PIB Summary - 28th June 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar

Strategic Export Milestone

First-ever consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Qatar and UAE (Dubai) flagged off.

Boosts India’s presence in high-value, fresh fruit export markets of the Middle East.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy , Agriculture, Export)

Institutional Collaboration & Support

Facilitated by APEDA (under Ministry of Commerce & Industry) in collaboration with:

• Department of Horticulture, Punjab
• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• Lulu Group and local progressive farmers .

Horticultural Potential of Punjab

Punjab contributed 12.39% of India’s litchi production in FY 2023–24.

Pathankot’s favorable agro-climatic conditions make it an emerging export-oriented hub.

• National yield: 71,490 MT from 4,327 ha (avg. 16.5 MT/ha).

Export & Economic Impact

• Twin exports: 1 MT to Qatar and 0.5 MT to UAE mark diversification of India’s fruit basket.
• FY 2024–25 (Apr–Mar): Fruit & veg exports stood at USD 3.87 billion, up 5.67% YoY.
• Litchi joins mango, banana, grape, orange as global exports, along with niche fruits like cherry, jamun.

Farmer Empowerment & Policy Implications

• Enables market access and income boost for farmers via high-value global chains.
• Aligned with India’s agri-export policy and vision of turning farmers into export entrepreneurs.
• APEDA playing a pivotal role in linking FPOs, FPCs, and individual growers to international markets.

Litchi:

Type: Perennial, subtropical fruit crop from the Sapindaceae family.

Botanical Name: Litchi chinensis

Origin: Native to South China, but widely cultivated in India, especially in Bihar, West Bengal, UP, Punjab.

Agro-Climatic Requirements

• Climate: Requires warm, humid climate with short dry winters.
• Temperature: Ideal range: 20–35°C; Sensitive to frost and extreme cold.
• Rainfall: Annual rainfall of 1000–2000 mm, but excessive rain during flowering harms fruiting.

Soil Conditions

• Soil Type: Grows best in deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
• Avoid: Saline, alkaline, and waterlogged soils.

Crop Cycle

• Planting Time: July–August or February–March (depending on region).
• Fruit Bearing: Starts from 4th–5th year, with economic yield after 8–10 years.
• Harvest Season: May to July (varies by region).

Economic Importance

High market demand for fresh consumption and processing (juices, pulps, canned fruit).

• India is 2nd largest producer globally after China.

Pros of Litchi

• Nutrient-Rich: Excellent source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, and potassium.
• Boosts Immunity: High antioxidant content helps fight free radicals and infections.
• Hydrating Fruit: High water content makes it ideal for summer consumption.
• Export Potential: High demand in Gulf & Southeast Asian markets due to aroma, taste, and shelf life.
• Agro-Climatic Advantage: Grows well in regions like Bihar, Punjab, West Bengal, and Tripura.

Cons of Litchi

• Highly Perishable: Short shelf life; requires cold-chain logistics for exports. 
• Seasonal Availability: Limited to a short harvesting window (May–June). 
• Potential Health Risk: Unripe litchis linked to acute encephalitis cases in malnourished children (due to hypoglycin A). 
• Price Volatility: Farmers often face fluctuating returns due to lack of processing infrastructure. 

Scientists uncovers an exciting use of Teak leaf which offers a natural, biodegradable laser shield towards protecting delicate optical devices and human eyes from high-power laser radiation

Innovative Use of Natural Waste

• Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract can be used as a natural shield against lasers.
• This extract is derived from agricultural waste and is rich in anthocyanins, which are natural pigments with special properties that affect how light interacts with materials.

Relevance: GS 3 (Science, Technology, Environment)

Scientific Breakthrough

• The researchers observed a phenomenon called Nonlinear optics in the teak dye, specifically Reverse Saturable Absorption (RSA). This means that the dye absorbs more light as its intensity increases, making it suitable for optical power limiting.
• To confirm the dye's suitability for this purpose, the scientists used techniques such as Z-scan and Spatial Self-Phase Modulation (SSPM) experiments.

Applications in Laser Safety

• The teak leaf extract has potential applications in protecting human eyes, sensors, and delicate optical devices from high-power laser radiation.
• It is relevant for use in medical equipment, military lasers, and various industrial applications.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternative

• The teak dye offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic optical limiters made from materials like graphene, fullerenes, and metal nanoparticles, which are toxic and expensive.
• Unlike these synthetic materials, the teak dye is biodegradable, compostable, low-cost, and environmentally safe.

Potential for Commercial Use

• The research could lead to the development of eco-friendly products such as laser safety goggles, sensor shields, and coatings for optical equipment.
• This promotes the long-term growth of green photonic technologies.

Women-Led Innovation

• The research was led by Dr. Beryl C, a DST Women Scientist, highlighting the importance of both scientific innovation and gender representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Teak: Tree Profile

• Type: Hardwood deciduous tree, primarily grown for timber.
• Botanical Name: Tectona grandis
• Family: Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae)
• Native to: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos
• Commercial Use: Known for durable, termite-resistant wood used in furniture, shipbuilding, construction.

Agro-Climatic Requirements

• Climate: Tropical climate, with moderate to high temperatures (25–35°C).
• Rainfall: Ideal annual rainfall: 1200–2500 mm.
• Sunlight: Requires full sunlight; sensitive to frost.

Soil Conditions

• Soil Type: Thrives in deep, well-drained alluvial or loamy soils.
• pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic).
• Avoids: waterlogged or saline soils.

Growth & Harvesting

• Rotation Period: Harvestable in 20–25 years, though longer cycles (50+ years) yield premium timber.
• Height: Can grow up to 30–40 meters.
• Leaves: Large, papery, and shed annually (deciduous).

Ecological & Industrial Significance

• Leaves: Generally considered waste, but recent research shows they are rich in anthocyanins. 
• Teak plantations: Contribute to carbon sequestration and soil conservation. 
• Export: Teak is a high-value export timber species for India.