Vibrant Villages Programme-II Approved for Border Area Development
Why in News
- Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that the Centre has approved Vibrant Villages Programme-II with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore till FY 2028–29.
Key Features of the Programme
- Implemented as a Central Sector Scheme.
- Covers 1,954 villages located in blocks along international land borders.
- Focus on comprehensive development of border villages.
Background
- Builds upon Vibrant Villages Programme-I.
- Phase-I focused mainly on northern border areas.
- Phase-II expands coverage to additional border regions, especially in the Northeast.
Coverage of Programme-I
- Covered states/UTs include:
- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat
- Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
- Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland
- Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim
- Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
Focus Areas
- Livelihood generation and employment opportunities.
- Road connectivity and infrastructure development.
- Electrification and energy access.
- Health and education infrastructure.
- Financial inclusion.
- Skill development and youth empowerment.
- Promotion of cooperatives, SHGs, and FPOs.
- Tourism and cultural promotion.
- Telecom and television connectivity.
Implementation Approach
- Convergence of multiple central and state government schemes.
- Ensures benefits reach all eligible households.
- Focus on sustainable development and asset maintenance.
Objectives
- Reduce migration from border villages.
- Promote economic self-reliance among local populations.
- Address infrastructure and connectivity gaps.
Strategic Importance
- Strengthens national security by developing border areas.
- Encourages population retention in sensitive border regions.
- Enhances integration of remote areas with mainstream development.
Significance
- Boosts socio-economic development in remote border regions.
- Supports Northeast development as a strategic priority.
- Combines development with security objectives.
- Contributes to inclusive and balanced regional growth.
Road Over Bridge Approved to Boost Tuna-Tekra Port Connectivity
Why in News
- The Centre has approved a ₹472 crore Road Over Bridge (ROB) project to improve connectivity to Tuna-Tekra port and enhance cargo movement efficiency.
Key Features of the Project
- Construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Tuna-Tekra.
- Includes:
- Viaducts
- Bridge over a creek
- Allied infrastructure
- Provision for 10-year maintenance to ensure durability and efficiency.
Role of Government
- Announced by Sarbananda Sonowal.
- Implemented under the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
Importance for Port Infrastructure
- Will serve upcoming Tuna-Tekra port facilities.
- Key components of the port:
- Mega Container Terminal (capacity: 2.19 million TEUs)
- Multipurpose cargo berth (capacity: 18.33 million metric tonnes per annum)
- Expected to reduce congestion and logistics delays.
Focus on Connectivity and Logistics
- Acts as a key transport link for cargo movement.
- Eliminates rail-road bottlenecks.
- Facilitates smooth movement of heavy vehicles to and from the port.
- Improves turnaround time and logistics efficiency.
Synchronised Development
- Project aligned with Tuna-Tekra Container Terminal development.
- Terminal project already achieved about 45% physical progress.
- Ensures connectivity infrastructure is ready alongside port operations.
Strategic Significance
- Supports India’s maritime growth and trade efficiency.
- Aligned with:
- Maritime India Vision 2030
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
- Aims to position India as a global maritime hub.
Significance
- Enhances port-led development.
- Boosts logistics efficiency and trade competitiveness.
- Strengthens infrastructure in coastal regions.
- Contributes to economic growth through improved cargo handling.
India Aims to Become Global Drone Manufacturing Hub
Why in News
- Rajnath Singh called for India to become a global hub for drone manufacturing at the National Defence Industries Conclave 2026.
Need for Drone Manufacturing
- Modern conflicts like:
- Russia-Ukraine War
- Iran-Israel tensions
highlight the importance of drones and counter-drone technologies.
- Drones are crucial for surveillance, combat, and intelligence operations.
Focus on Self-Reliance
- Emphasis on indigenous manufacturing across the entire value chain:
- Software
- Engines
- Batteries
- Materials
- Aim to reduce dependence on imports.
- Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Role of Startups and MSMEs
- Startups and MSMEs identified as key drivers of innovation.
- Government support through:
- Policy initiatives
- Funding and mentorship
- Integration into defence supply chains
- MSMEs contributing to emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and automation.
Key Initiatives Launched
- Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC-14) launched.
- ADITI challenges introduced under Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
- 107 problem statements released by:
- Armed Forces
- Indian Coast Guard
- Defence Space Agency
- 101 innovation challenges funded by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
Progress under iDEX
- Launched in 2018 to promote defence innovation.
- Around 676 startups and innovators onboarded.
- 548 contracts signed and 566 challenges launched.
- 58 prototypes worth ₹3,853 crore cleared for procurement.
- 45 contracts worth ₹2,326 crore already signed.
Support to MSMEs
- Government initiatives include:
- Udyam Portal
- Udyam Assist Portal
- Focus on:
- Equity support
- Liquidity access
- Professional assistance
- Number of MSMEs increased from 4.67 crore (2012–13) to about 8 crore.
Adoption of Advanced Technologies
- Encouragement to adopt Industry 4.0 practices:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital twins
- Advanced simulation
- Automation and robotics
Significance
- Strengthens India’s defence preparedness and strategic autonomy.
- Promotes indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Boosts innovation and entrepreneurship in defence sector.
- Positions India as a global player in drone technology.
‘VB-G Ram G Youth Digital Campaign’ Launched to Engage Rural Youth
Why in News
- The Ministry of Rural Development has launched the VB-G Ram G Youth Digital Campaign to promote participation of rural youth in nation-building.
About the Campaign
- Nationwide initiative in collaboration with MY Bharat Portal.
- Aims to involve youth in:
- Rural development
- Employment generation
- Local livelihood activities
- Provides a digital platform for youth to showcase grassroots innovations.
Objectives
- Channel youth energy towards nation-building.
- Promote innovation and development at village level.
- Encourage youth to document and share local success stories.
- Strengthen participation in government initiatives.
Participation Details
- Open to youth aged 15–29 years.
- Registration through:
- MY Bharat portal
- MyGov
- Last date for registration: March 20, 2026.
Activities Under the Campaign
- Video Challenge (Reel Competition):
- Create 30–60 second videos on village development or livelihoods
- Upload on MY Bharat portal
- Logo Design Competition:
- Winner receives ₹50,000 and recognition
- Online Quiz:
- Based on Viksit Bharat and government schemes
- Participants receive digital certificates
Implementation Support
- Guidance available through MGNREGA branch of District Rural Development Agency.
- Encourages grassroots participation and outreach.
Significance
- Promotes youth engagement in rural transformation.
- Highlights progress and innovation in villages.
- Strengthens Digital India and participatory governance.
- Contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat and inclusive development.
‘Yoga 365’ Campaign Launched to Promote Daily Yoga Practice
Why in News
- The Ministry of Ayush has launched the Yoga 365 campaign to encourage daily yoga practice across the country.
About Yoga 365 Campaign
- Nationwide initiative to make yoga a regular daily habit.
- Launched during Yoga Mahotsav–2026 at Vigyan Bhawan.
- Marks the 100-day countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
- Aims to shift yoga from an annual event to a daily lifestyle practice.
Objectives
- Promote physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
- Bridge the gap between awareness and regular practice of yoga.
- Encourage integration of yoga into daily routines.
Need for the Campaign
- High awareness of yoga:
- 95% in rural areas
- 96% in urban areas
- However, regular practice remains limited.
- Highlights need for behavioural change and sustained engagement.
Key Initiatives under Yoga 365
- Collaboration between Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) and Habuild platform.
- Free daily online yoga sessions for wider accessibility.
- Focus on digital outreach and community participation.
Link with Existing Programmes
- Builds on initiatives such as:
- Y-Break (for corporate employees)
- Common Yoga Protocol
- Therapeutic yoga modules for non-communicable diseases
Role of Government
- Led by Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav.
- Emphasis on making yoga practical and accessible.
- Focus on institutional support and mass participation.
Growth of Yoga Movement
- International Day of Yoga celebrated since 2015.
- Over 26 crore people participated in 2025 events.
- Yoga has evolved into a global wellness movement.
Significance
- Promotes preventive healthcare and wellness.
- Supports reduction of lifestyle diseases.
- Encourages holistic health approach.
- Strengthens India’s soft power globally through yoga.
RELIEF Scheme Launched
Why in News
- The Government of India has launched the RELIEF scheme to support exporters facing logistics disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Background
- Disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
- Impact includes:
- Vessel diversions
- Longer shipping routes
- Congestion at transshipment hubs
- Rise in freight and insurance costs
About RELIEF Scheme
- RELIEF stands for Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation.
- Launched under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
- Time-bound and targeted intervention.
- Financial outlay of ₹497 crore.
Key Features
- Implemented by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC).
- Dashboard-based real-time monitoring of claims and fund utilisation.
- Regular review by EPM Steering Committee.
Components of the Scheme
- Enhanced insurance coverage:
- Up to 100% risk coverage for shipments (Feb 14–Mar 15, 2026)
- No additional cost for exporters with existing ECGC cover
- Support for upcoming shipments:
- Up to 95% risk coverage (Mar 16–Jun 15, 2026)
- Relief for MSMEs:
- Up to 50% reimbursement of increased freight and insurance costs
- Maximum limit ₹50 lakh per exporter
Coverage Area
- Applies to exports to countries in West Asia, including:
- United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman
- Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq
- Iran, Israel, Yemen
Additional Government Measures
- Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) on Supply Chain Resilience active since March 2, 2026.
- Measures include:
- Procedural relaxations for stranded cargo
- Waiver of storage and dwell time charges
- Better coordination among logistics stakeholders
- Transparency in shipping costs
Objectives
- Reduce impact of rising logistics and insurance costs.
- Maintain export flow and prevent order cancellations.
- Protect employment in export sectors.
- Strengthen resilience of supply chains.
Significance
- Supports exporters during geopolitical disruptions.
- Enhances competitiveness of Indian exports.
- Provides targeted relief to MSMEs.
- Strengthens India’s trade resilience in uncertain global conditions.
India’s Bioeconomy Expands Rapidly
Why in News
- Jitendra Singh stated that India’s bioeconomy has grown sharply and is moving towards a $300 billion target by 2030.
Growth of India’s Bioeconomy
- Expanded from around $10 billion in 2014 to over $195 billion in 2025.
- Nearly 20-fold growth in a decade.
- Recorded annual growth rate of 17–18% in the past year.
- Contributes about 5% to India’s GDP.
Role of Biotechnology Sector
- Emerging as a key driver of development in:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Climate solutions
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Strengthening India’s position as a global biotech hub.
Role of BIRAC
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) plays a key role.
- Bridges gap between research and industry.
- Supports innovation, incubation, and commercialization.
Policy Support and Initiatives
- BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment):
- Promotes sustainable biomanufacturing
- Encourages bio-based industries
- Focus areas include:
- Precision biotherapeutics
- Smart proteins
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Bio-based chemicals
- Carbon capture technologies
- ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund supports deep-tech growth.
Startup Ecosystem
- Over 11,800 biotech startups operating in India.
- Driving innovation across sectors.
- Supported through funding, mentorship, and incubation.
Key Reports
- India Bioeconomy Report (IBER) 2026 released.
- Sector has more than doubled since 2020.
- BIRAC Impact Report highlights:
- Industry-academia collaboration
- Development of affordable healthcare solutions
- Job creation and sustainable technologies
Focus on Inclusive Growth
- Encouragement to talent from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Support for:
- Students and researchers
- Women entrepreneurs
- Aim to expand participation in biotech innovation.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s innovation-driven economy.
- Promotes sustainable and green technologies.
- Enhances global competitiveness in biotechnology.
- Contributes to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat goals.
US Conducts ‘Operation Epic Fury’
Why in News
- The Pentagon stated that the United States has carried out large-scale strikes in Iran under Operation Epic Fury.
Key Highlights of Operation Epic Fury
- Over 7,000 targets struck across Iran.
- Use of advanced 5,000-pound penetrator weapons.
- Targeted underground military storage and infrastructure.
- Operations aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities.
Targets and Damage
- Strikes focused on:
- Coastal defence cruise missile sites
- Naval ammunition depots
- Mine storage facilities
- Defence industrial units
- Over 120 naval vessels and 44 minelayers targeted.
- Hundreds of defence production facilities damaged.
- Iranian submarines reportedly rendered non-operational.
Military Impact
- Significant degradation of Iran’s missile production capacity.
- Missile attacks on US forces reduced by about 90%.
- Iran’s ability to project power beyond borders weakened.
- Military ports and naval infrastructure severely affected.
Key Statements
- US officials described the operation as large-scale and precise.
- Emphasis on expanding operational reach deeper into Iranian territory.
Background of Conflict
- Escalation followed the killing of Ali Khamenei in February 2026.
- Joint strikes reportedly carried out by the US and Israel.
- Iran retaliated by targeting US and Israeli assets in Gulf region.
Strategic Developments
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
- Disruption of global energy supply routes.
- Appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as new leader.
Global Implications
- Heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
- Impact on global oil prices and energy markets.
- Risk to maritime trade routes.
Significance
- Reflects increasing militarisation and escalation in the region.
- Highlights importance of strategic chokepoints like Strait of Hormuz.
- Raises concerns over global economic and security stability.
US Approves Major Arms Sales to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Why in News
- The US State Department has approved arms sales worth over $16.5 billion to Middle East countries amid escalating conflict with Iran.
Key Details of Arms Sales
- To United Arab Emirates:
- Missiles, drones, radar systems
- F-16 munitions and upgrades
- Total value: over $8.4 billion
- To Kuwait:
- Air and missile defence sensor radars
- Estimated cost: $8 billion
- To Jordan:
- Aircraft and munitions support
- Estimated cost: $70.5 million
Defence Companies Involved
- Major contractors include:
- RTX Corporation
- Northrop Grumman
- Lockheed Martin
Background of the Move
- Comes amid escalating conflict in West Asia.
- Triggered by:
- Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure
- Israeli strikes on Iran’s gas facilities
- Conflict has intensified over recent weeks.
Impact on Global Economy
- Surge in global gas and oil prices.
- Increased volatility in energy markets.
- Risk to global supply chains and trade routes.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens defence capabilities of US allies in the region.
- Signals US commitment to regional security.
- Aims to counter threats from Iran.
Significance
- Reflects rising militarisation in West Asia.
- Highlights role of arms trade in geopolitics.
- May further escalate regional tensions.
- Impacts global energy and security dynamics.