28 March 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1.  INSPIRE SCHEME

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2115859 )

The INSPIRE Scheme:

• It aims to expand the R&D base of India by supporting students from school to postdoctoral levels.
• The INSPIRE scheme comprises multiple components, supporting students from school to postdoctoral research levels.
• INSPIRE Internship exposes the top 1% of Class X students to science camps, Nobel Laureates, and renowned scientists to encourage scientific curiosity.
• INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) provides 12,000 scholarships of ₹80,000 per year for five years to top science students for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• INSPIRE Fellowship supports M.Sc. 1st rank holders and INSPIRE Scholars with funding for a full-time Ph.D. program in recognized institutions.
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship offers ₹1,25,000 per month and a ₹7 lakh annual research grant to postdoctoral researchers for five years.
• The scheme covers basic and applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences to promote research careers.

2. Restoration of mangroves

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2115836 )

Mangrove Cover in India

• Mangrove forests are found along the coastline in 9 States and 4 Union Territories.
• As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India has 4,991.68 sq. km of mangrove cover.
• This accounts for 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
• Between 2013 and 2023, India saw a 7.86% increase in mangrove cover (363.68 sq. km).
• Between 2001 and 2023, the mangrove cover increased by 11.4% (509.68 sq. km).

Regulatory Measures for Mangrove Protection

• The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 classifies mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
• Limited activities are allowed in these areas to ensure their protection.
• If mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 square meters, a 50-meter buffer zone is required.
• If any mangroves are lost due to development, three times the lost trees must be replanted.

Promotional Measures for Mangrove Conservation

Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)

• Aims to restore and conserve 540 sq. km of mangroves across India.
• Educates coastal communities about the environmental benefits of mangroves.
• ₹17.96 crore has been allocated for mangrove restoration efforts in 2024-25.

Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs Scheme

• Provides financial assistance to 38 identified mangrove sites and 4 coral reef sites.
• Funds are shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Central and State Governments.
• ₹8.58 crore has been given to 7 coastal states (2021-2023) for mangrove conservation.

Enhancing Coastal Resilience of Indian Coastal Community (GCF-ECRICC)

• Aims to restore 10,575 ha of mangroves in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• 3,114.29 ha of mangroves have been restored between 2019 and 2024.

Please check this out  27 March 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC