In News:

UJALA scheme completes 10 years, saves ?19,153 crore annually

UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)

• Launch Date: 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi
• Objective:
  • To promote energy-efficient LED lighting across India
  • To reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and decrease carbon emissions
• Implementing Body: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Ministry of Power
• Scheme Relevance: Aims to provide affordable LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to every household
• Global Recognition: World’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting scheme

Key Features:

• Affordability: Subsidized LED bulbs (?70-80), reducing the cost of electricity for households
• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, 50% less than CFLs
• Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO? emissions by avoiding millions of tonnes annually
• Market Transformation: Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed, saving approximately ?19,153 crore on electricity bills each year
• Consumer Benefit:
  • On-Bill Financing: LED bulbs available for purchase through deferred payment via electricity bills
  • Targeted low-income communities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Achievements:

• Energy Savings: 47.9 billion kWh annually
• Cost Savings: ?19,153 crore saved on electricity bills
• Carbon Emission Reduction: 38.7 million tonnes of CO? avoided per year
• Peak Demand Reduction: 9,586 MW reduction in peak electricity demand
• Street Lighting: Over 1.34 crore LED streetlights installed, saving 9,001 million units annually

Key Initiatives:

• GRAM UJALA Scheme (March 2021): Aimed at rural households, providing LED bulbs at ?10 each
• Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Aimed at reducing public lighting costs with energy-efficient streetlights
• Encouraging Domestic Manufacturing: Stimulated local LED production, aligning with the "Make in India" mission
• E-Procurement Transparency: Real-time procurement ensuring price reductions and maintaining quality

Impact on Environment:

• Energy Savings & Carbon Footprint: The scheme significantly reduced the carbon footprint by promoting energy-efficient appliances
• Reduction in Household Consumption: Consumers benefit from reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills

In News:

A recent breakthrough in agricultural research offers a promising solution to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in crops, particularly in rice and Arabidopsis, by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants. This innovative approach provides an environmentally sustainable way to enhance crop yields while minimizing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which have significant ecological and economic drawbacks.

Key Findings and Research Overview:

• Reducing NO Levels: The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), demonstrated that by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants, nitrogen uptake could be significantly improved. This leads to a better NUE, a crucial factor for enhancing crop yield sustainably.
• NUE and Its Importance: NUE refers to the efficiency with which plants use nitrogen for biomass production. Improving NUE allows for higher crop yields with less fertilizer input, reducing costs and minimizing nitrogen-related environmental pollution.
• Traditional Approaches and Their Limitations: Current techniques to improve NUE primarily rely on the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. These methods, though effective, have several downsides:
  • They involve high operational costs for farmers.
  • Excessive fertilizer use contributes to the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants.
  • The production of these fertilizers also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, the new study proposes a genetic and pharmacological manipulation of NO levels, offering a sustainable alternative to these traditional, resource-heavy methods.

Study Methodology:

The research team employed both genetic and pharmacological approaches to regulate NO levels in plants:

• Phytoglobin Overexpression: By overexpressing phytoglobin (a natural NO scavenger), the researchers increased the expression of high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs) like NRT2.1 and NRT2.4. These transporters are essential for efficient nitrogen uptake.
• NO Donor and Scavenger Treatments: Plants were treated with NO donor (SNAP) and NO scavenger (cPTIO) to monitor the effects on NUE.
• Results: The treatment led to more efficient nitrogen uptake, especially under low NO conditions, by enhancing the expression of HATs. This method could increase plant growth and nitrogen utilization without relying on excessive fertilizer use.

Significance and Impact:

This research provides a pathway to enhance crop yield sustainably by addressing one of the most critical challenges in modern agriculture—reducing the reliance on nitrogen fertilizers. By modulating NO levels to regulate nitrogen uptake, this approach offers:

• Reduced need for synthetic fertilizers, lowering farmers' operational costs.
• Minimized environmental impact, including lower nitrogen oxide emissions and less nitrogen runoff.
• Improved nitrogen uptake efficiency, ensuring better crop yields, especially under conditions with limited nitrogen availability.

Broader Implications:

• Global Nitrogen Challenges:
  • The overuse of nitrogen fertilizers has been a major driver of nitrogen pollution, leading to issues like eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
  • According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), excessive nitrogen use has worsened environmental conditions globally, while many regions, particularly in low-income countries, suffer from nitrogen depletion, which reduces crop productivity.
• Health and Environmental Risks:
  • Nitrogen pollution contributes to health issues like methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and various long-term diseases.
  • Nitrogen compounds also play a role in greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
• Future Directions for Sustainable Agriculture:
  • This study highlights the need for innovative nitrogen management strategies, integrating both biological and genetic approaches to optimize nitrogen use.
  • Research is underway to develop NO scavenging formulations and identify bacteria that could be used in soil to enhance NUE in plants.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Governments should focus on reducing the environmental and health impacts of nitrogen fertilizer production and usage by promoting sustainable farming practices.
  • Encouraging biological nitrogen fixation through crops like soybeans and alfalfa, and investing in low-emission fertilizers, can help mitigate nitrogen pollution.

In News:

Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), effective from January 14, 2025, succeeding Dr. S. Somanath.

Background and Career of Dr. V. Narayanan:

Dr. Narayanan, currently the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, has been a key figure in ISRO since joining in 1984. With a focus on cryogenic propulsion, he has played an instrumental role in developing critical technologies for ISRO's launch vehicles. Notably, his work has contributed to India becoming the sixth country globally capable of building and operationalizing cryogenic engines.

Dr. Narayanan’s career highlights include:

• Cryogenic Technology: Leading the development of cryogenic engines for LVM3 (India's heaviest launch vehicle) and PSLV, which are central to missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
• Chandrayaan-2 & Chandrayaan-3: As part of ISRO’s missions to the moon, his contributions were pivotal in rectifying the propulsion system issues post-Chandrayaan-2's hard landing, leading to the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023.
• Gaganyaan Mission: Overseeing the development of the propulsion systems for crew and service modules, critical for India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.

Dr. S. Somanath's Legacy:

Dr. S. Somanath, who served as ISRO Chairman and DoS Secretary spearheaded multiple landmark missions, including:

• Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and INSAT missions.
• The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Re-usable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX), and Gaganyaan abort missions.
• National Space Policy 2023 and fostering partnerships between ISRO and private ventures.

Dr. Somanath’s tenure significantly elevated India’s space capabilities, with Chandrayaan-3 marking a historic milestone in India’s lunar exploration.

Dr. Narayanan’s Role in Upcoming ISRO Missions:

As ISRO Chairman, Dr. Narayanan will oversee several ambitious space missions, including:

• NVS-02: The launch of India's navigation satellite as part of the IRNSS constellation.
• Unmanned Gaganyaan Mission: Leading the uncrewed G-1 flight, a precursor to India's first human spaceflight.
• Indo-US NISAR Satellite: A significant collaborative launch with NASA for earth observation.

Additionally, high-profile projects such as Chandrayaan-4, India’s own space station, and future missions to Mars and Venus are in the pipeline, although not all may occur during his tenure.

Vision for ISRO Under Dr. Narayanan:

Dr. Narayanan aims to expand India’s presence in space, targeting increased global market share, particularly in the space economy, which currently holds 2% of the global space sector. His leadership will focus on:

• Increasing Satellite Capacity: Expanding India’s satellite fleet, which currently stands at 53, to meet growing demands for communication, navigation, and earth observation.
• Private Sector Involvement: Leveraging space sector reforms and collaborating with private players to drive innovation and meet burgeoning satellite needs.
• Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties with other space agencies, as ISRO continues to build respect on the global stage.

Upcoming Space Missions and ISRO's Agenda for 2025:

Under Dr. Narayanan's leadership, ISRO has a packed agenda for 2025:

• GSLV Mk-II/IRNSS-1K Mission
• Gaganyaan G-1 Mission (uncrewed flight)
• Chandrayaan-4, Bharatiya Antariksha Station, and Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) preparations.

Dr. Narayanan’s vision aligns with India's broader goals of becoming a dominant player in the global space economy, aspiring to increase its space market share from 2% to 10%.

In News:

In January 2025, Indonesia officially joined the BRICS group as its 10th member, signaling the expansion of this influential coalition of emerging economies. The addition of Indonesia, a Southeast Asian powerhouse, strengthens BRICS' global position and highlights the group's evolving dynamics.

BRICS Overview:

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is an informal intergovernmental group that fosters cooperation among major emerging economies. Initially coined as BRIC by economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, the group became BRICS in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. The bloc has grown steadily, with Indonesia now joining as its 10th member.

Recent Expansion:

• In 2023, invitations were extended to Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Argentina.
• By 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and UAE had joined as permanent members.
• Indonesia's membership was finalized in 2025, following its presidential elections and government formation.

Key Objectives of BRICS:

• Economic Growth: Promote trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
• Global Governance Reform: Advocate for equitable representation in global institutions like the UN and IMF.
• Cultural Exchange: Strengthen people-to-people connections and cultural ties.
• South-South Cooperation: Foster collaboration among developing nations.

BRICS Structure and Mechanisms:

• New Development Bank (NDB): Established in 2014, the NDB finances sustainable development projects in BRICS countries.
• Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): A $100 billion safety net for financial crises.
• BRICS Academic Forum: Encourages academic collaboration across member states.

Global Influence and Economic Impact:

• Global Share: BRICS+ represents over 45% of the world’s population and 35% of global GDP (PPP-based).
• Strategic Position: The group acts as a counterbalance to the G7, challenging Western-dominated global financial systems.
• Financial Independence: BRICS aims to reduce dependence on the US dollar by facilitating local currency transactions and exploring a common currency.
• Technology Collaboration: Member countries, such as India and China, collaborate on digital payments and renewable energy technologies.

Indonesia’s Entry into BRICS:

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous nation, strengthens BRICS’ representation in Southeast Asia. The country brings a robust economy and extensive trade networks, boosting the group's negotiating power. Indonesia’s membership was approved during the 2023 BRICS Summit and finalized in January 2025.

• Strategic Importance for Indonesia: The membership aligns with Indonesia's goals to enhance global cooperation, particularly with the Global South. It also reflects Indonesia's growing influence in international trade and geopolitics.

BRICS Challenges:

• Diverse Interests: Differences in economic priorities, such as India's ties with the US and Russia-China’s geopolitical rivalry, complicate consensus-building.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Disputes like the China-India border issue and Russia’s sanctions limit BRICS' ability to present a unified stance.
• Economic Sanctions and Internal Challenges: Countries like Russia face Western sanctions, while domestic issues in Brazil and South Africa divert attention from regional collaboration.

Significance of BRICS’ Expansion:

The expansion of BRICS marks a pivotal shift in global power dynamics, with a focus on South-South cooperation and equitable global governance. Indonesia’s membership further solidifies the group’s influence in Southeast Asia and adds to its efforts to challenge the dominance of Western-led financial institutions.

• Local Currency Use: The group promotes the use of local currencies for trade to reduce reliance on the US dollar.
• Global South Advocacy: BRICS champions the cause of developing nations, ensuring that emerging economies have a voice in global governance.

Recent and Upcoming BRICS Summits:

• 16th BRICS Summit (2024): Held in Kazan, Russia, with a focus on strengthening local currencies and promoting non-dollar transactions.
• 17th BRICS Summit (2025): Scheduled for July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme "Global South," with an emphasis on payment gateways to facilitate intra-BRICS trade.

In News:

The Flamingo Festival 2025 took place at Sullurpeta, in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. It celebrates the arrival of migratory birds, with a focus on flamingos, to the region's key bird habitats, including Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.

Key Highlights:

• Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species, including flamingos, are expected to flock to the region during this festival.
• Locations: The event spans across five locations:
  • Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
  • B.V. Palem (Pulicat Lake)
  • Atakanithippa
  • Sri City
  • Sullurpeta (site for cultural programs and stalls)
• Collaborations: In association with organizations like the Bombay Natural History Society.
• Focus on Local Community: Local residents of the eco-sensitive zone will be prioritized and supported.

Key Facts on Local Wildlife and Significance:

• Pulicat Lake:
  • Location: On the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, with 96% of the lake in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Significance: The second-largest brackish water lake in India (after Chilika Lake in Odisha).
  • Biodiversity: Critical habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, and home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Economic Importance: Supports local fisheries and provides livelihood to nearby communities.
• Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary:
  • Location: 20 km north of Pulicat Lake.
  • Ecological Role: Largest breeding site in Southeast Asia for spot-billed pelicans.
  • Biodiversity: 189 bird species, including painted storks and glossy ibises.
  • Flora and Fauna: Features Barringtonia swamp forests and southern dry evergreen scrub, critical for biodiversity conservation.
  • Symbiotic Relationship with Locals: Guano (bird droppings) from pelicans serves as a natural fertilizer for local agriculture, benefiting the farmers.

Flamingo Facts:

• Species: India hosts two flamingo species:
  • Greater Flamingo (larger size, pale pink)
  • Lesser Flamingo (smaller size, bright pink)
• Behavior: Nomadic and social birds, found in large flocks.
• Coloration: Flamingos' pink color comes from carotenoids in their diet, which are broken down and absorbed into their bodies.

Environmental & Economic Impact: The festival, apart from being a celebration of migratory birds, plays a vital role in:

• Eco-tourism development
• Biodiversity conservation

Local community engagement by highlighting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local livelihoods through eco-friendly initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).