Glaciers in Eastern Himalayas see marked retreat

• The New research sheds light on the impacts of climate change on glaciers in the Eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, where rugged terrains have made such inventories challenging in the past.
• The Eastern Himalayan glaciers are distinct from their Western Himalayan counterparts on account of their low altitude and different “feeding mechanisms,” or when they accumulate snow. “Unlike glaciers in the Western Himalayas, the glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas are fed by both winter and summer precipitation.
•  They’re generally wetter and smaller,” explained A.P. Dimri, Professor of Environmental Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
• These characteristics can make these glaciers particularly sensitive to changes in weather patterns and temperature. The  researchers from Nagaland University and Cotton University in Assam found that smaller glaciers in the state were rapidly retreating, increasing the risk of forming hazardous glacial lakes.

Marked retreat in glaciers

• Arunachal Pradesh is 83,000 square kilometres in size, and glaciers are found in elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 metres. The study identified glaciers in the Tawang, West Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Siang, Upper Dibang Valley and Lohit districts.
• A majority of glaciers in the state are observed at an elevation of around 4,000 to 4,800 metres. “These are glaciers that have a high altitude, but a lower latitude,” said Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Biology and Wildlife Sciences at Cotton University, Assam.
•  “Temperatures are normally higher in these regions in comparison to the higher latitude areas. Even a small increase in warming can have a significant impact on these glaciers.”
• The study found that between 1988 and 2022, the number of glaciers fluctuated widely. In 1988, the observed number of glaciers was 756, decreasing to 708 in 1995, 699 glaciers in 2000, and then increasing to 726 in 2005. Subsequent years showed fluctuations too, with 697 observed glaciers in 2010, 714 in 2015, and 646 in 2022.
• Behind these fluctuations is the steady retreat of glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh, the study says. “As glaciers retreat, particularly larger ones, they have a tendency to break into two or more fragmented forms,” explained Hazarika.
• While these glaciers stood over an area of over 585 square kilometres in 1988, they decreased to around 275 square kilometres in 2020.
•  “The overall annual rate of area change for the glaciers was observed at 16.94 square kilometres per year during the entire study period (1988–2020). Glacial retreat has led to exposure of the bedrock of a glacier in Northern Arunachal Pradesh,” the study says.

Growth of glacial lakes

• The study was able to capture these changes using 51 satellite images. Inventorising glaciers is useful for studying their changes over time, said. “Recording a reduction in glaciers is not unusual, but tracking these changes over time can help indicate the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures,” .
• Another study that conducted a similar exercise on glaciers also looked at the formation of glacier lakes – lakes that result from glacier melt – in the Mago River Basin, Subansiri River Basin, and Dibang River Basin. This 2023 study by researchers from North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) in Itanagar, similarly found evidence of glacial retreat across all three basins.
• This retreat corresponds with an increase in glacial lakes across the study areas. Between 1995 and 2020, glacial lakes in the Dibang Basin grew from 20 to 22 (covering 3.1 square kilometres). In the Mago basin, glacial lakes increased from 15 in 1988 to 25 lakes in 2017, covering an area of 2.11 square kilometres, while in the Subansiri Basin, the number of glacial lakes increased from four in 2013 to five in 2022 (covering 0.85 square kilometres).
• “The Dibang Basin consists of the highest number of glacier lakes due to its relatively lower elevation compared to the other two basins,” the study says, adding, “These fluctuations will impact the pace of lake expansion and the likelihood of outburst events in each of the sub-regions in the future.”
• Arnab Bandyopadhyay, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering at NERIST, said this research would lend itself well to analysing GLOF susceptibility in the state.
• In 2023, a GLOF caused widespread damage in the state of Sikkim. “Satellite imagery has made it possible to create an inventory of glaciers in places where ground truthing is nearly impossible. Having an accurate inventory can help accurately model water basins too.

Rhododendron survival depends on its conservation

•  India Rhododendrons belong to the family Ericaceae and are primarily trees of the mountains. Rhododendrons also include several species of ornamental flowering shrubs of which azaleas are better-known.
• Subject to taxonomic considerations, there may be around 1,000 species of rhododendrons in the world.
• These occur from North America in the west to Japan in the east. They are also found in the southern hemisphere till Australia. Nevertheless, the centre of diversity of rhododendrons lies within the South and East Asian regions.
• More specifically, the Himalayan mountain range that falls largely within the Indian subcontinent, may be one of the most important centres of local diversity of these gorgeous flowering trees.

Origin, distribution and habitat

• The family Ericaceae may have first emerged 68 million years ago around the time that Earth lost its dinosaurs.
• Fossilised leaves specifically attributed to rhododendrons have been dated back to 50 million years before present. Ancestors of rhododendrons are most likely camelias (to which belongs tea, Camelia sinensis) and magnolias (Magnoliaceae).
• The widely grown fragrant yellow-orange flowers called sampige, champak, etc., also used in South Indian rituals, belong to the family of plants called magnolias.
• Although rhododendron trees are most commonly associated with higher elevations, some species such as Rhododendron arboreum can also be seen in the lower hill-slopes.
•  In Himachal Pradesh (HP), rhododendrons can be so common in certain elevations that there is a vegetation type specifically named after it. Birch-Rhododendron Scrub is a vegetation type that occurs in the Joginder Nagar-Mandi landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
• In the Mandi district of HP, Rhododendron arboreum is associated with the Upper Himalayan chir-pine forests.
• This vegetation type occurs between elevations of 600 m and 2,200 m. And when it is present along the north-northwest and west facing slopes that receive sunlight only in the afternoons and evenings, Rhododendrons can be found. The presence of Rhododendron arboreum in the lower elevations is apparently determined by the northwesterly aspect in the western Himalayan region.
• The only species of rhododendron found south of the Himalayas is Rhododendron arboreum. This is one of the many species of relic plants that possibly reached the Western Ghats from the Himalayan region during the Pleistocene glacial periods or even earlier.
• It is commonly known as the Nilgiri Rhododendron and scientifically as an endemic subspecies named Rhododendron arboreum nilagiricum. It is not however confined to the Nilgiri mountains but is also found in the Palani and Anamalai massifs.
• Unlike in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats’ Rhododendron arboreum is found in the open montane grasslands where it is well-adapted to strong winds, heavy rains and the fires that consume the grasses from time to time.

Rhododendrons and people

• The brilliantly-coloured rose-like large flowers of the rhododendron trees have fascinated people around the globe.. In India, it is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland and in Uttarakhand and Sikkim, it is the state tree. Flowers of some species are used in traditional rituals and also locally consumed.
• In Mandi, for instance, rhododendron flowers are harvested in large quantities, dried in the sun and used for various culinary purposes. Most commonly prepared cuisine is a form of chutney.
• The shrubby azaleas are favourite ornamental garden plants in western countries. Hundreds of varieties have been bred and sold contributing enormously to the livelihoods and economy of ornamental plant breeders and ornamental plant nurseries.
• Azaleas being shrubs, they can be raised even in pots making them ideal garden plants in temperate countries. They also attract honey bees.
• The family Ericaceae has many other economically important species of plants. This is the family to which heather belongs. Blueberry, cranberry and other popular fruits that are now available worldwide, both raw and in processed forms, belong to the family of rhododendrons and azaleas.

The need for rigorous scientific research

• Taxonomic research should try to unravel the real status of the Nilgiri Rhododendron. After being isolated from its Himalayan ancestors for ten-thousands of years, it cannot be the same species.
• Its morphological characteristics and habitat preference suggest that it has locally adapted and evolved into something rather different from its Himalayan counterpart. Genetic variations, if any, between the Himalayan and the widely separated Western Ghats’ populations should be investigated.
• This is important since whether it is an endemic species or subspecies is not yet fully resolved. For instance, some botanists treat it as an endemic species with the scientific name Rhododendron nilagiricum. However, the India Biodiversity Portal, continues to treat it as an endemic subspecies.

Conserving rhododendrons

• According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), hundreds of rhododendron species are conservation-dependent. One species (R. retrorsipilum) is extinct. Another is extinct in the wild.
•  Thirty-six species are critically endangered. Thirty-nine species are endangered. Two hundred and forty-one species are vulnerable and sixty-six are near threatened. This would mean that 30-40% of the world’s rhododendron species are conservation-dependent.
• The main threats to their long-term survival are habitat loss (including deforestation) and climate change. Many Himalayan species of rhododendrons prefer to grow along the slopes.
• Landslides triggered by deforestation can prove to be a major threat to their survival. Further, chir-pine with which certain species of rhododendrons are locally associated and are vulnerable to forest fires.
•  Shed leaves of chir-pine are highly inflammable and thus aid rapid spread of forest fires devastating vast stretches of vegetation.
• The Nilgiri Rhododendron exists in the form of scattered individuals or in clusters locally and only within the three major massifs of the Western Ghats. The montane grasslands in which they are most often found are currently among the most threatened natural habitats in the tropics.
• Conservation of these grasslands has emerged as the biggest challenge in the 21^st century.
• High altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats have primarily suffered due to insufficient understanding of their ecological significance and antiquity. According to paleobiologists of the French Institute of Pondicherry the montane grasslands have persisted through millennia only varying in their overall extent in response to prehistoric shifts in the climate. 
•  The paleobiologists have arrived at this inference based on the study of microfossils called ‘phytoliths’ (including pollen) that remain buried in soil and peat for thousands of years.
• International trade may also be a reason for the decimation of wild rhododendrons. According to sources, annual international trade in Rhododendrons and azaleas is to the tune of $110 million.
• The largest exporter is Belgium and the biggest importer is the Netherlands. Many other countries including the USA, Japan and Australia are involved in the international trade of Rhododendrons and azaleas. India is also an exporter.
• A diverse family of plants that emerged soon after we lost dinosaurs and became widely established even before the Himalayas came into existence are certainly antiques of the plant kingdom.
• Rhododendrons are indeed the ‘gems of the mountain’. Conservation of these fascinating woody plants and their highly fragile habitats should be given very high priority. In the absence of a proper conservation plan, many more species of rhododendron may soon find a place in the IUCN’s Red List.

UN Security Council to meet over Iran’s growing stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium

•  The United Nations Security Council will meet behind closed doors on Wednesday over Iran’s expansion of its stock of uranium close to weapons grade, diplomats said on Monday.
• The meeting was requested by six of the council’s 15 members – France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, Britain and the U.S.
• They also want the council to discuss Iran’s obligation to provide the U.N. nuclear watchdog – the International Atomic Energy Agency – with “the information necessary to clarify outstanding issues related to undeclared nuclear material detected at multiple locations in Iran,” diplomats said.
• Iran’s mission to the U.N. in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the planned meeting.
• Iran has denied wanting to develop a nuclear weapon. However, it is “dramatically” accelerating enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% weapons-grade level, the IAEA has warned.
• Western states say there is no need to enrich uranium to such a high level under any civilian program and that no other country has done so without producing nuclear bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.
• Iran reached a deal in 2015 with Britain, Germany, France, the U.S., Russia and China – known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – that lifted sanctions on Tehran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program.
• Washington quit the agreement in 2018 during Donald Trump’s first term as U.S. president, and Iran began moving away from its nuclear-related commitments.
• Britain, France and Germany have told the U.N. Security Council that they are ready – if needed – to trigger a so-called snap back of all international sanctions on Iran to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
• They will lose the ability to take such action on October 18 this year when the 2015 U.N. resolution on the deal expires. Trump has directed his U.N. envoy to work with allies to snap back international sanctions and restrictions on Iran.

INS Tarkash assists Iranian Dhow in Indian Ocean rescue mission

• The Indian Navy’s warship INS Tarkash successfully conducted a rescue mission in the Indian Ocean, assisting an Iranian dhow and its distressed crew near the Somali coast.
• The Iranian vessel had issued a distress call after facing a critical shortage of drinking water and sustaining injuries to one of its crew members due to severe weather conditions.
• Responding swiftly, the crew of INS Tarkash repaired the dhow’s defective Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, restoring its drinking water supply. Additionally, the warship’s medical team provided immediate first aid to the injured sailor, stabilizing his condition.
• This mission is part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to ensure maritime safety in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reinforcing India’s proactive role in humanitarian assistance and regional stability at sea.
• India and Iran share a historically deep-rooted relationship, supported by diplomatic ties, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges.
• The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), established in 2013, continues to strengthen cultural bonds, while tourism remains an important point of engagement.
• Relations between the two nations saw significant advancement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran in 2016, during which both sides signed the Trilateral Agreement on Trade, Transport, and Transit with Afghanistan. In 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to India further bolstered ties with the release of the statement “Towards Prosperity Through Greater Connectivity.”
• Trade remains a vital component of the partnership, with India ranking among Iran’s top five trade partners. India exports rice, pharmaceuticals, and electrical machinery, while Iran supplies dry fruits, chemicals, and glassware.
• INS Tarkash''s assistance to the Iranian dhow underscores India''s dedication to regional stability, demonstrating how the longstanding Indo-Iranian partnership extends beyond diplomacy into real-world cooperation on the high seas.

Namami Gange Programme achieves major milestones in river Ganga restoration

•  The Namami Gange Programme, launched by the Government of India in 2014, has marked significant progress in its mission to rejuvenate the sacred River Ganga. With an integrated approach encompassing pollution abatement, ecological restoration, capacity building, and community engagement, the initiative stands as a testament to India’s commitment to preserving its most revered river.
• The programme, backed by a financial outlay of Rs. 42,500 crore, is designed as a long-term investment, ensuring sustainability through annuity payments and operational maintenance over a 17-year cycle.
•  Of the Rs. 20,424.82 crore allocated between 2014-15 and 2023-24, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has disbursed Rs. 16,648.49 crore, amounting to 82% of the total budget.
• The adoption of the Hybrid Annuity Model has played a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of sewage treatment plants (STPs), ensuring that pollution control measures remain effective in the years to come.
• The achievements of the programme are evident in the significant expansion of sewage treatment capacity, which has surged to 3,446 MLD—an astonishing thirtyfold increase compared to pre-2014 levels. Over the past eight years, 127 projects and 152 STPs have been completed, contributing immensely to restoring the purity of the Ganga.
• Financial contributions from the Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) have further bolstered efforts, with donations pouring in from individuals, non-resident Indians, and corporate entities. Notably, individual citizens form the backbone of this funding initiative, accounting for 95% of contributions, while private corporations and public sector enterprises make up the remaining 5%.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported remarkable improvements in water quality across multiple states. In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, the stretch of the Ganga from Kannauj to Varanasi, which was classified under PRS III in 2015 due to high biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels, has now improved to PRS V, reflecting significantly reduced pollution.
• Over 90% of the state’s 135 operational STPs are now compliant with pollution control norms. Bihar has witnessed similar progress, with the river stretch from Buxar to Bhagalpur improving from PRS II in 2015 to PRS IV in 2022.
• Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the Triveni to Diamond Harbour stretch has also shown positive results, advancing from PRS III to PRS IV.
•  The impact is equally visible in Prayagraj, where treatment capacity has increased from 268 MLD in 2017 to 348 MLD in 2024, and all previously untapped drains have now been addressed. In Varanasi, treatment capacity has quadrupled from 100 MLD to 420 MLD, with only one drain remaining partially untapped.
• Beyond pollution control, the ecological revival of the river is evident in the resurgence of the Gangetic Dolphin population.
• According to a study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the dolphin population has grown from 3,330 (+/- 630) in 2018 to 3,936 (+/- 763) in 2024. These endangered species have even been spotted in previously unrecorded locations, indicating improved aquatic health in multiple regions.
• The Namami Gange Programme has also garnered international recognition, earning a place among the Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiatives under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in December 2022. Further strengthening its global standing, the International Water Association has honored the NMCG as a Climate Smart Utility, underscoring India’s commitment to sustainable water management.

No boundaries for India-Mauritius ties, will work for our people: PM Modi

•  India and Mauritius reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence, maritime security, and cultural cooperation, with both countries acknowledging the strategic depth their partnership has acquired.
•  During high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the leaders underscored their shared vision for a free, open, safe, and secure Indian Ocean Region.

Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation

• Recognizing maritime security as a key pillar of their bilateral relations, both leaders agreed to work closely in countering maritime challenges and protecting regional strategic interests.
• The Prime Minister of Mauritius expressed gratitude for India’s unwavering support in safeguarding its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through the provision of defence assets, joint maritime surveillance, hydrographic surveys, and regular patrolling.
• “India has emerged as a significant security provider for Mauritius,” said Prime Minister Ramgoolam, acknowledging India’s assistance in refitting Coast Guard Ships Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda.
• Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening Mauritius’ defence capabilities under its Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). “Mauritius is a special maritime partner for India. Our shared objectives in the region drive us to continue supporting its defence and security needs,” he stated.
• The two leaders agreed to enhance maritime cooperation through increased deployment of ships and aircraft, further secure Mauritius’ EEZ using the newly built Agalega runway and jetty, and assist in setting up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre to bolster maritime domain awareness. India also committed to providing expertise in marine operations and port security while supporting customized training initiatives for the Mauritius Police Force.

Regional and Multilateral Collaboration

• Discussions also covered regional geopolitical matters, including the ongoing dialogue between Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the Chagos Islands. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s “firm and unwavering support” to Mauritius on the issue, a gesture appreciated by Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
• The two leaders pledged to advance regional cooperation through frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Colombo Security Conclave, Global Biofuels Alliance, International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
• They welcomed India’s upcoming chairmanship of IORA for 2025-26, recognizing its potential to enhance regional maritime security.

Deepening Cultural and People-to-People Ties

• Highlighting the historical and cultural connections between India and Mauritius, both leaders expressed a strong commitment to preserving their shared heritage. Efforts will be made to support the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in documenting the records of indentured Indian workers, with institutional backing from the National Archives of India.
• Diaspora engagement will be strengthened through initiatives such as the Know India Programme, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and scholarships for Mauritian students. The leaders also discussed expanding tourism and cultural exchanges, including visits to religious sites in India, such as Char Dham and the Ramayana Trail.
• To facilitate labor mobility, both nations agreed to expedite the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labor recruitment between Mauritius and India.

A Strategic Partnership for the Future

• Expressing satisfaction with the comprehensive discussions, both leaders acknowledged the evolution of the India-Mauritius relationship into a model bilateral partnership in the region. “Our special and close bilateral ties set a standard for cooperation,” they stated in a joint declaration, emphasizing their shared vision of elevating the relationship into an enhanced strategic partnership that benefits both nations.
• Prime Minister Ramgoolam thanked Prime Minister Modi for his presence as the Guest of Honour at Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations, marking the anniversary of the country’s independence and the 33rd anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius.

Historical and Cultural Bonds

• The relationship between India and Mauritius is unique, with nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population being of Indian origin. This shared heritage forms the foundation of their close ties.
• Cultural exchanges and festivals have been pivotal in maintaining these bonds, reflecting India’s soft power influence in the region.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit

• Participation in the National Day Celebrations:
• Modi will be the chief guest at the National Day of Mauritius on March 12, indicating the respect which India holds for the island-nation’s sovereignty and historical linkages. 
• Indian defense forces and an Indian naval ship will also be participating, symbolizing goodwill and solidarity.
• Inauguration of India-Funded Projects
• Modi will inaugurate major infrastructure projects like the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both financed through India’s grant assistance.
• Over 20 projects supported by India focusing on community development and capacity building will be inaugurated.
• Bilateral Discussion
• With the Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and President Dharambeer Gokhool, he will discuss strengthening cooperation in maritime security, financial crime prevention, and civil service training.
• Several MoUs are expected to be signed in areas such as trade, small and medium enterprises, and cross-border financial crime management. 
• Engagement with the Indian Diaspora:
• Modi will meet members of the Indian-origin community in Mauritius, solidifying the people-to-people aspect of the relationship.

Strategic Importance of Mauritius

• Vision SAGAR
• Mauritius serves as an important part of India’s Vision SAGAR, which strives to ensure maritime security and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region, promising work together for security and growth for all in the region.
• In India’s case, the island country serves as a source of strength in countering the threats posed by non-regional players and enables economic growth in its area.
• Economic Ties:
• Since 2005, India has been an important trading partner of Mauritius. Bilateral trade, which has been increasing, has now reached USD 554 million in terms of trade in 2022-23. 
• Indian exports comprise pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, while Mauritius fuels its exports with sugar and seafood. 
• Maritime Security Cooperation: 
• The visit shall focus much on the strengthening of maritime security through agreements on fighting piracy, illegal fishing, and several such issues in the Indian Ocean.

Significance of the Visit

• Reinforcement of commitment: 
• Through it, India formally reaffirms its commitment to its long-standing bilateral relationship with Mauritius while relooking into other new avenues for collaboration. 
• An evident step forward, it shows India’s role as a trustworthy partner for small nations in their quest for sustainable development. 
• Geopolitical Implications: 
• Strengthening ties with Mauritius is crucial for India at a time when the Chinese presence is increasingly manifest in the Indian Ocean region. 
• By building infrastructure and capacity, India makes itself a development partner rather than an extension of its debt-driven power with the money-tagged projects.
• Challenges Ahead
• While relations remain strong, challenges such as balancing trade deficits, addressing financial crime concerns, and countering external influences need continuous attention.
• Ensuring that projects funded by India deliver tangible benefits to local communities is essential for sustaining goodwill.
• Conclusion
• Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius is a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations. By focusing on areas like maritime security, economic cooperation, and cultural ties, this visit seeks to adapt their relationship to contemporary challenges while honoring their shared history. As global uncertainties persist, strengthening such alliances becomes vital for regional stability and growth.
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PM Internship Scheme: a golden opportunity for the youth of India.

With the deadline of the second phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) being extended from March 12 to March 31, 2025, this much ambitious employment scheme has again acquired spotlight.

• The PMIS aims to offer over one crore internship opportunities to young Indians, as announced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Following the success of Round One, which was initiated on October 3, 2024, and had garnered more than 600,000 applications, this round seeks to provide practical experience and skill-building opportunities across 730 districts in the country.
• The central government has launched the Prime Minister Internship Scheme with the aim of preparing youth for employment.
• Under this scheme, young people are being provided with practical experience in the top 500 companies across 24 major industries, including oil and gas, banking, financial services, travel, hospitality, automotive, manufacturing, and FMCG.
•  Given the increasing interest in this scheme, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has extended the application deadline to March 31. Notably, this ambitious scheme aims to provide one crore internship opportunities over the next five years.

Objectives and Benefits of the Scheme

• The main goal of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme is to prepare young people for employment by providing them with practical training in various industries.
• During the internship, the government provides financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 per month, with Rs. 4,500 coming from the government and Rs. 500 from the company offering the internship. Additionally, the government provides a one-time grant of Rs. 6,000 to start the internship. Interns are also given insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

Internship Opportunities in Every District

• This scheme is being implemented in 730 districts across India, allowing young people to gain work experience in their own district. Over 500 companies have already joined the scheme. Additionally, SC, ST, OBC, and disabled candidates are being given priority to ensure equal opportunities for youth from all sections of society.

Success of the Scheme and Future Prospects

• The Prime Minister Internship Scheme is a revolutionary initiative to provide employment to the youth of India. The scheme not only provides practical experience to young people but also offers companies access to a skilled and trained workforce. The first phase of the scheme has received an excellent response. So far, 1.27 lakh internship opportunities have been posted, with 6.21 lakh applications received, and 4.87 lakh youths have completed their KYC registration.
• The government has also opened applications for the second phase, offering more than 100,000 new internships. More than 300 companies from sectors like oil, gas, banking, FMCG, automotive, metal, mining, and manufacturing are offering these opportunities in 730 districts across India.
• The central government and companies are working together to make this scheme a success by conducting awareness programs in colleges, universities, ITIs, and job fairs. Additionally, digital and social media campaigns are being used to connect more youth with the scheme.

The Rubber Board to kick off geo-mapping of plantations; growers hopeful of better prices

• With the Rubber Board set to begin geo-mapping of rubber plantations in Kerala , rubber growers are hopeful that the move will lead to better prices for their produce.
• The initiative is a key step in certifying natural rubber under the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber framework, aligning Indian rubber production with the European Union Deforestation Regulation

Rubber Plantations in India

• Rubber cultivation in India began in 1895 on the hill slopes of Kerala, with commercial-scale production starting in 1902. Today, India is the third-largest producer of natural rubber globally, with Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka being major production centers.
• Natural rubber is preferred over synthetic rubber due to its superior properties like high tensile strength and vibration-dampening capabilities, making it crucial for industries such as construction and automobiles.

Objectives of Geo-Mapping

• Enhancing Market Access: One of the prime objectives for the geo-mapping is to enhance market access by rubber growers. It aims to ensure insurers provide access to plant and plantation mapping to allow the creation of a clear and traceable supply chain against which the prices paid by growers can be assessed internationally as relevant for their product.
• Provide Compliance: Geo-mapping is equally relevant for fulfilling the Deforestation Regulation of the European Union (EUDR), mandating that commodities entering into the EU market should be deforestation-free after December 31, 2020. By geo-mapping the origin of rubber, India can claim that its natural rubber exports are free from these conditions and still are within the purview of the EU market.
• Development of Traceability Systems: The initiative includes development of such an effective traceability system, which guarantees the origin of rubber. The basis of due diligence certification further strengthens the credibility of Indian rubber compared to international markets through risk assessment and legality analysis.

Benefits:

• Improved Prices: Complying with such sustainable development requirements opens the door for a better price from the end of the grower. Because the sustainability standards themselves will be verified by the traceability and certification process, buyers will have confidence in the quality and sustainability of the rubber with time, which will lead to increasing demand and higher prices.
• Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) Accreditation II: The iSNR accreditation framework provides free certification for farmers and growers with natural rubber meeting all sustainability requirements. This is compulsory for rubber products that are to be marketed in accordance with EUDR and thus provides an edge in the international market for growers.

Technical Aspects :

• GIS-Based Mapping: Geo-mapping involves using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create detailed maps of plantations. This technology allows for precise documentation of land use, ownership, and boundaries. GIS-based soil fertility mapping, as seen in Mizoram, also helps in optimizing fertilizer application, reducing costs for growers.
• Soil Fertility Mapping: In addition to geo-mapping, soil fertility mapping is another critical aspect of improving rubber cultivation efficiency. By analyzing soil samples for various nutrients, growers can apply fertilizers based on specific needs, avoiding overuse or underuse. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances environmental sustainability by minimizing chemical inputs.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: There are several challenges geo-mapping and certification bring with them. Major is the capital investment required to cover costs associated with installation of equipment, technology and training requirements. Other challenges are the continuous monitoring and regular updating to conform to new regulations.
• Opportunity: Geo-mapping presents great opportunities for Indian rubber growers. India has opened many opportunities by aligning itself with international standards and thus being a big player in the trade that serves most of the world’s rubber needs. Sustainability and growing awareness create a whole new range of consumers wanting “green” products in their lives and will end up being buyers in the global market of Indian natural rubber.

Conclusion

• The Rubber Board’s initiative to geo-map rubber plantations in Kerala is a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Indian natural rubber in the global market. By improving market access, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and promoting sustainable practices, this initiative is poised to benefit both growers and the environment.
• As India continues to play a significant role in the global rubber industry, such initiatives will be crucial in maintaining its position as a major producer and exporter of natural rubber.

Govt introduces third edition of PM-YUVA for aspiring writers

• The Ministry of Education launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0). The initiative aims to train young authors under the age of 30 to promote reading, writing, and book culture in India. The program provides mentorship and publishing opportunities to enhance Indian literature on a global platform.
• PM-YUVA 3.0 builds on the participation of young authors in 22 Indian languages and English in its previous editions.
• The scheme aligns with the government’s effort to encourage youth to engage with India’s heritage, culture, and contributions of key figures. It focuses on three themes: the role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and makers of modern India from 1950 to 2025.
• The scheme is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the need to create a knowledge-driven ecosystem. India’s youth, which makes up 66% of the population, is seen as a potential resource for intellectual and creative development. The initiative aims to develop a generation of writers capable of contributing to literature and knowledge-sharing.
• The National Book Trust, India, will oversee the implementation of PM-YUVA 3.0. The selected manuscripts will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages to encourage literary exchange.
• The initiative includes interactions with experienced writers, participation in literary events, and opportunities for selected authors to contribute to contemporary discourse.
• The program focuses on documenting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in various spheres, including political, economic, and socio-cultural fields. It also explores the Indian Knowledge System as a source of historical knowledge and its role in generating new opportunities. The scheme covers the work of visionaries in education, science, economy, and social empowerment over the years.
• PM-YUVA 3.0 will begin with an all-India contest conducted via MyGov from March 11 to April 10. Fifty young authors will be selected—10 for the Indian diaspora theme, 20 for the Indian Knowledge System, and 20 for makers of modern India.
• The selected candidates will be announced between May and June 2025 and will receive mentorship from June 30 to December 30, 2025. A national camp for the authors will take place at the New Delhi World Book Fair in 2026.