PIB Summary- 18th March, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Indian Army Contingent Departs For Seychelles for Joint Military Exercise "Exercise Lamitiye-2024

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

• 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.

PM hails over one crore households registering for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

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.