India’s Matsya-6000 Deep-Ocean Submersible clears wet tests

The India’s fourth-generation deep-ocean submersible, Matsya-6000, has successfully completed its wet testing at the harbor, marking a significant step towards conducting shallow-water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 meters by the end of 2025, as per an official statement released on Monday

• Matsya-6000 is equipped with several innovative subsystems that ensure its functionality in the deep ocean environment. Key features include a main ballast system for diving, thrusters for movement in all directions, a battery bank for power supply, and syntactic foam for buoyancy.
•  It also boasts advanced control hardware, software, and sophisticated underwater navigation devices. Communication is facilitated through an acoustic modem, underwater telephone, VHF for surface communication, and GPS for precise location tracking.
• The submersible’s interior is designed with human life-support systems, along with displays for critical environmental parameters, navigation joysticks for maneuvering, and various oceanographic sensors.
• Underwater lighting and cameras are integrated into the exterior, all subsystems being indigenously designed and undergoing rigorous testing.
• Following the completion of its design phase, Matsya underwent comprehensive dry tests at a 500-meter operational range.
• These tests, which were conducted to assess the submersible’s integration and performance, proved successful, allowing the submersible to be transported to the L&T Shipbuilding facility at Kattupalli Port near Chennai for wet tests between January 27 and February 12.
• Although the restricted water depth in the harbor hindered underwater voice communication, the tests confirmed that Matsya-6000 is on track for future demonstrations in deeper waters. The successful completion of the tests at Kattupalli Port has raised confidence that the submersible will be ready for shallow-water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 meters by the end of 2025.
• Under the government’s Deep Ocean Mission initiatives, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has entrusted the National Institute of Ocean Technology with the ambitious task of designing and developing the Matsya-6000, as part of the Samudrayan Project.
•  The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, is developing a manned submersible ‘Matsya 6000’, which aims to carry three people to a depth of 6000 meters in the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors for ocean exploration and observation. The manned submersible Matsya 6000 is likely to be realised by 2026.
• The technologies developed under the Deep Ocean Mission will expand the country’s capability for deep-sea man-rated vehicle development and pave the way for sustainable deep-sea exploration and harnessing of deep-sea living and non-living resources. The deep-sea exploration includes biodiversity, survey and mineral resources. A
• part from the benefits of scientific research and technological empowerment, this mission has immediate spin-offs in underwater engineering innovations, asset inspection and the promotion of ocean literacy.
• Under the Deep Ocean Mission, a manned submersible Matsya 6000 is being developed to house a 2.1-metre internal diameter Titanium alloy personnel sphere for safely carrying humans to a 6000 m depth. The Titanium alloy personnel sphere is being integrated in collaboration with ISRO. 
•  The manned submersible is to be equipped with subsystems for buoyancy management enabling descent/ascent, power, and control systems, maneuvring propellers, subsea intervention manipulators, navigation and positioning devices, data and voice communication systems, on-board energy storage batteries, as well as systems for emergency support.
•  It is designed to enable continuous operations at 6000 m depth for up to 12 hours with an emergency endurance of up to 96 hours for conducting deep water observation and exploration. Human Support and Safety System, which is a critical need for three humans, has been realized for the acclimatization and usage during routine and emergency scenarios.
• The deep-sea activities, exploration of deep-sea living and non-living resources, are being undertaken in accordance with the guidelines of UN governing bodies.
•  The development of ocean climate change advisory services relies on robust data acquisition and analysis for deriving projections of sea level change, intensity of cyclone, storm surge, and waves and their impacts on associated coastal erosion and inundation in the projected climate.
• The acquisition of a multidisciplinary research vessel is in progress. Expansion of capacity building in marine biology in the country is also being prioritized by setting up a dedicated Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology (AMSOB).

India showcases food industry strength at Gulfood 2025

• Gulfood 2025, one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, has commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries.
• Spanning 24 halls and 1.3 million square feet, the event highlights more than one million products, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global food trade hub.
• India has a significant presence at the event, with 370 companies participating, including 122 under six key industry associations and 248 independent exhibitors. Leading organizations such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, Assocham, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), and the Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) are spearheading India’s representation.
• “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is fostering global collaborations in the food processing sector, encouraging investments, and integrating digital technologies to develop a future-ready food ecosystem,” he stated during his keynote address at the Leadership Summit in Dubai.

“India’s presence at Gulfood 2025 is a testament to our commitment to becoming a global leader in food processing and agri-exports. This event will showcase India’s strengths in food processing and value addition while fostering new collaborations and innovative food solutions.

 Our participation will help expand India’s footprint in new markets and establish sustainable supply chains that benefit both producers and consumers worldwide.”

• Highlighting India’s growing role in the global food industry, Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan remarked, “India’s strengthened trade ties are reflected in its expanding role in global food supply chains. The country’s leadership in pulses, cereals, and grains is a testament to its ability to meet rising global demand for sustainable and nutritious food.”
• This year, India’s participation at Gulfood 2025 emphasizes sustainability, technology-driven supply chains, and product diversification. With the Gulf region being a key market, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has actively supported Indian businesses by facilitating B2B meetings, networking events, and trade delegations.
• The Indian Mission, in collaboration with NAFED, APEDA, and FIEO, provides exhibitors with branding support, market insights, regulatory guidance, and access to buyers and distributors. Additionally, interactive knowledge sessions with business delegations, including the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce and IGTD Exim Chamber of Commerce, aim to enhance market understanding for Indian producers.
• The demand for specific Indian products in the Gulf region continues to grow, driven by the large Indian diaspora and strong bilateral trade relations.
• Spices, rice, ready-to-eat meals, and Ayurvedic products remain highly sought after, alongside textiles, jewelry, and emerging sectors like electronics and IT.
• The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has further boosted trade flows, with e-commerce platforms such as Amazon UAE and Noon expanding market access for Indian brands.
• In 2023, India exported $1.61 billion worth of processed food and agricultural products to the UAE, underscoring the strong trade relationship between the two nations.
•  With India’s dynamic presence at Gulfood 2025, the country is poised to further strengthen its footprint in the global food industry.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate NAKSHA program for urban land survey

• Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) pilot program on Feb 18th. The initiative will be launched across 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 26 states and 3 Union Territories (UTs) at Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.
• The NAKSHA program, spearheaded by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to modernize land survey processes in urban areas.
• The objective is to create and update land records, ensuring accurate documentation of land ownership, improving urban planning, and reducing land-related disputes. The program will leverage IT-based systems for property record administration to enhance transparency, efficiency, and support sustainable development.
• The inauguration ceremony will feature several key activities, including a drone demonstration, the release of a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) booklet, and the launch of a video and flyer about the NAKSHA Program. Additionally, the flagging of the Watershed Development Component (WDC) Yatra and screening of a WDC video, along with the playing of the Watershed Anthem, will take place.
• The Survey of India has been designated as the technical partner for the NAKSHA initiative. It will conduct aerial surveys and provide orthorectified imagery through third-party vendors to the respective state and Union Territory governments. Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop an end-to-end web-GIS platform, with storage facilities managed by the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI).
• States and Union Territory governments will carry out field surveys and ground truthing using the orthorectified imagery. This will culminate in the final publication of urban and semi-urban land records.
• The NAKSHA pilot program is expected to cost ₹194 crore, with full funding provided by the central govt.

India, Japan joint military exercise to begin at Mount Fuji from Feb 25

• The sixth edition of Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian, between India and Japan, is scheduled at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, the Indian Army said on Sunday.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two forces while undertaking joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under UN mandate, said the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) in a social media post.
• “Building on the momentum of the Chief of the Army Staff’s (COAS) successful visit to Japan from October 14 to 17, 2024, Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 will further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation between India and Japan,” it said.
• Earlier on February 11, special forces of India and Egypt commenced the ‘Cyclone III’ exercise at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. An official said that the exercise would conclude on February 23.
• “Exercise ‘Cyclone’ is an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Egypt. The last edition of the same exercise was conducted in Egypt in January 2024,” said the official.
• The Indian contingent comprising 25 personnel is represented by troops from two Special Forces Battalions. Egypt contingent also comprising 25 personnel will be represented by the Special Forces Group and Task Force of Egyptian Special Forces.
• The official said that the exercise aims to promote the military-to-military relationship between the two countries through the enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.
• “The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.
• Drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include advanced special forces skills and various other tactics, techniques and procedures as per the current operational paradigm,” he said.
• The official said the exercise will culminate with a 48-hour-long validation to rehearse the tactical drills for counterterrorism operations in desert and semi-desert terrain.
• “The exercise will also include a display of indigenous military equipment and an overview of the defence manufacturing industry for the Egyptian side,” the official added.
• He said that the exercise will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations.

Is BRICS Dead? Here’s why it’s far from over

• Despite growing tension and recent provocations from the U.S., the BRICS grouping — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is far from ‘dead.’ While US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs and criticized the group’s potential push for a common currency, experts argue that these concerns do not signal the collapse of the multilateral alliance.

Trump’s Rhetoric and BRICS Future

• Trump has been vocal about the growing efforts of BRICS nations to challenge the global dominance of the U.S. Dollar. The possibility of BRICS adopting a common currency, often referred to as part of a ‘dedollarization’ agenda, has raised alarms in Washington.
• Trump has gone so far as to threaten a 100 percent tariff on BRICS member nations should they move forward with this plan, accusing the group of attempting to undermine the US Dollar’s supremacy in global trade.

BRICS Currency: A Non-Starter?

• While a common BRICS currency has been a point of debate within the group, it’s not an issue that has widespread support among its members. As reportedly previously by FinancialExpress.com, India, for instance, has constantly expressed unwillingness toward the idea of a BRICS currency, fearing potential disruptions to its own economic interests.
• Moreover, countries within the bloc already engage in a significant amount of trade using the Chinese Yuan, especially China’s bilateral relations with BRICS members. However, this doesn’t indicate that BRICS is on the brink of collapse. “Even without a common currency, BRICS continues to serve its purpose as a platform for economic cooperation among developing nations,” Dr Pandey noted.
• BRICS, much like its early years, continues to be a forum for member countries to discuss and advocate for their collective interests, even if the currency discussion falters. The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS to fund infrastructure projects in emerging markets, remains a significant part of the group’s ongoing work

Why BRICS Still Matters to India

• For India, BRICS is not just about economic cooperation but also part of its broader strategy to assert its influence in a rapidly changing world order. While some Western analysts perceive BRICS as an anti-Western coalition, it’s  important to note that the group is fundamentally non-Western, not necessarily hostile to the West.
• “BRICS is about securing the economic interests of non-Western countries. It offers India access to strategic markets, including Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,” said an expert on Indian foreign policy. As India positions itself as a leader of the Global South, BRICS serves as a valuable platform to challenge the dominance of Western powers and institutions that have historically shaped global economic and political systems.
• Moreover, the growing presence of nations like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE in BRICS underscores the group’s role as a significant player in global trade and diplomacy. India sees BRICS as a valuable economic gateway, offering access to diverse markets and opportunities.
•  The expansion of BRICS to include new members, like Saudi Arabia, which is still in the process of joining, further enhances the grouping’s relevance.

Is BRICS Really on the Verge of Collapse?

• While a shared currency may not materialize anytime soon, BRICS remains a vital platform for promoting the interests of its member states, including India.
• The key takeaway is that BRICS is not about to collapse just because of failed currency discussions or external pressures. In fact, it serves as an essential pillar of India’s broader multilateral strategy. As the US focuses on bilateral agreements and moves away from multilateral frameworks, BRICS and other international coalitions become increasingly important for India to secure its economic and strategic interests.

 SCIENTIFIC STUDIES CARRIED OUT IN ARCTIC REGION

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through its autonomous institute, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa organizes the Indian Arctic expeditions and manages the Indian Arctic Research Station Himadri.
• Till date, 15 successful Indian Scientific Expeditions to the Arctic with participation from the academicians, scientists and researchers have been carried out. These expeditions are multidisciplinary and multi-institutional in nature.
• Various atmospheric and oceanic measurements have been undertaken to understand the association between Arctic ice melt and Indian Monsoon through teleconnection.
• India has deployed a mooring IND-Arc in the inner Kongsfjorden to measure the different oceanic parameters to understand the causes and changes in atmospheric and oceanic properties due to melting Arctic ice.
• Indian scientists have participated in several scientific cruises to the Arctic Ocean in collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) and the Korean Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) to study biophysical processes involved in and during the Arctic Sea ice melting.
• Indian scientists conducted two field works in the Canadian High Arctic region in 2023 and 2024 to understand the role of permafrost as a potential reservoir of significant human health microbes.
• More than 200 scientific research publications have come out and more than a dozen Ph.D. theses have been awarded/ongoing from the Indian Arctic Program since its inception.
• Both the regions - the Arctic and Himalayas - are climatically and ecologically sensitive and contain a large cryosphere (ice-covered regions). Global warming is adversely affecting both regions through ice melting.
• Various studies based on observational, modeling and past climate data from the Arctic have shown that Arctic sea-ice and Arctic temperatures are linked to the Indian monsoon through atmospheric and oceanic teleconnections. The linkage will cause disruption in the Indian monsoon, which in turn will affect the precipitation/snowfall over the Himalayas.
• The total amount of funding allocated and utilized for the purposes of carrying out research in the Arctic Circle over the last five years has been about Rs. 39.00 Crores.
• India''s engagement with the Arctic region has been consistent and multidimensional. On 17 March 2022, India unveiled its Arctic policy document titled ''India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’.
• The policy lays down six pillars: i) strengthening India''s scientific research and cooperation, ii) climate and environmental protection, iii) economic and human development, iv) transportation and connectivity, v) governance and international cooperation, and vi) national capacity building in the Arctic region.
• Implementation of India''s Arctic Policy is overseen by an inter-ministerial Empowered Arctic Policy Group.
• To expand India’s scientific interests in the Arctic region, regular winter expeditions in the Norwegian Arctic has been initiated since December 2023 and scientific research and operations are carried out in Arctic by occupying the Indian research station Himadri for more than 300 days since December 2023

 MANAGEMENT OF GROWING E-WASTE IN THE COUNTRY

• Generation of e-waste has been increased over the past years and is increasing day by day due to increased usage of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) by the consumers. E-waste generation is direct result of economic growth and technological advancements.
• Ministry has comprehensively revised the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 and notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in November, 2022 and the same is in force since 1^st April, 2023.
• The objective of the said rules is to take all steps required to ensure that e-waste is managed in a manner which shall protect health and environment against any adverse effects, which may result from such e-waste.
• These new rules intend to manage e-waste in an environmentally sound manner and put in place an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for e-waste recycling wherein all the manufacturer, producer, refurbisher and recycler are required to register on portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• The new provisions would facilitate and channelize the informal sector to formal sector for doing business and ensure recycling of e-waste in environmentally sound manner. Provisions for environmental compensation and verification & audit have also been introduced.
• These rules also promote Circular Economy through EPR regime and scientific recycling/disposal of the e-waste.
• Currently there are 322 nos. of recyclers and 72 nos. of refurbishers registered with CPCB to cater the services for recycling / refurbishing of generated e-waste. The reported processing capacity of 322 registered recyclers as on 09.02.2025 is 22,08,918.064 MT per annum and processing capacity of 72 registered refurbishers is 92,042.18 MT per annum. Further, CPCB has taken following steps for effective management of E-Waste Rules as under:
• An online EPR E-Waste portal has been developed by CPCB where entities such as producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishers of the e-waste are required to be registered.
• CPCB has developed guidelines for the scientific and environmentally sound management of e-waste.
• The guidelines details procedures and facilities in terms of machineries and pollution control devices required for the recycling of e-waste in environmentally sound manner.
• An action plan for implementation of E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 is in place and the same is being implemented by all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) in their respective States/UTs. SPCBs/PCCs are submitting quarterly progress report.
• The action plan has action point for checking informal e-waste activities and has asked SPCBs/PCCs to carry out regular drives for checking informal e-waste activities.
• Under Rule 10(1) of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, State Government has been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure earmarking or allocation of industrial space or shed for e-waste dismantling and recycling in the existing and upcoming industrial park, estate and industrial clusters
• CPCB issued following Directions to SPCBs/PCCs for effective implementation of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022:
• Directions dated 06.09.2022 under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 regarding checking informal e-waste activities, verification of authorized dismantlers/recyclers of e-waste and drives for mass awareness.
• Directions dated 30.01.2024 under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 regarding registration of producers, manufacturers, recyclers and refurbishers on the Online E-Waste EPR Portal.
• Directions dated 14.02.2024 under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for ensuring generation of EPR Certificates by e-waste recyclers towards fulfilment of Producers EPR obligations for the FY 2023-24.

CONTRIBUTION OF PM E-DRIVE SCHEME IN GROWTH OF EV ECOSYSTEM

• The Government of India has notified ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme'' on 29.09.2024 to provide impetus to the green mobility & development of EV manufacturing eco-system in the country.
• The scheme has an outlay of  ₹10,900 crore over a period of two years from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2026. The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 implemented for the period of six months from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, is subsumed in PM E-DRIVE scheme.

Salient features of PM E-DRIVE scheme:

• i.  Introduction of E- Vouchers: - The Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI) has introduced E-vouchers for Electric vehicle buyer to avail the demand incentive under the scheme.
• ii.  Introduction of new vehicle segments: - An allocation ₹500 crore each has been done for deployment of e-ambulances and e-trucks under the scheme. This is new initiative  to promote the use of e-ambulances for a comfortable patient transport. Similarly, e-trucks have also been introduced under the scheme.
• iii.  Upgradation of testing agencies: ₹780 Crore has been earmarked for upgradation of vehicles testing agencies.
  The scheme has following three components:
• i.     Subsidies: ₹3,679 crore as demand incentives for e-2W, e-3W, e-ambulances, e-trucks & other new emerging EV categories.
• ii.    Grants: ₹7,171 crore for creation of capital assets i.e., e-buses, establishment of network of charging stations & upgradation of vehicle testing agencies identified under this scheme.
• iii.  Administration of Scheme including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for project management agency (PMA).

The PM E-DRIVE scheme aims to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs) through various incentives detailed below:

• i.  Demand Incentives: These incentives directly reduce the upfront cost of EVs for consumers at the point of purchase. The government reimburses the incentive amount to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• ii.   Financial Support for Charging Infrastructure: The scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for establishing public charging infrastructure for various vehicle categories.
• iii.  Grants for Capital Assets: The scheme has provisions of ₹4,391 crore as grants to support deployment of 14,028 e-buses and ₹780 crore as grants for the upgradation of vehicle testing agencies identified under the scheme.
• Yes, there is mechanisms in place to monitor and assess the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), an inter-ministerial empowered committee, headed by the Secretary of Heavy Industries, is constituted for overall monitoring, sanctioning, and implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme. This committee is also responsible for removing any obstacles or difficulties that may arise during implementation

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY)

• The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is organizing a special nationwide campaign for registrations on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) along with expediting registration approvals and mobilizing applications from eligible stakeholders for availing various benefits provided under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY) from 14th to 22^nd February, 2025. 
• This nationwide effort, in collaboration with State/UT Fisheries Departments,  National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and Common Service Centers (CSCs), will focus on organizing camps in key fisheries hotspots and potential areas across the country aimed at expediting the registration process, enhancing approval rates, and encouraging eligible stakeholders to avail themselves of the numerous benefits under PMMKSSY, such as credit facilitation, aquaculture insurance and performance grants.

Background

• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an outlay of ₹6,000 crore is under implementation since 2023-2024. Its main aim is to formalize the fisheries sector, enhance access to institutional finance, promote aquaculture insurance, improve value chain efficiencies, and strengthen fish safety and quality assurance systems.
• By addressing key challenges such as fragmentation, lack of credit access, and low value chain efficiency, PMMKSSY seeks to create a more resilient and sustainable fisheries sector, ensuring enhanced livelihoods for fishers and fish farmers.
• A key component of this sub-scheme is to create a National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) to register fishers, fish farmers, vendors, processors, and microenterprises, facilitating their integration into formal financial systems and government programs. NFDP has specific modules for registration, credit facilitation, strengthening of Fisheries cooperatives, aquaculture insurance, performance grants, traceability and training & capacity building. So far, more than 17 lakh registrations have been made on the portal.
•  This digital initiative, combined with targeted interventions under PMMKSSY, is expected to enhance productivity, expand domestic and global markets, and ensure long-term sectoral growth.
• Eligible stakeholders mainly, fishers, fish farmers, vendors, processors, microenterprises, etc. can register themselves on the National Fisheries Digital Platform at these camps such that they can avail the benefits under PMMKSSY. 

 Heartfulness Lord Buddha Trination Tri-Services Motorcycle Expedition to Cover Key Buddhist Sites Across Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka

• The Heartfulness Lord Buddha Trination Tri-Services Motorcycle Expedition is a historic and unique initiative uniting Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka in a journey through their shared Buddhist heritage.
• Under the leadership of Convener Shri Rahul Laxman Patil, the expedition is organized in association with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) along with other partners.
• The journey will commence on 16th February 2025 from Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, symbolizing the historical spread of Buddhism and reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections among these countries.
• The expedition will cover significant Buddhist heritage sites across Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka.
• The Indian chapter of the expedition is being organized with the support of the Land Port Authority of India (under the Ministry of Home Affairs) and Nalanda University, Rajgir (under the Ministry of External Affairs), with BIMSTEC as the strategic partner and IBC as the guiding institution.

The route will include key Buddhist landmarks such as:

• Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh – The site of Buddha’s first sermon
• Bodhgaya, Bihar – The place of Buddha’s enlightenment
• Nalanda, Bihar – The renowned ancient Buddhist university
• Nagarjuna Sagar, Andhra Pradesh – An important Buddhist learning center
• Udayagiri, Odisha – A significant Buddhist monastic site
• Karnataka – Various Buddhist sites reflecting India’s rich Buddhist legacy
• The official flag-off will take place at Bodhgaya on 19th February 2025, led by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, at this iconic Buddhist pilgrimage site. The expedition will then proceed to Sri Lanka, where it will receive a ceremonial welcome in Jaffna, marking the culmination of this historic journey.
•  The Sri Lankan leg of the event will highlight the enduring Buddhist ties between the three nations and further promote cultural diplomacy.
• The Heartfulness Lord Buddha Trination Tri-Services Motorcycle Expedition aims to:
• Promote peace and harmony through the teachings of Buddha
• Enhance cultural and heritage tourism across South Asia
• Raise awareness on environmental conservation and sustainable development
• Strengthen people-to-people and defence ties between India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
• This initiative is a testament to the unifying power of Buddhism, fostering goodwill and cooperation between the three nations while celebrating their common spiritual and historical heritage.

India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer care and research.

• Cancer continues to be one of the major causes of death worldwide, with millions of new cases reported each year.
• In 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were recorded, and 9.7 million people died from the disease globally. In India, cancer remains a pressing health concern, with cases projected to rise. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), more than 14 lakh new cases were estimated in 2023.
• The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), under ICMR, has been monitoring cancer incidence and trends since 1982, providing essential data for policy decisions.
• The National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research (NICPR) plays a role in research and screening guidelines. The government has introduced policies, financial support, and strategic interventions to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment across the country.
• Government Initiatives in Cancer Care
  The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects the government’s focus on healthcare, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare allocated Rs. 99,858.56 crore.
•  The government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals within the next three years, with 200 centres planned for 2025-26. To make treatment more accessible, customs duty exemptions have been introduced for 36 life-saving drugs used in cancer and other diseases, with some medicines attracting a concessional customs duty of 5%.
• Drugs provided under pharmaceutical companies’ patient assistance programs have also been exempted from customs duty.
• The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission. The programme focuses on early detection and screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Several district clinics and community health centres provide screenings and related services. Infrastructure is being strengthened through tertiary cancer centres and state cancer institutes.
• Efforts to decentralize cancer care have resulted in the establishment of multiple tertiary care centres.
• There are now 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres across the country. Institutions such as the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata contribute to advancing treatment and research.
• Expanding Access to Treatment
  The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018, provides healthcare coverage to economically weaker sections, ensuring timely treatment for cancer patients. The scheme includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology, reducing financial strain on families.
•  The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi programme provides financial aid of up to Rs. 5 lakh for cancer treatment, with a maximum assistance limit of Rs. 15 lakh. Funds are allocated to 27 regional cancer centres to support underprivileged patients.
• The National Cancer Grid (NCG), established in 2012, works to standardize cancer care across the country. The network has expanded to 287 members, including research institutes, hospitals, and advocacy groups.
•  The NCG supports evidence-based treatment and collaborates with Ayushman Bharat to ensure affordability. It has also contributed to digital health initiatives by developing electronic patient records.
• Advancements in Cancer Research
  India has made progress in cancer research, with recent developments in treatment technology. In 2024, NexCAR19, India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, was introduced through a collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT. This therapy offers a treatment option for blood cancers and aims to make advanced care more accessible.
• International collaborations are also shaping cancer research. In 2024, India partnered with the US, Australia, and Japan under the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative to address cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The initiative focuses on expanding screening and vaccination programs and advancing research.
• The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), a key unit of Tata Memorial Centre, has initiated an expansion plan to enhance cancer research and patient care.
• This development supports ongoing clinical advancements and new therapeutic approaches.
• Raising Awareness and Promoting Prevention
  Efforts to educate the public on cancer prevention and early detection are being strengthened. The government has integrated cancer awareness into primary healthcare through community-level programs.
• Media campaigns across print, electronic, and social platforms promote healthy lifestyles and early detection. National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day serve as opportunities to encourage public participation in health initiatives.
• Other initiatives, such as the Eat Right India campaign by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, promote nutritious food choices.
• The Fit India Movement encourages physical activity, and yoga programs under the Ministry of AYUSH support overall well-being. These initiatives contribute to awareness and prevention efforts.

Building a Stronger Cancer Care System
India’s approach to cancer care involves policy measures, infrastructure development, and financial assistance programs.

• The government is expanding access to treatment through district-level cancer centres and affordable healthcare schemes.
• Research efforts, such as indigenous CAR-T cell therapy and global collaborations, are contributing to advanced treatment options. Digital health initiatives and standardized care networks are improving coordination in cancer management.