving the governments, researchers, businesses, creative professionals and civil society, to ensure the science, solutions and standards that shape AI of the society we want to build for tomorrow are developed collaboratively.
• Building on the important milestones reached during the Bletchley Park (November 2023) and Seoul (May 2024) summits, this gathering will focus on concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive beneficial social, economic and environmental outcomes in the public interest.

The Summit addresses five primary themes:

• i) Public interest AI
• ii) Future of Work
• iii) Innovation and Culture
• iv) Trust in AI
• v) Global governance of AI.

Highlights of PM Modi’s address

• In his address, PM Modi noted that the world was at the dawn of the AI age where this technology was fast writing the code for humanity and re-shaping our polity, economy, security and society. 
• Emphasizing that AI was very different from other technological milestones in human history in terms of impact, he called for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold shared values, address risks and build trust. 
• He further added that governance was not just about managing risks but also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good. In this regard, he advocated for ensuring access to AI for all, especially the Global South. 
• PM Modi called for democratising technology and its people-centric applications so that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals becomes a reality. 
• Talking about India’s AI Mission, PM Modi noted that India, considering its diversity, was building its own Large Language Model for AI.

Public Interest AI Platform, AI Paris Summit launches platform to bridge digital divides

•  The founding members of the AI Action Summit in Paris have launched a Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator aimed at bridging gaps between public and private efforts and reducing digital divides. The initiative was announced in a joint statement titled “Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet,” released on February 11 at the summit co-chaired by India and France.
• The statement emphasizes the importance of promoting AI accessibility while ensuring trust and safety in its deployment. It highlights the need for a global effort to support, amplify, and decrease fragmentation among existing public and private initiatives focused on Public Interest AI.
•  So far, 60 signatories have endorsed the initiative, which aims to sustain digital public goods and provide technical assistance in areas such as data, model development, transparency, audits, compute power, talent, financing, and collaboration to create a trustworthy AI ecosystem.
• Discussions at the summit addressed various aspects of AI, including its impact on energy, the job market, and governance. Participants engaged in a first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder discussion on AI and energy, sharing knowledge to foster investments in sustainable AI infrastructure, models, and hardware.
• The discussions also welcomed an observatory on AI’s energy impact in collaboration with the International Energy Agency and showcased energy-efficient AI innovations.
• The summit recognized the need for enhanced knowledge-sharing on AI’s influence in the job market, leading to the creation of a network of observatories to better anticipate its implications on workplaces, training, education, productivity, skill development, and working conditions.
• The discussions also underscored the necessity of inclusive, multi-stakeholder cooperation on AI governance, integrating aspects of safety, sustainable development, innovation, international law, human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity, consumer protection, and intellectual property rights.
• Looking ahead, the summit identified key milestones in AI development, including the Kigali Summit, the third Global Forum on the Ethics of AI hosted by Thailand and UNESCO, the 2025 World AI Conference, and the AI for Good Global Summit 2025. The commitments made in Paris will be followed up in these upcoming events to ensure continued progress on sustainable and inclusive AI initiatives.
• The Élysée Palace confirmed that 58 countries, along with the European Union and the African Union Commission, have signed the joint statement.
• Notable signatories include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the Netherlands, the UAE, Ukraine, and the Vatican.
• The summit outlined key priorities, including promoting AI accessibility to reduce digital divides, ensuring AI remains open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy in line with international frameworks, fostering AI innovation while preventing market concentration, encouraging AI deployment that benefits labor markets and sustainable growth, and reinforcing international cooperation to coordinate AI governance.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to France from February 10-12, co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday.

PM Modi  Chhattisgarh’s illustrious ‘Dokra’ artwork

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris, presented him with a Dokra artwork—an exquisite metal-casting piece from Chhattisgarh.
• During the summit, PM Modi also met US Vice President J.D. Vance, along with his wife, Indian-born Second Lady Usha Vance, and two of their three children, presenting them with specially curated gifts.
• The following were the gifts presented by PM Modi:

Gift to French President Emmanuel Macron – Dokra Artwork Depicting Musicians :

• Dokra art, a revered metal-casting tradition from Chhattisgarh, is crafted using the ancient lost-wax technique. This artwork, featuring traditional musicians in dynamic poses, highlights the cultural significance of music in Indian heritage.
• Made from brass and copper, the piece is adorned with fine detailing and enhanced with lapis lazuli and coral, adding a striking contrast. The labor-intensive casting process reflects the artisans’ deep skill and dedication. More than a decorative piece, this Dokra artwork embodies India’s rich cultural legacy, celebrating tribal traditions and artistic excellence.

Gift to the First Lady of France – Exquisite Silver Hand-Engraved Table Mirror

• PM Modi gifted an intricately designed silver hand-engraved table mirror from Rajasthan, showcasing the region’s masterful craftsmanship. The mirror’s ornate frame features delicate floral and peacock motifs, symbolizing beauty, nature, and grace.
• Meticulously engraved and polished to brilliance, the piece reflects Rajasthan’s rich metalworking tradition. Crafted by skilled artisans, this mirror is not just functional but also a decorative heirloom, embodying timeless elegance and artistic excellence.

Gift to Vivek Vance, Son of US Vice President – Wooden Railway Toy Set

• This handcrafted wooden railway toy is a nostalgic yet sustainable creation, combining traditional craftsmanship with child-friendly design.
• Made from natural wood and painted with eco-friendly vegetable dyes, it ensures child safety while promoting environmental consciousness. The dyes, derived from turmeric (yellow), beetroot (red), indigo (blue), and neem or spinach (green), create an earthy and vibrant color palette. This toy set reflects India’s rich wooden toy-making heritage, emphasizing creativity, heritage, and sustainability.

Gift to Ewan Blaine Vance, Son of US Vice President – Jigsaw Puzzle Featuring Indian Folk Paintings

• This jigsaw puzzle is a celebration of India’s diverse artistic traditions, featuring renowned folk painting styles such as:
  – Kalighat Pat (West Bengal): Recognized for bold outlines, vibrant colors, and depictions of gods, myths, and social themes.
  – Santhal Painting: Created by the Santhal tribe, characterized by earthy tones and natural pigments that illustrate tribal life, rituals, and nature.
  Gift to Mirabel (Bihar): Known for intricate patterns, bright colors, and themes inspired by mythology and nature.
• This puzzle serves as both an artistic and educational experience, offering a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage.

Gift to Mirabel Rose Vance, Daughter of US Vice President – Wooden Alphabet Set:

• Designed as a durable and engaging learning tool, this eco-friendly wooden alphabet set enhances motor skills and cognitive abilities. Unlike plastic alternatives, it is free from harmful chemicals and supports environmental conservation.
• Encouraging interactive learning, the set fosters a love for reading and language development while promoting sustainability.
• PM Modi’s thoughtfully curated gifts reflect India’s cultural richness and artistic traditions, strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with France and the United States.

 India strengthens efforts to combat climate change and environmental challenges

• The central government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing environmental challenges and climate change through a series of legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures aimed at conservation, pollution control, and sustainability. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has been spearheading these initiatives, implementing key policies and programs to protect the environment and enhance India’s green cover.

Tree Plantation Initiative

• One significant initiative was launched on World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, 2024. The Prime Minister introduced the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (#Plant4Mother), encouraging people to plant trees as a tribute to their mothers and to Mother Earth. MoEFCC has collaborated with central and state governments, institutions, and organizations to facilitate the planting of 140 crore trees by March 2025, with 109 crore saplings already planted by January 2025.

Expansion of Protected Areas

• The number of protected areas in India has grown significantly, from 745 in 2014 to 1,022, now covering 5.43 percent of the country’s total geographic area. The number of community reserves has also risen from 43 in 2014 to 220. The country also has 57 tiger reserves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, aimed at conserving tigers and their habitats, while 33 elephant reserves have been designated to ensure safe habitats for elephants.

Conservation of Wetlands

• Since 2014, India has added 59 wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 89 and covering an area of 1.35 million hectares. India now has the largest Ramsar site network in Asia and the third-largest globally in terms of the number of sites. Udaipur and Indore have also been recently included in the Wetland Accredited Cities list under the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme of the Ramsar Convention.

Tiger Population and Conservation Efforts

• The All India Tiger Estimation 2022 report estimates India’s tiger population at 3,682, accounting for 70 percent of the world’s wild tiger population. The total area under the tiger reserve network is now 82,836.45 square kilometers, or about 2.5 percent of India’s total geographical area.

India’s Climate Action Strategy

• India’s climate action is guided by its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and a long-term strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) provides a framework for various missions targeting solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water conservation, the Himalayan ecosystem, sustainable agriculture, human health, and strategic climate knowledge.
• MoEFCC has also implemented key programs such as the Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP) and the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) to support climate resilience efforts.

Progress in Renewable Energy and Emission Reduction

• As a result of these measures, India has significantly reduced the emission intensity of its GDP by 36 percent between 2005 and 2020. By October 2024, non-fossil sources accounted for 46.52 percent of the country’s installed electricity generation capacity.
• The total renewable energy capacity, including large hydropower projects, has reached 203.22 gigawatts, with renewable power alone increasing 4.5 times from 35 gigawatts in March 2014 to 156.25 gigawatts. India’s forest and tree cover has also expanded, now accounting for 25.17 percent of the country’s total geographical area, contributing an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 2005 to 2021.

India’s Global Climate Commitment

• Despite its historically low contribution to global emissions, India has taken proactive steps to align with the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

 Over 68,000 ponds completed under mission Amrit Sarovar to combat water scarcity

• Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched in April 2022, has achieved remarkable progress in addressing the country’s water scarcity issue by constructing or rejuvenating over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) as of January.
• The mission, aimed at building 75 ponds in each district, with a total target of 50,000 ponds nationwide, has already surpassed its goal. These Sarovars have significantly enhanced surface and groundwater availability across various regions, addressing immediate water needs and establishing sustainable water sources.
• The initiative not only highlights the government’s commitment to combating water scarcity but also emphasizes long-term environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities. The ponds serve as symbols of climate resilience and ecological balance, contributing to the nation’s overall water management strategy.
• Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar will continue with a renewed focus on ensuring water availability through community participation (Jan Bhagidaari). This phase aims to further strengthen climate resilience and deliver lasting benefits for future generations by fostering ecological balance.
• The works under Mission Amrit Sarovar are being executed through convergence with various ongoing schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the 15th Finance Commission Grants, and sub-schemes of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana, including the Watershed Development Component and Har Khet Ko Pani. States are also using their own schemes, and public contributions like crowdfunding and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are encouraged to support the initiative.
• Each pond will have a pondage area of minimum of one acre with water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters. 
• This initiative has made significant progress in addressing the critical issue of water scarcity. 
•  It plays an important role in increasing the availability of water, both on surface and underground. 
• The groundwater resources assessment by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with state governments, shows a significant rise in groundwater recharge due to sustained conservation efforts.
•  Recharge from tanks, ponds and water conservation structures increased from 13.98 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024, reflecting the success of water conservation such as Mission Amrit Sarovar and the role of tanks, ponds & water conservation structures in sustaining groundwater levels.
• Public contributions like crowdfunding and Corporate Social Responsibility are also allowed for the work

Superbug’s defence mechanism found.

• Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) have uncovered a crucial regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly drug-resistant superbug responsible for life-threatening infections. 
• Their study, published in mBio, reveals how the pathogen controls its attack and defence systems, paving the way for new treatment strategies.
• Some bacteria and other germs are resistant to most types of antibiotics and medicines that treat them. They are called superbugs. 
• Anti-microbial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
• Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial Gram-negative pathogen that often displays multidrug resistance due to its robust outer membrane and its ability to acquire and retain extracellular DNA that frequently encodes antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, it can survive for prolonged durations on surfaces and is resistant to desiccation.
• Gram-negative bacteria are surrounded by a thin peptidoglycan cell wall, which itself is surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide.
•  Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane but are surrounded by layers of peptidoglycan many times thicker than is found in the Gram-negatives.
• Acinetobacter baumannii is often found in hospitals and can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. The microbe is also a leading cause of infections in wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• A major survival tool of this superbug is the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) — a bacterial “weapon” used to attack competing microbes. However, how A. baumannii regulates T6SS while maintaining antibiotic resistance has remained unclear until now.

Targeting manganese-dependent RNA molecule

• The researchers discovered that A. baumannii switches T6SS on or off based on environmental conditions. A small RNA molecule, AbsR28, plays a key role in this regulation, influenced by manganese (Mn²+) levels. When Mn²+ levels are high, AbsR28 binds to an essential gene (tssM) required for T6SS function, leading to its degradation.
• This prevents the activation of T6SS and enables A. baumannii to retain plasmid pAB3, which carries multiple antibiotic resistance genes.
• When A. baumannii activates T6SS, it becomes more vulnerable to antibiotics and oxidative stress. So, the bacteria must carefully regulate this system to survive in different conditions. 
• The discovery sheds light on how this pathogen adapts during infections, helping it evade both antibiotics and the immune system.
• By targeting AbsR28, scientists may be able to disrupt the superbug’s regulatory system, making it more susceptible to antibiotics without directly attacking resistance genes. 
• This discovery opens new avenues for precision medicine and novel drug development against multidrug-resistant infections.
• A. baumannii is on the WHO’s list of top priority pathogens, meaning this discovery could influence global antibiotic resistance policies.

India and UK announce second phase of ASPIRE programme

• Government officials from India and UK recently held their fourth dialogue, wherein they launched phase two of the two countries’ Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme.
• In a statement, the Ministry of Power said this new phase aims to provide technical support for ensuring round-the-clock power supply, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and accelerating industrial energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
• Authorities also announced the establishment of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce, which will focus on advancing offshore wind ecosystem development, supply chains, and financing models in both countries.
• India and the United Kingdom launched the phase-2 of Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme. 
• Under the programme, collaboration is on areas such as smart meters, electricity distribution reforms, industrial energy efficiency and electric mobility. 
• The programme mainly focuses on following themes:
• Theme 1: Electricity distribution sector.
• Theme 2: Energy Efficiency.
• It includes two sub-themes:
• a) Industrial Energy Efficiency
• b) Electric mobility charging infrastructure.
• The phase-2 will aim to provide technical support for ensuring round-the-clock power supply, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and accelerating industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• This was announced during the Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi on February 10.
• The dialogue focused on reviewing progress made in the energy sectors of both nations, including power and renewable energy, and reaffirming the commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future. 
• Both sides underscored the importance of ensuring that the energy transition and economic growth proceed together, while maintaining affordable and clean energy access for all.
• During the meeting, establishment of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce was also announced. It will focus on advancing offshore wind ecosystem development, supply chains, and financing models in both countries.
• Both sides also agreed to further strengthen their collaboration through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and are looking forward to the fifth UK-India Energy Dialogue in 2026.

 Why the discovery of potash reserves in Punjab is significant

• Potash reserves have been discovered in three mining blocks in Punjab''s Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts. These blocks include Kabarwala (Muktsar Sahib), Sherewala and Ramsara (Fazilka), and Shergarh and Dalmir Khera (Fazilka).
• Punjab Mining Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the government will explore potash mining in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, where surveys previously detected large mineral reserves in three mining blocks.
• Surveys of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have also identified reserves in parts of Rajasthan. These findings highlight the potential for potash mining in both states, reducing India’s dependence on imports and bolstering the domestic fertilizer industry. However, some concerns have been flagged.

First, what is potash?

• Potash refers to potassium-bearing minerals that are primarily used in fertilisers. Over 90% of potash is used as fertilizer and it is one of the three primary agricultural nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium or N-P-K). According to the official Indian Minerals Yearbook for 2021, “Potash can be used on all plants to boost plant health and nutrition as well as to increase crop yields. While all potash fertilizers contain potassium there are a number of different forms in which it exists.”
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted extensive surveys from 2017 to 2021, confirming the presence of potash at a depth of approximately 450 meters.
• Punjab is now the second state in India, after Rajasthan, to have significant potash deposits.

Types of Potash Fertilizers:

• Muriate of Potash (MOP): Contains chloride and is commonly used for carbohydrate-rich crops like wheat.
• Sulphate of Potash (SOP): Chloride-free and preferred for high-value crops like fruits and vegetables.
• Potash is also used in water purification, glass manufacturing, soaps, detergents, and explosives.
• India currently imports 5 million tonnes of potash annually, mainly for fertilizers and industrial applications. This discovery could significantly reduce India''s dependence on imports, saving foreign exchange and boosting domestic production.
• The mining and processing of potash are expected to create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic development of Punjab. Processing factories may be established near the mining sites that could boost local economies.
• The Punjab government has assured that no land acquisition will be required for mining. 
• Advanced drilling systems will be used to extract potash from depths of 450 meters, ensuring minimal impact on land ownership and agricultural activities.
• Before commencing operations, the government is conducting thorough environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) to address concerns related to land use, water resources, and local communities.
• Farmers in the region had initially expressed concerns about potential land acquisition. However, the government has clarified that mining will not disrupt agricultural land or displace farmers.

Broader Implications for India

• India spends billions of dollars annually on potash imports. The discovery of domestic reserves could reduce this expenditure, contributing to economic self-reliance.
• Indigenous potash reserves will support the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, which provides subsidies to farmers based on the nutrient content of fertilizers.
• Potash has been classified as a critical mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023.
• The government must ensure that mining operations are conducted efficiently and sustainably.
• Continuous conversation between government and local communities is crucial to address any potential concerns and ensure smooth project implementation.
• The government must enforce strict environmental regulations to minimize the ecological impact of mining activities.