Prelims Focus 14th March 2025

Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar
In News: Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar marks a significant step forward in addressing water scarcity and promoting long-term environmental sustainability in India. Launched as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, this mission has already achieved remarkable success by surpassing its initial targets. Here’s an overview of Phase II’s focus on ensuring water availability through community participation:
Objectives of Phase II
- Community Participation (Jan Bhagidaari): Phase II emphasizes the importance of community involvement in water conservation and management. This approach ensures that local communities are actively engaged in the planning, execution, and maintenance of water bodies, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among them.
- Enhancing Climate Resilience: The mission aims to strengthen climate resilience by creating sustainable water sources that can withstand climate-related challenges. This involves not only constructing new ponds but also rejuvenating existing ones to improve their water-holding capacity and ecological health.
- Ecological Balance: Phase II focuses on restoring the ecological balance of water bodies, which is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. By enhancing the health of these water bodies, the mission contributes to a more sustainable environment.
Mycelium bricks
In News: Mycelium bricks in construction can help reduce the industry’s carbon emissions.
What Are Mycelium Bricks?
Mycelium is the vegetative part of fungi, consisting of a dense network of thread-like structures called hyphae. When organic waste, such as agricultural by-products, is combined with mycelium, the fungi grow around the waste, binding it together into a solid structure. This material is then dried and molded into bricks or other forms for use in construction.
Environmental Benefits of Mycelium Bricks
- Low Carbon Footprint:
- Unlike traditional bricks that require energy-intensive processes like kiln firing, mycelium bricks are grown at room temperature, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- The production process is carbon-neutral as it utilizes organic waste and does not emit greenhouse gases like cement production does.
- Biodegradability:
- Mycelium bricks are 100% biodegradable and can decompose naturally at the end of their life cycle. This eliminates construction waste and contributes to soil enrichment.
- Upcycling Waste:
- The growth process utilizes agricultural residues, turning organic waste into valuable building materials. This reduces garbage accumulation and promotes circular economy principles.
- Thermal Insulation:
- Mycelium bricks have excellent thermal insulation properties, which can reduce energy consumption in buildings by minimizing heating and cooling needs.
- Fire Resistance:
- These bricks are naturally fire-resistant and do not emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures, making them safer for construction.
PM-YUVA 3.0
In News: The Ministry of Education launched the third version of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0).
- The initiative aims to educate young authors under the age of 30 to promote studying, writing, and book culture in India.
- The program gives mentorship and publishing opportunities to enhance Indian literature on a global platform.
- It makes a speciality of three topics:
- Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building;
- Indian Knowledge System; and
- Makers of Modern India (1950-2025).
- The scheme is as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the want to create a knowledge-pushed ecosystem.
- The National Book Trust, India, will oversee the implementation of PM-YUVA 3.0.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram
In News: The National Review Meeting was carried out through the Ministry of Minority Affairs to assess the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).
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- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at developing network infrastructure and primary services in 1300 identified areas across India.
- The scheme, restructured in May 2018, specializes in decreasing socio-economic gaps
- It is implemented by State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations.
- It operates on a fund-sharing pattern among the Centre and States/UTs.
- Priorities and Focus
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- The scheme prioritizes projects in education, health, skill development, and women’s welfare, together with building schools, hostels, laboratories, ITIs, hospitals, and community toilets.
- Proposals for tasks are endorsed by State Level Committees (SLC) and authorized by the Empowered Committee (EC) in the Ministry.