PIB NOTES 5th APRIL 2025

 

 

 

 Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF)

​On April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid his respects at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, near Colombo. This memorial honors the soldiers of the IPKF who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. 

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990 under the mandate of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, aiming to end the Sri Lankan Civil War between Tamil militant groups, such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the Sri Lankan military. Initially tasked with overseeing a ceasefire and disarming militant groups, the IPKF soon found itself engaged in full-scale conflict with the LTTE, leading to significant casualties on both sides. The IPKF withdrew from Sri Lanka in March 1990. ​

List of Outcomes: Visit of Prime Minister to Sri Lanka

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka on April 5, 2025, several significant agreements and projects were initiated to enhance bilateral cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) Signed:

1. HVDC Power Interconnection: An MoU for the implementation of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection to facilitate the import and export of power between the two countries.
2. Digital Transformation Collaboration: An agreement between India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Digital Economy to share successful digital solutions implemented at a population scale.
3. Trincomalee Energy Hub Development: A tripartite MoU involving India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates to cooperate in developing Trincomalee as an energy hub
4. Defence Cooperation: An agreement to support defence collaboration between the two nations.
5. Eastern Province Development: An MoU focusing on multi-sectoral grant assistance for Sri Lanka's Eastern Province.
6. Health and Medicine Cooperation: An agreement between the health ministries of both countries to collaborate in the fields of health and medicine.
7. Pharmacopoeial Cooperation: An MoU between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and Sri Lanka's National Medicines Regulatory Authority to cooperate in pharmacopoeial standards.

Projects Inaugurated and Launched:

• Railway Infrastructure: Inauguration of the upgraded railway track between Maho and Omanthai, and the launch of construction for the signalling system on the Maho-Anuradhapura line.
• Sampur Solar Power Project: Groundbreaking ceremony for the Sampur Solar Power Project, conducted virtually.
• Agricultural Warehouse in Dambulla: Inauguration of a temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla, also conducted virtually.
• Solar Rooftop Systems: Supply of solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka, initiated virtually.

Announcements by Prime Minister Modi:

• Capacity-Building Programme: A comprehensive programme in India to train 700 Sri Lankans annually.
• Cultural Grant Assistance: India's grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura.
• Buddha Relics Exposition: Plans for the exposition of Lord Buddha's relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025.
• Debt Restructuring Agreements: Conclusion of bilateral amendatory agreements on debt restructuring.

These initiatives reflect the commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership across various sectors, including energy, digital transformation, defence, health, and cultural heritage. 

Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana

On April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana' award by Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake. This award signifies the deep-rooted friendship and historic ties between India and Sri Lanka. In his expression of gratitude, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the honor is a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India and reflects the enduring relationship between the two nations.  

IOS SAGAR mission

On April 5, 2025, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off the Indian Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sunayna, designating it as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) under the 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) initiative. The ceremony took place in Karwar, Karnataka, and included the inauguration of modern operational, repair, and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird, valued at over ₹2,000 crore.

The IOS SAGAR mission includes 44 naval personnel from nine friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. The international crew will participate in various training exercises, including firefighting, damage control, and seamanship, to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and its international partners.  

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the transition from SAGAR to the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, aiming to further strengthen regional cooperation. He emphasized India's dedication to ensuring that no nation in the Indian Ocean Region suppresses another based on economic or military power, advocating for the area to be a symbol of brotherhood and shared interest.  

 Ministry of Rural Development Launches Key Initiatives to Empower Rural Women

On April 5, 2025, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) organized a webinar that brought together 'Lakhpati Didis'—women who have achieved significant financial success through Self Help Groups (SHGs)—and representatives from State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs). This event was part of the post-budget consultation series aimed at implementing the Budget 2025-26 announcements with a focus on collaboration and strategic action. 

As part of its commitment to empowering rural women, MoRD launched the Entrepreneurship Planning Digital Tool (EPDT). Developed by LoKOS, this tool is designed to assist aspiring 'Lakhpati Didis' in crafting effective business plans by simplifying data entry for SHG members, tracking entrepreneurial progress, and providing necessary guidance.  

A toll-free helpline—0120-5202521—was introduced to support women with queries related to becoming 'Lakhpati Didis'. The helpline operates from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm, excluding national holidays.  

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)

The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned significant infrastructure projects for Tripura and Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).  

PM-JANMAN is a major central government mission launched by the Government of India. The name translates to "Prime Minister's Grand Campaign for Justice for Tribal Indigenous People."

Primary Goal:

The core objective of PM-JANMAN is the holistic development and well-being of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across India. It aims to improve their socio-economic conditions by ensuring they have access to basic amenities and essential services.

Target Beneficiaries:

The scheme specifically focuses on the 75 PVTG communities identified across multiple states and union territories in India. These communities are often characterized by:

• Declining or stagnant population.
• Extremely low levels of literacy.
• Dependence on pre-agricultural levels of technology.
• Subsistence-level economy.
• Living in remote and often inaccessible habitations.

Key Focus Areas & Interventions:

PM-JANMAN adopts a saturation approach, meaning it aims to ensure that every targeted PVTG household and habitation receives benefits under various government schemes. The mission focuses on 11 critical interventions through coordination between 9 key Ministries:

1. Housing: Providing safe and permanent (pucca) houses.
2. Clean Drinking Water: Ensuring access to piped water supply.
3. Sanitation: Construction of individual household toilets.
4. Education: Improving access through hostels, residential schools, etc.
5. Health: Better access to healthcare facilities, nutrition support (e.g., through Anganwadis, mobile medical units).
6. Electricity: Providing electricity connections to households.
7. Road Connectivity: Connecting PVTG habitations with all-weather roads.
8. Mobile Connectivity: Improving telecom and internet access.
9. Livelihood Opportunities: Promoting sustainable livelihoods and skill development.
10. Documentation: Ensuring PVTGs have essential documents like Aadhaar cards, community certificates, Jan Dhan accounts etc.
11. Land Rights & Records: Securing land rights where applicable.

Implementation & Funding:

• It's implemented through the convergence of schemes from multiple central ministries (like Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Health, Education, Power, Telecom, etc.) and state governments.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry coordinating the effort.
• The mission has a significant financial outlay (approximately ₹24,000 crore over three years, starting from its launch) dedicated to achieving its objectives.

 

PM-JANMAN was launched on November 15th, 2023, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day), marking the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.