19th JANUARY, 2025 A.) Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) and INR Konnect Initiatives WHY IN NEWS - The initiatives iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber) and INR Konnect were unveiled during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947. Background The Rubber Act, 1947 established the Rubber Board (under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry) to promote the overall development of India's rubber industry. Details About the Initiatives 1. iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber): o Aligns Indian rubber production with European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards. o Introduces traceability certification to certify the origin of rubber. 2. INR Konnect: o A web-based platform to connect growers of untapped rubber holdings with adopters. o Aims to maximize plantation productivity. Status of India’s Rubber Sector • Global Position: o India is the third-largest producer and fourth-largest consumer of natural rubber. o Leading Producers: Thailand and Indonesia. • Top Producing State: o Kerala produces over 90% of India’s natural rubber. o Other producing states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya. • Key Challenges: o Untapped Plantations: 20–25% of plantations remain untapped. o Climatic Variations: Torrential rains disrupt production. o Concerns over EUDR implementation. About Rubber Crop • Scientific Name: Hevea brasiliensis. • Origin: Amazon river basin; introduced to tropical Asia and Africa by the British. • Production Process: Rubber is obtained as latex from the tree. Conditions Required for Cultivation • Climate: o Tropical climate with annual rainfall of 200–300 cm. o Temperature range: 25–34°C with 80% relative humidity. • Soil: o Deep, fertile, and lateritic soil deficient in phosphorus. Other Key Initiatives for Rubber • National Rubber Policy, 2019. • Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector Scheme. • Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development (INROAD) Project.   B.) Yala Glacier Retreat and Cryosphere Challenges WHY IN NEWS - The Yala Glacier in Nepal has retreated by 680 meters and lost 36% of its area between 1974 and 2021. It is the only Himalayan glacier included in the Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL), highlighting the accelerating impact of climate change on glaciers in the region. Background • Cryosphere: Refers to the frozen parts of Earth, including snow, ice, and frozen ground. It plays a crucial role in regulating global climate and providing freshwater resources. • Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL): Launched in 2024 by Rice University, University of Iceland, UNESCO, and others, it tracks glaciers lost to climate change. Details About Glacier Retreat • Definition: Glacier retreat refers to the reduction in the size and mass of glaciers due to melting, evaporation, and other processes. • Examples of Glacier Loss: o Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela): Disappeared in 2024. o Sarenne Glacier (France): Disappeared in 2023. o Dagu Glacier (China): Expected to vanish by 2030. • Projection for Yala Glacier: It is expected to disappear by the 2040s. Impacts of Melting Glaciers/Cryosphere 1. Ecosystem and Livelihood Disruption: o Glaciers and ice sheets store about 70% of the world’s freshwater, crucial for ecosystems and human survival. o Example: 240 million people in the Hindu Kush Himalaya depend on the cryosphere for water and resources. 2. Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): o Rapid melting forms unstable glacial lakes, which can breach and cause catastrophic floods. 3. Climate Feedback Loop: o Melting glaciers reduce Earth's albedo (reflectivity), leading to more heat absorption and accelerated global warming. Global and National Initiatives to Protect the Cryosphere 1. Global Initiatives: o UN Designations:  2025: International Year of Glaciers' Preservation.  March 21: World Day for Glaciers. o Other Efforts:  Himalayan Adaptation Network (IUCN).  Living Himalayas Initiative (WWF). 2. India’s Initiatives: o National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Focuses on preserving the Himalayan ecosystem. o Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): Monitors glacier-related events and issues GLOF alerts. o Polar Missions: Includes IndARC (2014) in the Arctic and Antarctic research programs. Conclusion The retreat of glaciers like Yala signifies a critical need for global and regional efforts to combat climate change, protect the cryosphere, and safeguard the livelihoods of millions dependent on these fragile ecosystems.   C.) Yala Glacier and Cryosphere Challenges WHY IN NEWS - The Yala Glacier in Nepal has retreated by 680 meters and lost 36% of its area between 1974 and 2021. It is the only Himalayan glacier listed in the Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL), underscoring the impact of climate change on the Himalayan cryosphere. Background • Cryosphere: Refers to Earth's frozen regions, including snow, ice, and frozen ground. It plays a vital role in regulating climate and providing freshwater resources. • Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL): Launched in 2024 by Rice University, University of Iceland, UNESCO, and others, it documents glaciers lost to climate change. Details Glacier Retreat • Definition: The process where glaciers shrink in size and mass due to melting, evaporation, and other factors. • Examples of Glacier Loss: o Pico Humboldt Glacier, Venezuela (2024). o Sarenne Glacier, France (2023). o Dagu Glacier, China: Predicted to disappear by 2030. • Projection for Yala Glacier: Estimated to vanish by the 2040s. Impacts of Melting Glaciers/Cryosphere 1. Disruption of Ecosystem and Livelihoods: o Glaciers and ice sheets store 70% of global freshwater, vital for ecosystems and human life. o Example: 240 million people in the Hindu Kush Himalaya depend on the cryosphere. 2. Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): o Melting glaciers create unstable lakes that can breach, causing catastrophic floods. 3. Climate Feedback Loop: o Melting glaciers lower Earth's albedo (reflectivity), causing more heat absorption and accelerating global warming. Global and National Initiatives to Protect the Cryosphere 1. Global Efforts: o UN Designations:  2025: International Year of Glaciers' Preservation.  March 21: World Day for Glaciers. o Other Initiatives:  Himalayan Adaptation Network (IUCN).  Living Himalayas Initiative (WWF). 2. India’s Initiatives: o National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Focuses on Himalayan preservation. o Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): Monitors glacier events and issues GLOF alerts. o Polar Research: Includes IndARC (2014) in the Arctic and Antarctic exploration missions. Conclusion The retreat of glaciers, like Yala, underscores the urgent need for robust global and regional strategies to combat climate change, protect the cryosphere, and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and livelihoods dependent on these fragile systems.   D.) Revised Policy for Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) WHY IN NEWS - The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced a revised policy for OMSS to enhance food security and bolster ethanol production. Key highlights include a revised rice reserve price of ₹2,250 per quintal for State Governments, Corporations, and Community Kitchens, as well as for ethanol distilleries. Background • Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic): o Purpose: FCI sells surplus food grains (wheat & rice) from the central pool in the open market at pre-determined prices through e-auction. o Aim: Controls market prices and curbs inflation. o Eligibility: Open to processors, atta chakki owners, and flour millers; not traders or bulk buyers. States can procure food grains directly without e-auction. Details Key Features of the Revised Policy 1. Rice Reserve Price: o For sale to State Governments, Corporations, and Community Kitchens: ₹2,250 per quintal. o For ethanol distilleries: ₹2,250 per quintal (reduced by ₹550). 2. Objective: o Enhance food security by making food grains more accessible. o Promote ethanol production to support renewable energy goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. About Food Corporation of India (FCI) • Establishment: Statutory body under the Food Corporations Act, 1964. • Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. • Objectives: 1. Ensure effective price support operations to protect farmers. 2. Distribute food grains across the country under the Public Distribution System (PDS). 3. Maintain buffer stocks to ensure national food security and respond to emergencies. Conclusion The revised OMSS policy demonstrates India's commitment to balancing food security, price stability, and sustainable energy production. It aims to ensure affordable food grains for vulnerable groups while supporting the government's ethanol-blending targets.   E.) National Sports Awards 2024 WHY IN NEWS The President of India presented the National Sports Awards 2024 to recognize and honor excellence in sports and contributions to sports promotion in the country. Background The National Sports Awards are presented annually in six categories, acknowledging athletes, coaches, institutions, and organizations for their exceptional contributions to sports in India. Details Categories of National Sports Awards 1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (1991-92): o India’s highest sporting honor for outstanding performances over four years. 2. Arjuna Award (1961): o Recognizes athletes for consistent excellent performance over four years. 3. Dronacharya Award (1985): o Highest coaching honor awarded to coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international events. 4. Major Dhyan Chand Award (2002): o India’s highest honor for lifetime achievements in sports. 5. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar (2009): o Honors organizations, corporates (private and public), and individuals for promoting and developing sports over three years. 6. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy (1956-57): o Awarded to institutions or universities for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the last year. Significance The National Sports Awards aim to encourage excellence in sports, recognize consistent efforts of athletes and coaches, and promote institutional and organizational contributions to India's sporting ecosystem.   F.) ILO's World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 WHY IN NEWS – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released its World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 report, highlighting key labor market challenges and trends. Key Findings • Global Unemployment: o Unemployment remains steady at 5% in 2024. o Sluggish economic growth continues to hinder a full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. • Key Challenges for the Labor Market: o Geopolitical tensions impacting economic stability. o Rising costs of climate change, affecting job security and market adaptation. o Unresolved debt issues, limiting investments and growth. About ILO • Establishment: Founded in 1919, the ILO is the only tripartite UN agency, bringing together governments, employers, and workers from 187 member states. • Mandate: o Set global labor standards. o Develop policies and programs for promoting decent work for all. • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Significance The report underscores the pressing need for coordinated global action to address labor market challenges, ensure job creation, and build resilience in a post-pandemic world.