PIB Summary- 9th January, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests created in Prayagraj in last two years using Miyawaki Technique

Project Overview

• Dense forests developed across Prayagraj to provide a clean and healthy atmosphere for Mahakumbh 2025.
• Utilized Miyawaki technique to create multiple oxygen banks over two years.
• Aims to improve air quality, promote environmental conservation, and manage industrial waste.

Locations & Plantations

• Naini Industrial Area: Largest plantation with 1.2 lakh trees from 63 species.
• Baswar Dump Yard: 27,000 trees from 27 species planted after cleaning the city’s largest garbage dump.
• Total area covered: 55,800 sq. meters across 10 locations.

Species Planted

• Fruit-bearing trees: Mango, Mahua, Amla, Lemon, Tamarind, etc.
• Medicinal plants: Tulsi, Brahmi, Drumstick (Sahjan).
• Ornamental plants: Hibiscus, Kadamba, Bougainvillea, Gulmohar.
• Other trees: Neem, Peepal, Teak, Arjuna, Bamboo, Sheesham, Mahogany, Kaner, Kachnar.

Environmental Benefits

• Air Quality Improvement: Reduced dust, dirt, and foul odours.
• Temperature Regulation: Dense forests lower temperature by 4 to 7°C during summers.
• Biodiversity Boost: Creates habitats for birds and animals.
• Soil Health: Prevents soil erosion and improves soil fertility.
• Pollution Control: Absorbs carbon, reduces air and water pollution.

Expert Insights

• Dr. N.B. Singh (former Botany professor):
  • Dense forests reduce the temperature difference between day and night.
  • Help improve biodiversity and soil fertility.
  • Offer habitats for wildlife, thus improving the ecological balance.

Miyawaki Technique Highlights

• Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
• Involves dense planting of native species to mimic natural forests.
• 10x faster growth compared to traditional methods.
• Ideal for urban spaces and polluted lands.
• Benefits:
  • Improves soil quality and biodiversity.
  • Carbon absorption and temperature control.
  • Waste management and pollution reduction.
  • Ecological restoration of barren and degraded lands.

Significance for Mahakumbh 2025

• Ensures clean air for millions of devotees expected to visit.
• Strengthens environmental conservation efforts.
• Showcase of sustainable urban planning in Prayagraj.

Relevance for Environmental Governance:

• Emphasizes urban afforestation as a tool for climate mitigation.
• Aligns with India’s climate commitments under SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Demonstrates waste management through ecological restoration.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Introduction

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated biennially on January 9th to honor the Indian diaspora’s contributions.

• Established in 2003 under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a platform to engage overseas Indians.
• Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to promote India’s global outreach.
• Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915.

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2025)

• Scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Theme: “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

Key Highlights:
Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Day 1):

• Inaugurated by EAM, Youth Affairs Minister, and Odisha CM.
• Focus on reconnecting Pravasi youth with their roots.

Day 2: Inauguration by PM Modi

• Launch of Pravasi Bharatiya Express under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
• Inauguration of four exhibitions:
  • Vishwaroop Ram – Legacy of Ramayana.
  • Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology.
  • Evolution of Indian Diaspora – Mandvi to Muscat.
  • Heritage and Culture of Odisha.

Day 3: Valedictory Session

• Closing remarks by President Droupadi Murmu.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards presented to NRIs/PIOs for their contributions.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)

• Prestigious award conferred on NRIs/PIOs for outstanding achievements.
• Presented by the President of India during the valedictory session.
• Recognizes contributions in education, science, arts, trade, social work, and philanthropy.

Themes of Plenary Sessions (2025)

• Diaspora Youth Leadership: Encouraging global youth engagement.
• Migrant Skills: Stories of bridging cultural and social gaps.
• Sustainable Development: Diaspora’s role in green initiatives.
• Women’s Leadership: Celebrating Nari Shakti among diaspora women.
• Cultural Connections: Exploring shared cultural heritage.

17th PBD Convention (2023)

• Held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (Jan 8-10, 2023).
• Theme: “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal”.
• Distinguished guests: Presidents of Guyana and Suriname.

Objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

• Recognize contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress.
• Promote India’s image abroad through the diaspora.
• Strengthen India’s causes on global platforms.
• Facilitate engagement between overseas Indians and their homeland.

Significance of PBD

• Enhances India’s soft power by building connections with the global diaspora.
• Fosters cultural, economic, and technological exchanges.
• Supports India’s global aspirations through diaspora contributions.

Conclusion
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrates the Indian diaspora as a valuable asset in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. It highlights the diaspora’s role in nation-building, emphasizing cultural pride, technological advancements, and sustainable development. Through PBD, India strengthens its global ties and channels the expertise and resources of its overseas community for national progress.