18 March 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC
PIB Summary for UPSC
18-March -2024
1. INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR SEYCHELLES FOR JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE “EXERCISE LAMITIYE – 2024
Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations UPSC candidates should understand India’s military cooperation with Seychelles, demonstrating regional engagement and peacekeeping capabilities for global security. |
Context |
● Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces conduct Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” in Seychelles to enhance cooperation and interoperability in semi-urban peacekeeping operations. |
Additional information on this news:
- Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles for the tenth edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024”.
- The exercise will be conducted from 18-27 March 2024 in Seychelles.
- ‘LAMITIYE’ means ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language.
- 45 personnel each from the GORKHA RIFLES of the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) will participate.
- The aim is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations in Semi-Urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
- It will promote bilateral military relations, exchange skills, experiences, and good practices.
- Tactical drills for neutralization of threats in Semi-Urban environments will be conducted.
- The exercise includes Field Training Exercise, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and Validation Exercise.
- It will contribute to mutual understanding, jointness, collaborative partnership, and sharing of best practices.
- Overall, it will enhance cooperation and interoperability during Peace Keeping Operations.
India Seychelles relations |
Prospects: ●Economic cooperation: Potential for bilateral trade growth, especially in areas like tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy. ●Maritime security: Enhanced cooperation in patrolling and surveillance to combat piracy and ensure maritime safety. ●Cultural exchange: Opportunities for cultural exchange programs to foster mutual understanding and people-to-people connections. ●Investment opportunities: Seychelles offers investment opportunities in sectors like infrastructure, hospitality, and healthcare. Challenges: ●Geographic distance: Physical distance poses logistical challenges for regular interactions and trade. ● Capacity constraints: Seychelles’ smaller size and limited resources may hinder the scale of cooperation. ● Competition from other nations: Both India and Seychelles face competition from other regional players, impacting their bilateral engagement. Way forward: ●Strengthened diplomatic ties: Regular high-level visits and diplomatic dialogues to deepen mutual trust and understanding. ● Economic partnerships: Enhance trade facilitation measures and explore avenues for joint ventures and investments. ● Capacity building: India could provide technical assistance and training programs to bolster Seychelles’ capabilities. ● People-to-people contacts: Promote cultural exchanges and tourism to foster closer ties between the two nations. |
Practice Question: Discuss the prospects, challenges, and potential strategies for enhancing India-Seychelles relations in the context of economic cooperation, maritime security, and cultural exchange. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. PM hails over one crore households registering for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies – Interventions for development in various sectors This news highlights a significant step towards promoting solar energy and reducing electricity expenses, relevant for energy policies. |
Context |
● The news is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing delight over one crore households registering for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, promoting solar energy and reducing electricity expenses. |
Additional information on this news:
- Over 1 crore households have registered for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana within a month of its launch.
- Registrations are from across the nation, with states like Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh having over 5 lakh registrations each.
- The initiative aims to reduce electricity expenses significantly for households while ensuring energy production.
- It promotes Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) on a large scale, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Citizens are encouraged to register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in for the scheme’s benefits.
PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana |
●PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojana offers free electricity to one crore households in India through rooftop solar units. ●Approved by the Union Cabinet with a budget of Rs.75,021 crore on February 29th. ● Eligible households can receive a subsidy of 60% of the solar unit cost for systems up to 2 kW capacity. ●Additional subsidy of 40% of the system cost is available for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity. ● Eligibility criteria include Indian citizenship, ownership of a suitable roof for solar panels, and a valid electricity connection. ● Also involves collateral-free loans with low-interest rates around 7% are available for system installation. ●Subsidy application steps include feasibility approval, installation, net metering, and commissioning. ● Expected savings for households can reach approximately Rs 15,000 annually for those consuming up to 300 units per month. ● Benefits include reduced electricity bills and potential income from surplus power sales to DISCOMs. |
PYQ: India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020) |
Practice Question: Discuss the significance and potential impact of the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in promoting renewable energy and addressing electricity accessibility challenges in India. (150 Words /10 marks) |
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