1. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Conditional cash transfer scheme providing maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating mothers.

Why in News

PMMVY has enrolled 4.92 crore beneficiaries as of April 2026, providing direct financial support linked to maternal health milestones.

Key Facts

• Financial benefit: ₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for a second girl child.
• Total beneficiaries: 92 crore as of April 2026.
• Objective: Provide wage compensation during pregnancy and lactation to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
• Conditionality: Payments linked to antenatal check-ups, institutional delivery, and child immunization. (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of conditional cash transfers in GS3 Inclusive Growth)
• Target group: All pregnant women and lactating mothers (excluding government employees and PSU staff).
• Implementation: Through Anganwadi Centres and the Women and Child Development Ministry.
• Digital delivery: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures leakage-proof fund transfer to beneficiary accounts.
• Health impact: Contributed to reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 130 (2014–15) to 88 per lakh live births (2021–23).

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
First Child Benefit	₹5,000
Second Girl Child Benefit	₹6,000
Total Beneficiaries (2026)	4.92 crore
MMR Reduction	130 (2014–15) → 88 (2021–23)
Implementation Agency	Ministry of WCD
Payment Mode	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

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2. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs)

Residential schools for disadvantaged girls from marginalized communities in educationally backward blocks.

Why in News

KGBV enrolment has grown to 7.58 lakh by 2026, playing a critical role in boosting female education from 1.57 crore (32%) in 2014–15 to 11.93 crore (48%) currently.

Key Facts

• Launched in 2004 under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), now part of Samagra Shiksha
• Target group: Girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in educationally backward blocks.
• Current enrolment: 58 lakh girls as of 2026.
• Residential facilities: Provide boarding, lodging, and quality education from Class 6 to 12.
• Focus areas: Blocks with female literacy below national average and high gender gap in education.
• Infrastructure support: Free textbooks, uniforms, bicycles, and sanitary napkins provided under Samagra Shiksha. (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of affirmative action in GS2 Education Policy)
• NEP 2020 alignment: Integrated with the Gender Inclusion Fund and multidisciplinary curriculum reforms.
• Female literacy impact: Contributed to increasing female school enrolment from 32% to 48% over the past decade.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Launch Year	2004
Parent Scheme	Samagra Shiksha (formerly SSA)
Current Enrolment	7.58 lakh girls (2026)
Target Communities	SC, ST, OBC, Minorities
Classes Covered	6 to 12
Female Enrolment Growth	32% (2014–15) → 48% (2026)
NEP 2020 Link	Gender Inclusion Fund

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3. DAY-NRLM — Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission

Flagship scheme promoting self-employment and poverty alleviation through women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Why in News

Under DAY-NRLM, 93.85 lakh SHGs with over 10.07 crore women members have accessed over ₹12 lakh crore in bank credit, driving economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Key Facts

• Launched in 2011 (rebranded from Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana).
• Total SHGs formed: 85 lakh as of 2026.
• Women members: 07 crore rural women organized into SHGs.
• Bank credit accessed: Over ₹12 lakh crore (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of financial inclusion in GS3 Inclusive Growth)
• Lakhpati Didi target: Aims to create 6 crore Lakhpati Didis (women earning ₹1 lakh+ annually).
• Enterprise support: 88 lakh enterprises supported under Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP).
• Community cadres: Trained Krishi Sakhis (agriculture), Pashu Sakhis (animal husbandry), and Bank Sakhis (financial services).
• Ministry: Implemented by Ministry of Rural Development.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Launch Year	2011
Total SHGs	93.85 lakh
Women Members	10.07 crore
Bank Credit Accessed	₹12 lakh crore+
Lakhpati Didi Target	6 crore women
SVEP Enterprises	5.88 lakh
Implementing Ministry	Rural Development

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4. Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary — India's 100th Ramsar Site

Bihar wetland recognized as India's centenary Ramsar site, marking a milestone in wetland conservation under the Ramsar Convention.

Why in News

On 6 June 2026, the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary in Bihar was designated as India's 100th Ramsar site, a global recognition for wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Key Facts

• Ramsar Convention — International treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands; India became a signatory in 1982. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 Environment — international environmental treaties and India's commitments)
• Ramsar Site — Wetland of international importance designated under the convention; India now has 100 such sites, the highest in South Asia.
• Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary located in Saran district, Bihar, known for migratory bird habitats and rich biodiversity.
• Montreux Record — A register of Ramsar sites facing ecological threats; currently, two Indian sites (Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan and Loktak Lake, Manipur) are on this list.
• India's first Ramsar sites were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), designated in 1981.
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10). (UPSC Prelims Usage: State-wise distribution frequently tested)
• Wetlands cover approximately 7% of India's geographical area, providing ecosystem services like flood control, water purification, and carbon sequestration.
• National Wetland Conservation Programme launched in 1985–86 to conserve and manage wetlands across India.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
India's 100th Ramsar Site	Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, Bihar
Ramsar Convention Year	1971 (Iran); India joined 1982
India's First Ramsar Sites	Chilika Lake, Keoladeo (designated 1981)
State with Most Sites	Tamil Nadu (18 sites)
Montreux Record Sites	Keoladeo, Loktak Lake (ecologically threatened)
Wetland Coverage in India	4.7% of geographical area

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5. Jan Samarth Portal — Fourth Anniversary of Financial Inclusion

Unified digital gateway for credit-linked government schemes, completing four years of streamlining financial access for underserved sectors.

Why in News

The Jan Samarth Portal marked its fourth anniversary on 6 June 2026, celebrating its role in driving financial inclusion by providing a single-window access to 13 credit-linked government schemes across multiple ministries.

Key Facts

• Jan Samarth Portal launched on 6 June 2022 by the Ministry of Finance, designed as a National Portal for Credit Linked Government Schemes.
• Integrates 13 schemes from 9 ministries, including MUDRA loans, Stand-Up India, PM SVANidhi, Education Loans, and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS2 Governance — digital governance and financial inclusion initiatives)
• Single-window system — Applicants can apply for multiple schemes through one portal, reducing bureaucratic delays and duplication.
• Portal uses Aadhaar-based authentication and integrates with Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for transparent fund disbursement.
• As of June 2026, over 5 crore applications processed, with cumulative credit disbursement exceeding ₹4.2 lakh crore. (UPSC Prelims Usage: Numerical data on scheme performance frequently tested)
• MUDRA (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency) — Provides loans up to ₹10 lakh for micro-enterprises; largest component on Jan Samarth.
• Stand-Up India Scheme — Facilitates loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
• Portal won the National e-Governance Award in 2026 for excellence in citizen-centric service delivery. (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of best practices in digital public infrastructure)

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Launch Date	6 June 2022 (4th anniversary in 2026)
Schemes Integrated	13 schemes from 9 ministries
Applications Processed	Over 8.5 crore (as of June 2026)
Credit Disbursed	₹4.2 lakh crore+ cumulatively
MUDRA Loan Limit	Up to ₹10 lakh for micro-enterprises
Stand-Up India Limit	₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore (SC/ST/women)
Award Won (2026)	National e-Governance Award

 

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6. Panchayat Advancement Index — National e-Governance Award

Performance measurement tool for rural local governance, recognized for promoting transparency and competitive federalism at grassroots level.

Why in News

The Panchayat Advancement Index, developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, was awarded the National e-Governance Award on 6 June 2026 for its innovative approach to measuring and improving Panchayat performance across India.

Key Facts

• Panchayat Advancement Index — A composite index measuring performance of Panchayats across key governance parameters like service delivery, financial management, and citizen participation. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS2 Local Governance — 73rd Constitutional Amendment and decentralization)
• Developed by Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with NITI Aayog, launched to promote competitive federalism at the grassroots level.
• Index evaluates Panchayats on 9 thematic areas: basic services, accountability, social justice, infrastructure, economic development, financial management, planning, convergence, and innovation.
• Data sourced from e-GramSwaraj portal — a unified platform for planning, accounting, and monitoring of Panchayat activities under Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 — Constitutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), making them the third tier of governance with powers devolved under Article 243G. (UPSC Prelims Usage: Constitutional provisions on local governance frequently tested)
• e-GramSwaraj launched on 24 April 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) for digital governance at Panchayat level.
• Index has been published annually since 2021, ranking states and Panchayats to incentivize performance improvements.
• Award recognizes the index's role in data-driven governance, enabling evidence-based policy interventions and resource allocation.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Award (2026)	National e-Governance Award
Thematic Areas	9 — services, accountability, justice, infrastructure, etc.
Data Source	e-GramSwaraj portal (launched 24 April 2020)
Constitutional Basis	73rd Amendment, 1992 (Article 243G)
Ministry	Ministry of Panchayati Raj
First Published	2021 (annual rankings since)

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7. G-Sec Market Reforms — Deepening India's Sovereign Debt Market

Financial sector reforms to enhance liquidity, transparency, and accessibility in India's Government Securities market.

Why in News

On 6 June 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced a package of structural reforms to deepen the G-Sec (Government Securities) market, aimed at improving liquidity, retail participation, and benchmark yield curve efficiency.

Key Facts

• G-Sec (Government Securities) — Sovereign debt instruments issued by the Central Government and State Governments to finance fiscal deficit; considered zero-risk instruments as they carry sovereign guarantee. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 Economy — fiscal policy, public debt management, and bond markets)
• Primary Dealers (PDs) — Specialized financial institutions authorized to participate directly in government bond auctions and act as market makers; currently 21 PDs registered with RBI.
• Retail Direct Scheme launched by RBI in November 2021, enabling individual investors to open Retail Direct Gilt Accounts for online purchase of G-Secs without intermediaries.
• Reforms include: consolidation of G-Sec issuances (fewer, larger bond sizes to improve liquidity), introduction of Green G-Secs for climate finance, and enhanced trading on stock exchanges for retail access.
• Public Debt Office (PDO) under RBI manages issuance and servicing of G-Secs on behalf of the Central and State Governments.
• India's public debt as of March 2026 stands at approximately 57% of GDP, with G-Secs forming the largest component. (UPSC Prelims Usage: Fiscal indicators and debt-to-GDP ratios frequently tested)
• FTSE Russell included Indian G-Secs in its World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in September 2024, attracting $25–30 billion in foreign inflows. (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of India's integration into global financial markets)
• Reforms aim to align India with global best practices in sovereign debt management, enhancing benchmark pricing for corporate bonds.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
G-Sec	Government Securities — sovereign debt instruments
Risk Profile	Zero-risk (sovereign guarantee)
Primary Dealers	21 RBI-registered market makers
Retail Direct Launch	November 2021 (RBI initiative)
Public Debt (March 2026)	~57% of GDP
WGBI Inclusion	September 2024 ($25–30 bn inflows)
Issuing Authority	Public Debt Office (PDO) under RBI

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8. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6)

Comprehensive nationwide demographic and health survey tracking India's progress in maternal, child health, and nutrition indicators.

Why in News

The Sixth Round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) was recently released, revealing contrasting trends in India's health infrastructure achievements versus persistent nutritional challenges.

Key Facts

• NFHS is India's largest demographic and health survey, conducted periodically since 1992-93 to provide state and national-level estimates.
• NFHS-6 (2023-24) is the latest round, reducing reported indicators from 131 to 101 in published fact sheets.
• Survey covers critical areas: maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning, reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and women's empowerment.
• Institutional deliveries reached 6% nationally, reflecting success of schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS2 - Government Policies and Interventions)
• Full immunization coverage stands at over 96%, driven by Mission Indradhanush.
• Health insurance coverage surged to 2% households, largely due to Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
• Exclusive breastfeeding (first 6 months) declined from 7% to 55.8%, indicating post-natal care gaps.
• 85% of children aged 6-23 months do not receive adequate or diverse diet, highlighting severe dietary poverty. (UPSC Mains Usage: Critical for GS2 - Nutrition and Child Development)

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
NFHS-6 Period	2023-24
Institutional Deliveries	90.6% nationwide
Full Immunization	Over 96% children
Health Insurance Coverage	60.2% households
Child Dietary Poverty	85% children (6-23 months) lack adequate diet
Exclusive Breastfeeding	Declined to 55.8%

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9. Mission Indradhanush

Intensified immunization drive targeting children and pregnant women who missed routine vaccinations.

Why in News

NFHS-6 data shows full immunization coverage exceeding 96%, crediting Mission Indradhanush for closing regional gaps and protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Facts

• Launched on 25 December 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to accelerate routine immunization coverage.
• Named Indradhanush (rainbow) symbolizing seven vaccine-preventable diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis, Measles, and Hepatitis B.
• Initially targeted 201 high-focus districts across 28 states with low immunization coverage.
• Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) launched in 2017 covering 652 districts to reach missed children.
• IMI 2.0 launched in December 2019, further expanding to 272 districts across 27 states. (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of phased, target-driven public health intervention)
• IMI 3.0 launched in 2021 to recover immunization gaps caused by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.
• Focuses on urban slums, tribal areas, migratory populations, and difficult terrains where routine immunization is low.
• Full immunization now covers 96%+ children, up from approximately 62% in 2014. (UPSC Mains Usage: Demonstrates India's progress toward SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being)

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Launch Date	25 December 2014
Seven Diseases Targeted	Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, TB, Measles, Hepatitis B
IMI Launch Year	2017 (652 districts)
IMI 2.0 Launch	December 2019 (272 districts)
IMI 3.0 Focus	COVID-19 immunization recovery (2021)
Current Coverage	96%+ full immunization

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10. Ayushman Arogya Mandir

Upgraded Health and Wellness Centres providing comprehensive primary healthcare and screening for non-communicable diseases.

Why in News

NFHS-6 highlights rising chronic disease burden (1 in 6 Indians diabetic, 30% hypertensive), necessitating strengthened preventive care through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Key Facts

• Evolved from Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) initiative launched in 2018 under Ayushman Bharat.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandir branding introduced in 2023 to enhance recognition and accessibility of HWCs.
• Aims to establish 5 lakh centres nationwide by transforming existing Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
• Provides Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) including maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and palliative care. (UPSC Mains Usage: Shift from selective to comprehensive primary healthcare - GS2)
• 12 expanded service packages cover yoga, screening for diabetes, hypertension, oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
• Staffed with Community Health Officers (CHOs), Mid-Level Health Providers (MLHPs), and supported by ASHAs and ANMs.
• Free essential drugs and diagnostic services (blood glucose, blood pressure, urine tests) provided.
• Over 69 lakh HWCs operational as of 2024, delivering 100+ crore wellness and screening services. (UPSC Mains Usage: Example of preventive and promotive healthcare model)

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Previous Name	Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
Launch Year (HWC)	2018 under Ayushman Bharat
Target Centres	1.5 lakh nationwide
Service Packages	12 comprehensive packages
NCD Screening	Diabetes, hypertension, cancers
Operational Centres	Over 1.69 lakh (as of 2024)

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11. WHO Recommendation on Caesarean Section Rates

Global guideline limiting medically necessary C-sections to 10-15% of all births to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.

Why in News

NFHS-6 data reveals India's C-section rate at 27.2% nationally (approaching 40% in private urban hospitals), significantly exceeding WHO's recommended 10-15% threshold.

Key Facts

• World Health Organization (WHO) recommends C-section rates between 10% and 15% of all deliveries. (UPSC Mains Usage: International health standards - GS2)
• Rates below 10% indicate insufficient access to emergency obstetric care; rates above 15% suggest overuse without maternal or neonatal health benefits.
• WHO Statement (2015): "C-sections are effective in saving maternal and infant lives, but only when medically necessary."
• India's rate at 2% (NFHS-6) nearly doubles WHO's upper limit, raising concerns about medicalization of childbirth.
• Private hospital urban rates approach 40%, driven by financial incentives, convenience, and defensive medicine practices.
• Unnecessary C-sections increase risks: maternal infections, hemorrhage, future pregnancy complications, and higher neonatal respiratory issues.
• WHO's Global Survey (2021): Countries exceeding 15% show no improvement in maternal or perinatal outcomes compared to those within the range.
• National Medical Commission and Indian Medical Association have called for stricter monitoring and mandatory reporting of C-section rates. (UPSC Mains Usage: Regulatory oversight in medical practice - GS2)

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
WHO Recommended Rate	10-15% of all deliveries
India's Rate (NFHS-6)	27.2% nationally
Private Urban Hospitals	Approaching 40%
WHO Statement Year	2015
Below 10%	Insufficient access to emergency care
Above 15%	Overuse without health benefits

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12. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)

Nature-centric climate strategy using biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to climate change impacts.

Why in News

Cyclone Dana's landfall near Bhitarkanika on Odisha's coast highlighted the protective role of coastal mangroves over engineered infrastructure, bringing focus to Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) strategies.

Key Facts

• EbA harnesses natural habitats like mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs as dynamic, self-sustaining buffers against climate hazards. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 – Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Management)
• India's 11,000-kilometre coastline is home to approximately 250 million people directly threatened by climate hazards.
• Over the last decade, Indian coastal states spent ₹2,641 crore on hard engineered protection measures like seawalls and groynes.
• The National Coastal Mission's public budget fell from ₹195 crore in 2022–23 to just ₹50 crore in 2024–25.
• Over 18,000 women in the Sundarbans successfully restored 4,600 hectares of mangroves, effectively reducing destruction from Cyclones Amphan and Yaas.
• Mangroves protect more people per hectare in India than almost any other country globally.
• Mangrove ecosystems sequester atmospheric carbon at rates manifold higher than terrestrial tropical rainforests. (UPSC Mains Usage: Blue Carbon Sinks – GS3 Environment)
• MISHTI programme targets 540 sq. km of mangrove restoration but is framed as conservation rather than climate adaptation.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
EbA	Uses biodiversity & ecosystem services for climate adaptation
India's Coastline	11,000 km, home to 250 million people
Cyclone Dana	Landfall near Bhitarkanika, Odisha
Sundarbans Restoration	18,000 women restored 4,600 hectares of mangroves
MISHTI Target	540 sq. km mangrove restoration
National Coastal Mission Budget (2024-25)	₹50 crore (down from ₹195 crore in 2022-23)

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13. Cyclone Dana

Tropical cyclone that made landfall near Bhitarkanika, Odisha, demonstrating the protective effectiveness of coastal mangrove ecosystems.

Why in News

Cyclone Dana made landfall near Bhitarkanika on Odisha's coast, highlighting how mangrove forests provided superior protection compared to engineered infrastructure.

Key Facts

• Cyclone Dana made landfall near Bhitarkanika, a major mangrove ecosystem on Odisha's
• Bhitarkanika is one of India's largest mangrove forests, acting as a natural barrier against storm surges.
• The mangrove forests in the region broke the energy of incoming waves, reducing destructive force of storm surges.
• Mangroves' intricate, tangled aerial root networks structurally attenuate wave energy during cyclones.
• Areas protected by mangroves experienced significantly less damage compared to areas with seawalls and groynes.
• Previous cyclones Amphan and Yaas caused reduced destruction in the Sundarbans due to 4,600 hectares of restored mangroves. (UPSC Mains Usage: Case study for Disaster Risk Reduction – GS3)
• The cyclone demonstrated that natural infrastructure is more effective than rigid concrete structures for coastal protection.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Cyclone Dana	Made landfall near Bhitarkanika, Odisha
Bhitarkanika	Major mangrove ecosystem on Odisha coast
Wave Attenuation	Mangrove roots break incoming wave energy
Previous Cyclones	Amphan and Yaas – reduced damage in Sundarbans
Natural vs Engineered	Mangroves more effective than seawalls/groynes
Storm Surge Protection	Mangroves act as natural barriers

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14. National Coastal Mission

Government initiative for coastal ecosystem conservation and climate adaptation, facing significant budget cuts in recent years.

Why in News

The National Coastal Mission's budget allocation fell sharply from ₹195 crore in 2022–23 to just ₹50 crore in 2024–25, reflecting declining priority for green infrastructure despite proven effectiveness during Cyclone Dana.

Key Facts

• National Coastal Mission is a government initiative focused on coastal ecosystem conservation and climate adaptation.
• The Mission's public budget declined by 74% — from ₹195 crore in 2022–23 to ₹50 crore in 2024–25.
• Over the last decade, Indian coastal states spent ₹2,641 crore on hard engineered infrastructure (seawalls, groynes) instead of nature-based solutions.
• The budget decline reflects a preference for visible concrete infrastructure over ecosystem-based adaptation. (UPSC Mains Usage: Policy Priority Analysis – GS3)
• The Mission oversees India's 11,000-kilometre coastline protecting 250 million people.
• Many coastal adaptation initiatives are buried inside generic forestry or development plans, making climate benefits difficult to track.
• The Mission works alongside the MISHTI programme which targets 540 sq. km of mangrove restoration.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
National Coastal Mission	Coastal ecosystem conservation & climate adaptation
Budget 2022-23	₹195 crore
Budget 2024-25	₹50 crore (74% decline)
Coastline Coverage	11,000 km, 250 million people
Hard Infrastructure Spending	₹2,641 crore over last decade
MISHTI Programme	Targets 540 sq. km mangrove restoration

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15. MISHTI Programme

Mangrove restoration initiative targeting 540 sq. km, currently framed as conservation rather than climate adaptation strategy.

Why in News

The MISHTI programme's framing as a conservation project rather than core climate adaptation strategy has emerged as a policy challenge highlighted during Cyclone Dana's landfall near Bhitarkanika.

Key Facts

• MISHTI is a flagship programme targeting 540 sq. km of mangrove restoration across India's coastline.
• The programme is primarily framed as a conservation initiative rather than a climate adaptation strategy. (UPSC Mains Usage: Policy Framing Issue – GS3)
• Mangroves under MISHTI provide multiple benefits: wave attenuation, sediment accretion, carbon sequestration, and ecological shielding.
• The programme works in coordination with the National Coastal Mission which saw budget cuts from ₹195 crore to ₹50 crore.
• Mangrove ecosystems are self-repairing and grow stronger over time, unlike concrete infrastructure requiring constant maintenance.
• Over 18,000 women in the Sundarbans demonstrated community-led restoration success by restoring 4,600 hectares.
• Mangroves sequester carbon at rates manifold higher than terrestrial tropical rainforests, functioning as superior blue carbon sinks.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
MISHTI	Mangrove restoration programme
Target Area	540 sq. km of mangrove restoration
Current Framing	Conservation project, not climate adaptation
Blue Carbon Sinks	Mangroves sequester more carbon than rainforests
Sundarbans Model	18,000 women restored 4,600 hectares
Self-Repair	Mangroves grow stronger over time unlike concrete

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16. Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Coastal and marine ecosystems that sequester and store atmospheric carbon at exceptionally high rates, crucial for climate mitigation.

Why in News

Mangroves' role as superior blue carbon sinks gained prominence following Cyclone Dana, demonstrating their dual function in both climate adaptation and mitigation.

Key Facts

• Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. (UPSC Mains Usage: Climate Mitigation – GS3)
• Blue carbon ecosystems include mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes.
• Mangroves sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide at rates manifold higher than terrestrial tropical rainforests.
• These ecosystems lock away carbon in both biomass (roots, stems, leaves) and sediments below ground.
• Mangroves achieve dynamic sediment accretion — trapping organic sediment within root bases, building up soil elevation over time.
• This sediment build-up helps coastlines adapt to rising sea levels while simultaneously storing carbon. (UPSC Mains Usage: Nature-based Solutions – GS3)
• India is identified as a global hotspot for coastal Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) due to extensive mangrove
• The MISHTI programme targets 540 sq. km of mangrove restoration, enhancing India's blue carbon

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Blue Carbon	Carbon captured by coastal/marine ecosystems
Key Ecosystems	Mangroves, seagrass, salt marshes
Carbon Storage	In biomass and sediments
Sequestration Rate	Higher than terrestrial tropical rainforests
Sediment Accretion	Builds soil elevation, adapts to sea-level rise
India's Status	Global hotspot for coastal EbA

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17. Bhitarkanika Mangrove Ecosystem

One of India's largest and most biodiverse mangrove forests located in Odisha, designated as a Ramsar Wetland and National Park.

Why in News

Cyclone Dana's landfall near Bhitarkanika on Odisha's coast showcased the ecosystem's exceptional protective capacity against storm surges and coastal erosion.

Key Facts

• Bhitarkanika is located in Kendrapara district, Odisha, covering the river delta of Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers.
• It is India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans. (UPSC Mains Usage: Geography – GS1)
• Designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site (Site No. 1018) and Bhitarkanika National Park in 1998.
• The ecosystem covers approximately 672 sq. km including the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Home to 62 mangrove species, making it one of the most biodiverse mangrove habitats globally.
• Supports critically endangered species including saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley sea turtles, and horseshoe crabs.
• The dense mangrove forests act as natural wave breakers, reducing cyclone impact significantly during events like Cyclone Dana.
• Faces threats from coastal development, aquaculture expansion, and climate change impacts.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Location	Kendrapara district, Odisha
Rivers	Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra delta
Size	Approx. 672 sq. km
Ranking	India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem
Ramsar Status	Designated Ramsar Site No. 1018
Mangrove Species	62 species
National Park	Declared in 1998
Key Fauna	Saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley turtles

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