PIB Summary- 28th March, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

INSPIRE SCHEME

Context

The INSPIRE scheme is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to attract, nurture, and retain talented youth in science.

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.

Restoration of mangroves

Context

The Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration.

The government is implementing various measures to conserve and restore mangrove ecosystems across coastal regions.

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.