India–Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting
1. Meeting Overview
- Event: Fourth edition of the India–Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting
- Location & Date: Zanzibar, 02–03 February 2026
- Purpose: Review ongoing defence cooperation and identify new areas to strengthen bilateral defence ties
- Framework: Guided by an existing five-year defence cooperation roadmap
2. Key Areas Reviewed
- Military training cooperation
- Service-to-service engagement
- Maritime security collaboration
- Defence industry cooperation
These areas indicate sustained institutional engagement and growing interoperability between the two armed forces.
3. Expansion into New Strategic Domains
The two sides explored collaboration in emerging and non-traditional security areas:
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Peacekeeping training
- Capacity building in niche and advanced technologies:
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Cyber security
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Military medicine identified as a potential new area
This reflects a shift toward:
- Technology-driven defence engagement
- Modern warfare capabilities
- Broader security and resilience cooperation
4. Institutional Deepening of Military Ties
- Agreement to initiate Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation
- Complements existing collaboration between:
- Navies
- Armies
This marks:
- A move toward tri-service engagement
- Broader interoperability across all defence branches
- More structured defence architecture between the two nations
5. Delegation Leadership
- India: Led by Joint Secretary (Defence Cooperation) Shri Amitabh Prasad; included senior officials from the Department of Defence and Indian Armed Forces
- Tanzania: Led by Mr. Ibrahim Mhona, Chief of Operations and Training, Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF)
- Diplomatic presence: Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Shri Bishwadip Dey, attended
The level of representation signals the importance both countries attach to defence ties.
6. Strategic Significance
a) Strengthening Bilateral Strategic Partnership
- Reinforces India–Tanzania’s “close, warm, and strategic partnership”
- Demonstrates sustained institutional dialogue through the JDCC mechanism
b) Indian Strategic Interests
- Enhances India’s defence engagement in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean
- Supports maritime security cooperation in a strategically vital region
- Expands India’s defence diplomacy and capacity-building footprint
c) Tanzania’s Strategic Gains
- Access to advanced training and emerging defence technologies
- Capacity building in cyber, AI, and electronic warfare
- Potential strengthening of peacekeeping capabilities
7. Broader Defence Diplomacy Implications
- Reflects India’s emphasis on:
- South–South cooperation
- Capacity building rather than purely transactional defence sales
- Long-term institutional partnerships
- Suggests gradual movement from traditional cooperation (training, maritime security) toward technology-centric and multi-domain collaboration
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology
1. Event Overview
- On 3 February 2026, DRDO conducted a successful flight test of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
- The test included all key subsystems and was tracked via advanced instrumentation along the Bay of Bengal.
- The success places India among the elite countries possessing air-breathing missile propulsion technology.
2. Technology Analysis
2.1 What SFDR is
- SFDR (Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet):
- A hybrid air-breathing propulsion system for missiles.
- Uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion after initial boost.
- Solid fuel simplifies storage, handling, and logistics compared to liquid-fueled ramjets.
2.2 How it works in this test
- Step 1: Ground booster propulsion
- Missile is accelerated to supersonic speed (Mach number needed to start the ramjet).
- Step 2: SFDR ignition
- Nozzle-less booster ignites, solid fuel burns, and air intake drives sustained propulsion.
- Step 3: Fuel Flow Control
- Fuel flow controller regulates fuel burn to maintain speed and efficiency.
- Outcome:
- Subsystems performed as expected.
- Flight data confirmed stable supersonic performance.
2.3 Advantages over conventional rockets
- Rockets carry oxidizer, which limits burn time and range.
- SFDR uses air-breathing combustion, giving:
- Longer range
- Sustained high speed
- Greater maneuverability
- Reduced weight (no onboard oxidizer)
2.4 Comparison with other air-breathing systems
| Feature | SFDR | Scramjet | Conventional Rocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Solid | Liquid/Hybrid | Solid/Liquid |
| Air-Breathing | Yes | Yes | No |
| Range | Medium to Long | Long | Medium |
| Speed | Supersonic | Hypersonic | Supersonic |
| Advantage | Simpler & stable | Extreme speed | Simple but short-range |
3. Strategic Implications
3.1 Military capability
- Enables next-gen long-range air-to-air missiles for fighter jets.
- Provides a tactical edge: engaging targets before the enemy can respond.
- Supports beyond visual range (BVR) combat, crucial in modern aerial warfare.
3.2 Defence autonomy
- Reduces reliance on foreign missile technologies.
- Strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in high-end defence tech.
3.3 International positioning
- Places India in an elite club of countries with air-breathing missile propulsion.
- Demonstrates technological parity with global leaders in missile systems.
4. Organizational & Team Analysis
- Test monitored by senior DRDO scientists from:
- DRDL (Defence Research & Development Laboratory)
- HEMRL (High Energy Materials Research Laboratory)
- RCI (Research Centre Imarat)
- ITR (Integrated Test Range) teams
- Demonstrates strong inter-laboratory coordination for complex missile technology.
- Involves industry collaboration, indicating growing synergy between public and private sectors in defence tech.
5. Broader Implications
5.1 Technology trajectory
- SFDR is a stepping stone for hypersonic and next-gen air-to-air missiles.
- Opens potential for medium-range to long-range missile development, including air-launched platforms.
5.2 Defence ecosystem impact
- Boosts indigenous missile design expertise, especially in air-breathing engines.
- Helps India transition from conventional rockets to advanced propulsion systems.
5.3 Regional strategic advantage
- Enhances air defence and air superiority capabilities.
- Acts as a deterrent against adversaries due to longer-range, high-speed missile options.
Status of PM E-DRIVE Scheme
1. Background and Objective
The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India. The primary objective of the scheme is to reduce the upfront cost of EVs through demand incentives, thereby promoting clean, sustainable, and affordable mobility across the country.
The scheme adopts a multi-pronged strategy that includes:
- Demand incentives for vehicle buyers,
- Large-scale electrification of public transport,
- Development of charging infrastructure,
- Strengthening of EV testing facilities.
2. Demand Incentive Framework
A key feature of the scheme is the provision of upfront incentives to consumers, which directly reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles.
- The incentive is first passed on to buyers at the point of sale.
- The Government of India subsequently reimburses the amount to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
- This ensures:
- Immediate financial relief to consumers,
- Smooth cash flow for manufacturers,
- Faster market adoption.
This demand-side intervention addresses one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption — high initial cost.
3. Coverage Across EV Segments
The scheme supports multiple categories of electric vehicles, ensuring broad-based electrification:
- e-Two Wheelers (e-2Ws)
- e-Three Wheelers (e-rickshaws, e-carts, L5 category)
- e-Ambulances
- e-Trucks
- Electric Buses
- EV Public Charging Stations (EVPCS)
This diversified approach ensures that both personal mobility and commercial/public transport are addressed.
4. Progress in EV Adoption (As of 27 January 2026)
The scheme supports more than 28 lakh EVs.
Total EVs Sold Under the Scheme:
- 22.12 lakh EVs
- 19.19 lakh e-2Ws
- 2.93 lakh e-3Ws
Analytical Observations:
- Dominance of e-Two Wheelers
- e-2Ws account for nearly 87% of total sales under the scheme.
- Indicates strong adoption in the personal mobility segment.
- Reflects high price sensitivity in India’s two-wheeler market.
- Growth in e-Three Wheelers
- Significant adoption in the commercial segment (e-rickshaws and cargo vehicles).
- Supports last-mile connectivity and livelihood generation.
- Gap Between Target and Achievement
- Out of 28 lakh supported EVs, 22.12 lakh have been sold.
- Indicates strong progress, though full target realization is still underway.
5. Electric Bus Deployment
A major public transport electrification component has been incorporated into the scheme.
Financial Allocation:
- ₹4,391 crore allocated.
Target:
- Deployment of 14,028 electric buses.
Allocation Status:
- 13,800 buses allocated in two phases.
- Focus on seven metropolitan cities with population above 4 million:
- Bengaluru
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Pune
- Surat
Tender Status:
- Phase I: 10,900 buses – tenders concluded by CESL.
- Phase II: 2,900 buses – tenders floated on 09 January 2026.
Significance:
- Targeting high-density cities maximizes environmental benefits.
- Electrifying buses significantly reduces urban air pollution.
- Centralized procurement through CESL enhances efficiency and cost optimization.
6. Charging Infrastructure Development
Recognizing that infrastructure is crucial for EV adoption, the scheme provides:
- ₹2,000 crore allocation for EV Public Charging Stations (EVPCS).
- Nationwide deployment strategy.
- Support for upgrading EV testing facilities.
Impact:
- Reduces range anxiety.
- Encourages private EV ownership.
- Strengthens ecosystem readiness.
- Enhances safety and standardization.
7. Financial Disbursement Status
As of 31 December 2025:
- ₹1,703 crore reimbursed to OEMs for e-2Ws and e-3Ws.
Interpretation:
- Indicates active implementation.
- Reflects substantial fiscal commitment.
- Suggests strong uptake of demand incentives.
8. Broader Economic and Environmental Implications
Economic Impact:
- Boost to domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem.
- Encourages innovation and industrial growth.
- Supports job creation in EV manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
Environmental Impact:
- Reduction in carbon emissions.
- Improved urban air quality.
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Social Impact:
- Affordable mobility options.
- Support for livelihood sectors (e-rickshaw operators).
- Enhanced public transport sustainability.
Rationalisation of Income Tax Regime for Provident Funds
Background & Core Issue
- Recognized Provident Funds (RPFs) were governed under Schedule XI of the Income-tax Act, 2025.
- Parallel regulation existed under:
- Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
- Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952
- Divergences existed between Income-tax provisions and EPF law in:
- Eligibility for exemption
- Investment norms
- Employer contribution limits
- These inconsistencies:
- Created interpretational ambiguity
- Increased compliance burden
- Led to avoidable litigation
- Caused regulatory overlap
Objective of the Union Budget 2026–2027 Reform
- To harmonise the Income-tax regime with the EPF statutory framework.
- To remove dual standards and align:
- Recognition criteria
- Investment regulations
- Contribution limits
- To ensure regulatory convergence between tax law and labour law.
Key Reforms Introduced
Exemption / Recognition
- Recognition under the Income-tax Act, 2025 will now be available only to provident funds exempted under Section 17 of the EPF Act, 1952.
- Eliminates independent tax-based recognition.
- Creates a single-point eligibility test.
Impact:
- No parallel approval mechanisms.
- Tax recognition becomes derivative of EPF exemption.
- Reduces scope for conflicting interpretations.
Investment Norms
- Investment pattern will now be governed entirely by the EPF framework and subordinate legislation.
- The rigid statutory ceiling restricting investment in Government securities to 50% has been removed.
Impact:
- Greater flexibility in fund management.
- Uniform investment governance.
- Removal of overlapping statutory prescriptions.
Employer’s Contribution
- Employer’s contribution subject to a monetary ceiling of ₹7.5 lakhs per annum.
- Contributions exceeding ₹7.5 lakhs will be:
- Taxed as perquisites in the hands of the employee.
Impact:
- Clear taxable threshold.
- Alignment with broader perquisite taxation framework.
- Reduced disputes regarding contribution limits.
Structural Impact of the Reform
- Converts a dual regulatory framework into a single harmonised system.
- Strengthens the primacy of the EPF statutory mechanism.
- Simplifies compliance for:
- Employers
- Employees
- Tax administrators
- Enhances certainty in tax treatment of provident funds.
Policy Significance
- Reflects a shift toward legislative convergence.
- Demonstrates intent to:
- Reduce litigation
- Promote ease of doing business
- Improve regulatory clarity
- Aligns fiscal law with social security legislation.
Practical Consequences for Stakeholders
For Employers
- Must ensure EPF Section 17 exemption status to retain tax recognition.
- Clear cap on employer contributions.
- Uniform investment compliance standards.
For Employees
- Certainty regarding tax exemption.
- Transparent taxation once ₹7.5 lakh limit is crossed.
- Greater stability in provident fund governance.
For Tax Authorities
- Reduced interpretational disputes.
- Simplified assessment framework.
- Clear statutory linkage between tax and EPF law.
Exploration and augmentation of Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Institutional Framework
- Exploration carried out by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD).
- AMD functions under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- Focus: Exploration and augmentation of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in placer sands and hard rock terrains.
India’s Rare Earth Resource Position (as of January 2026)
A. Beach Sand Mineral (BSM) Deposits
- 136 deposits identified.
- 13.15 million tonnes (Mt) of monazite.
- Contain ~7.23 Mt in-situ Rare Earth Oxide (REO) equivalent resources.
- Located in:
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Jharkhand
- West Bengal
- Occur in coastal beaches, teri/red sands, and inland alluvium.
B. Hard Rock Deposits
- 3 deposits in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- 1.29 Mt in-situ REO equivalent resources.
Total Identified REO Resources
- Approximately 8.52 Mt REO equivalent (BSM + hard rock).
Strategic Nature of Monazite
- Monazite contains thorium and uranium (radioactive elements).
- Classified as a “prescribed substance”.
- Mining, processing, and refining kept under Government control.
- India is among 3–4 countries globally with:
- RE processing plants
- Technical capability
- Skilled workforce
Structural and Commercial Challenges
- Indian RE deposits are:
- Low grade (lean resources)
- Associated with radioactive elements
- Technically complex and costly to extract
- Predominantly composed of Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs)
- Limited commercial mining due to:
- Technology gaps
- Weak mid-stream (separation, refining) capabilities
- Underdeveloped downstream industries (magnets, components)
Legislative Reforms
Amendment to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
- Modified via the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023.
- Objective: Boost exploration and mining of critical minerals.
Key provisions:
- Central Government empowered to auction 24 critical and strategic minerals.
- Introduction of Exploration Licence (new mining concession).
- 46 critical mineral blocks auctioned in six tranches (including REE).
- 7 Exploration Licence blocks auctioned, including 2 REE blocks.
National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
- Approved by Union Cabinet on 29 January 2025.
- Objective: Ensure long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals.
- Covers the entire value chain:
- Exploration
- Mining
- Beneficiation
- Processing
- Recycling and recovery
- Strategic focus on reducing import dependence and enhancing supply chain resilience.
Regulatory & Clearance Reforms
To accelerate critical mineral projects:
- Compensatory afforestation allowed on degraded forest land.
- Public hearing exemptions for critical mineral mining projects.
- Streamlined environment and forest clearance procedures.
Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing Push
- November 2025: Cabinet approval of
“Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets”. - Financial outlay: ₹7,280 crore.
- Target: 6,000 MTPA integrated RE Permanent Magnet capacity.
- Aim:
- Reduce dependence on imports (especially magnets)
- Build downstream ecosystem
- Position India as a global REPM manufacturing hub.
Strategic Significance
- India possesses:
- Significant RE resource base
- Thorium-linked strategic advantage
- Technical extraction capability
- However, commercial value realization depends on:
- Technology upgradation
- Private sector participation
- Downstream industrial development
- Efficient policy execution
“Optimal Generation Mix 2030” – A Report by Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
Background and Context
- The information was provided in the Rajya Sabha by Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy.
- The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in its report “Optimal Generation Mix 2030” has projected India’s energy storage requirements for the year 2029–30.
- The emphasis is on ensuring grid stability and integrating large-scale renewable energy into the power system.
Projected Energy Storage Requirement
- Total projected storage requirement: 60.63 GW by 2029–30.
- Contribution from:
- Pumped Storage Projects (PSP): 18.98 GW
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): 41.65 GW
- The larger share of BESS indicates increasing reliance on battery-based storage technologies.
- The requirement reflects growing renewable penetration and the need to manage intermittency of solar and wind power.
Policy and Regulatory Framework
The Government has introduced multiple policy measures to promote storage deployment:
- Guidelines for procurement and utilization of BESS across generation, transmission, distribution, and ancillary services.
- A National Framework for Energy Storage Systems to provide strategic direction.
- Separate guidelines to promote Pumped Storage Projects.
- Transmission incentives in the form of 100% ISTS charge waiver:
- For PSP projects awarded before June 30, 2028.
- For co-located BESS projects commissioned before June 30, 2028 (subject to conditions).
These measures aim to reduce project costs and accelerate deployment.
Financial Incentives and Viability Gap Funding
To address high upfront costs and improve commercial viability:
- A VGF scheme approved in March 2024:
- ₹3,760 crore outlay.
- Support for 13,220 MWh BESS at ₹27 lakh per MWh.
- Another VGF scheme approved in June 2025:
- 30 GWh BESS capacity.
- ₹5,400 crore funding from the Power System Development Fund (PSDF).
- ₹18 lakh per MWh support.
The reduction in VGF per unit suggests declining battery costs and improving economics of storage systems.
Domestic Manufacturing and Research Support
- Under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, 10 GWh capacity has been earmarked for grid-scale stationary storage applications.
- Advisory issued to promote co-location of storage with solar power projects to enhance grid stability and cost efficiency.
- Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme supports indigenous innovation.
- The Department of Science & Technology funds R&D projects under the Clean Energy Material Initiative (CEMI) for advanced storage materials and devices.
These initiatives aim to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic value chains.
Renewable Energy Procurement Status
Four Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs):
- Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
- NTPC Limited
- NHPC Limited
- SJVN Limited
As of 31.12.2025:
- Around 69 GW capacity awarded through Letters of Award.
- Around 24.3 GW PPAs signed.
In addition, renewable capacity is expanding through:
- State-level tenders.
- Green Energy Open Access route.
- Captive and commercial & industrial procurement.
Shift in Renewable Energy Market Dynamics
- Declining costs of solar/wind combined with storage.
- Growing demand from DISCOMs and consumers for:
- Renewable power with storage.
- Peak-hour supply.
- Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE).
- Reduced demand for plain standalone solar or wind power.
- Government has sensitized REIAs to design tenders aligned with these emerging needs.
Measures to Improve PPA Execution
- States urged to comply with Renewable Consumption Obligation under the Energy Conservation Act.
- REIAs advised to aggregate demand before issuing bids.
- Regional workshops conducted with major renewable procuring states to address bottlenecks and speed up PPA signing.
Strategic and System-Level Significance
Energy storage is becoming central to:
- Grid balancing and reliability.
- Managing peak demand.
- Reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based peaking plants.
- Enabling higher renewable energy penetration.
- Supporting India’s decarbonization and energy security goals.
India is moving from a model of merely adding renewable capacity to building a dispatchable and storage-integrated renewable energy ecosystem.
Central Electricity Authority
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It functions as the apex technical body advising on national electricity policy, planning, and standards, playing a central role in India’s power sector development and regulation.
Key facts
- Founded: 1951 (under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948)
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Parent ministry: Ministry of Power, Government of India
- Chairperson: Appointed by the central government
- Primary role: Technical, advisory, and regulatory support for India’s electricity sector
Mandate and Functions
The CEA formulates and monitors policies to ensure reliable electricity generation, transmission, and distribution nationwide. It prepares the National Electricity Plan, sets technical standards, and coordinates regional and national grid operations. The authority also oversees data collection, energy audits, and capacity planning to forecast and meet India’s growing power demand.
Organizational Structure
CEA operates through specialized wings such as Thermal, Hydro, Transmission, and Planning & Monitoring divisions. Each focuses on specific aspects of the power system, from project appraisal to performance analysis. The Chairperson leads these divisions, supported by technical members and regional offices across India.
Role in Policy and Planning
As a key advisor to the central government, the CEA provides technical inputs for policy formulation, including the Electricity Act implementation. It evaluates generation and transmission projects, ensures grid reliability, and maintains coordination between state and central utilities. Its forecasts and reports guide investment and infrastructure development in the energy sector.
Importance in the Power Sector
The CEA is vital for achieving India’s energy security and sustainability goals. It supports the integration of renewable energy, modernization of the grid, and optimization of transmission capacity—ensuring the balance between economic growth, environmental compliance, and energy efficiency.
Evolution of Kaziranga National Park as stronghold of Indian one-horned rhinoceros
Background and Context
- The study focuses on the Indian one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stronghold of megaherbivores.
- Northeast India, part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, hosts numerous endangered species threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.
- The research addresses the historical distribution, migration, and survival of megaherbivores in response to climatic and anthropogenic changes.
Methodology
- Scientists from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) used palaeoecological techniques to trace long-term ecological history.
- They extracted a ~1 metre sediment core from the Sohola swamp inside KNP.
- Sediment layers preserve pollen grains and fungal spores, including those from herbivore dung, providing insight into past vegetation and herbivore activity.
- The study was published in the journal ‘Catena’ (Elsevier).
Key Findings
- The Indian one-horned rhinoceros was once widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent.
- Over the last ~3300 years, its range declined due to:
- Climatic deterioration in northwestern India (e.g., Holocene and Little Ice Age changes)
- Habitat loss
- Overhunting by humans
- Northeastern India, including KNP, remained climatically stable and experienced lower human pressure, allowing rhinoceroses to migrate eastward and concentrate in this region.
- The study also shows regional extinction of other megaherbivores from northwestern India due to similar pressures.
Ecological Insights
- Long-term vegetation shifts and climate changes directly influenced:
- Wildlife survival
- Migration patterns
- Species extinction
- Fossil pollen and dung records provide concrete evidence of historical herbivore presence and distribution.
- The present landscape of KNP differs markedly from its past, emphasizing the impact of climate and human activity over millennia.
Conservation Implications
- Understanding long-term ecological and climatic trends can inform modern wildlife management and conservation strategies.
- Protecting climatically stable refuges like KNP is crucial for preserving endangered species under current and future climate change.
- The study highlights the importance of historical data in planning conservation interventions for megaherbivores and their habitats.
Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025
Background and Recognition
- Paradip Port Authority (PPA) was awarded the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
- The award recognizes outstanding performance in cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation among ports and maritime institutions.
- The award ceremony was held in New Delhi on 3rd February 2026, presented by Sarbananda Sonowal, with Shri Shantanu Thakur and Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS in attendance.
- P. L. Haranadh received the award on behalf of the PPA team.
Core Pillars of Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 at PPA
Jan Bhagidari (Public Participation)
- Large-scale engagement across schools, heritage sites, temples, beaches, ponds, and port premises.
- Activities included:
- Cyclothons, Swachhata Raths, rallies, Swachhata Runs, human chains, and citizen-led drives.
- Campaigns like Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath reinforced cleanliness as everyone’s responsibility.
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Tree Plantation & Green Initiatives)
- Plantation drives transformed neglected areas into clean green zones.
- Notable achievement: 40,000 saplings planted at Paradip Sea Beach on the birthday of Narendra Modi, under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”.
- Focused on environmental protection, sustainable growth, and building a greener India.
Safai Mitra Suraksha (Sanitation Worker Welfare)
- Focus on safety, dignity, and recognition of sanitation workers.
- Organized medical check-ups and formal felicitation of Safai Mitras on the Prime Minister’s birthday.
- Acknowledged their crucial contribution to cleanliness efforts.
Other Initiatives
- Plastic Waste Reduction:
- Awareness campaigns against single-use plastics via street theatre, rallies, cotton bag drives, and public engagement under End Plastic Pollution.
- Sustainable Reuse:
- Innovative initiatives like Scrap to Structure and Waste to Wealth exhibitions engaged youth and local talent.
- Community & Cultural Activities:
- Swachhata-themed paintings, rangoli competitions, selfie booths, and clean food street initiatives.
- Blood donation camps and renovation of the Administrative Building under Special Campaign 5.0.
Impact and Significance
- Reflects PPA’s commitment to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, sustainability, and inclusive development.
- Recognizes collective efforts of workforce, contractual staff, stakeholders, and local community.
- Sets a benchmark for sustainable port operations and reinforces leadership in Clean India Mission initiatives.
Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL)
Background and Context
- The Union Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL), aiming to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem.
- The MoU signing aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Key Partners and MoU Details
- Signatories of BCSL MoU:
- Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
- Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA)
- Chennai Port Authority
- Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL)
- A separate tripartite MoU was signed for Outer Harbour Project financing at VOCPA with IRFC, VOCPA, and SMFCL.
Investment and Financing
- Total joint funding: Up to ₹15,000 crore for eligible port capacity expansion projects.
- Projects will be under Sagarmala Programme and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- Financing focuses on debt funding for breakwater construction and allied onshore-offshore facilities, primarily through a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Strategic Significance
- BCSL and Outer Harbour financing are strategic steps to:
- Build national shipping capability in the container segment
- Strengthen port infrastructure
- Enhance multimodal connectivity and resilient supply chains
- Align with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047 vision
- BCSL will help anchor India’s container trade in domestic hands, reducing exposure to volatile global freight rates and supply shocks.
- Estimated investment of ₹15,000 crore expected to create a robust, world-class container ecosystem across India.
Government Statements
- Sarbananda Sonowal:
- BCSL and Outer Harbour financing translate Atmanirbhar Bharat vision into concrete maritime capability.
- Initiatives will enhance strategic and commercial presence in global maritime trade.
- Ashwini Vaishnaw:
- Emphasized speedy approvals and efficiency.
- Highlighted prior initiatives in shipbuilding financial assistance, ship recycling, and broader maritime development.
- Shantanu Thakur:
- Praised Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India’s maritime resurgence.
- Congratulated all partners for collective vision and collaboration.
Economic and Trade Implications
- India is the world’s fourth-largest economy, projected to reach $7.3 trillion GDP by 2030.
- Growth will significantly increase export-import volumes and containerized cargo traffic.
- A strong domestic container carrier will reduce dependence on foreign shipping lines, improving trade resilience and cost predictability.
Promotion of Eco-Friendly Textile
Background and Context
- There is growing global demand and export potential for eco-friendly, bio-based, and organic clothing.
- The Government is taking steps to promote domestic production, quality certification, and export of sustainable textiles, while raising consumer awareness.
Key Initiatives by the Ministry of Textiles
Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals Project
- Pilot project across 8 clusters and 4 fashion houses:
- Titled “Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Apparel Fashion Supply Chain in India”
- Aims to facilitate production and processing of organic and eco-friendly fibres
- Focuses on generating consumer demand for sustainable clothing through awareness programs
ESG Task Force
- Platform for deliberation on sustainable production, certification, and exports
- Facilitates industry-centric programs via initiatives like:
- Circular Samvaad
- Cluster Exchange Mechanism
- Supports domestic manufacturing, quality certification, and best practices for sustainable textiles
Collaboration with Research Institutions
- Partnerships with institutions like:
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR-CICR)
- North Indian Textile Research Association (NITRA)
- Focus areas:
- Organic production practices
- Supply of bio-fibres
- Release of naturally coloured cotton seeds for commercial cultivation
- Augmenting organic and naturally coloured cotton production
Promotion of Natural Colours and Dyes
- Under National Handloom Development Program:
- Financial support for natural/vegetable dyes
- Setting up dye houses via:
- Mega Cluster Development Programme
- Need-based Special Infrastructural Projects
- R&D Support:
- Approval of 3 R&D projects on natural dyes under the Research & Development scheme
- Branding and Certification:
- Launch of India Handloom Brand (IHB) for high-quality handloom products
- Registered products include those made using natural dyes
- Awareness and Promotion:
- Bharat Tex 2025 showcased organic fibres (milkweed, cotton, etc.) and natural dyes
Agricultural and Organic Supply Support
- Programs promoting organic cultivation and supply of raw materials:
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
- Implemented through Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare via State/UT Governments
- Support covers: production, processing, certification, and marketing of organic fibres