MAIN KEY TOPICS DURING MAN KI BAAT

PRERNA FOR IAS

MAIN KEY TOPICS DURING MAN KI BAAT

1. INS Dunagiri, INS Sandhayak and INS Agray

INS Dunagiri, INS Sandhayak, and INS Agray are three indigenously built naval ships commissioned to strengthen India's maritime security and defence capabilities. INS Dunagiri is a modern stealth frigate equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and surveillance systems for multi-role operations. INS Sandhayak is a hydrographic survey vessel used for oceanographic studies, navigation mapping, and coastal surveys. INS Agray is an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft designed to detect and neutralize enemy submarines near the coast. These ships reflect India's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing, maritime preparedness, and naval self-reliance.

2. C-295 Aircraft

The C-295 is India's first indigenously assembled military transport aircraft, manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems in partnership with Airbus. It replaces the ageing Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force and significantly enhances tactical airlift capability. The aircraft can transport troops, cargo, medical evacuation teams, and disaster relief supplies to remote locations. It is capable of operating from short and unprepared airstrips, making it suitable for border and humanitarian missions. The C-295 programme promotes technology transfer, domestic manufacturing, employment generation, and defence self-reliance, marking a major milestone in India's "Make in India" and aerospace development initiatives.

3. Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile

The Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) is an advanced indigenous missile developed to strengthen India's strategic defence capabilities. It is capable of flying at low altitudes while accurately striking high-value land targets over long distances, making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect. Equipped with advanced navigation and precision guidance systems, the missile enhances India's conventional deterrence and operational readiness. Successful testing of this missile demonstrates India's growing expertise in missile technology and indigenous defence research. It supports the vision of self-reliance in defence production while significantly improving national security and strategic strike capability.

4. International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day is observed every year on 21 June to promote physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual harmony. Proposed by India at the United Nations in 2014, it has become a global movement celebrated in over 180 countries. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health and reduce stress. The event highlights India's rich cultural heritage while encouraging a healthy and balanced lifestyle. International Yoga Day also promotes peace, unity, and environmental awareness by inspiring people across cultures to adopt holistic wellness practices and strengthen the connection between mind, body, and nature.

5. Iran War

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has significant implications for regional and global peace, energy security, and international trade. Rising tensions in West Asia can disrupt global oil supplies, increase fuel prices, and affect shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. India closely monitors developments because of its energy imports, trade interests, and the large Indian diaspora living in the region. India consistently advocates dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts while maintaining balanced relations with all countries involved. Its foreign policy emphasizes strategic autonomy, humanitarian concerns, and support for international peace, stability, and cooperative regional security.

6. Behavioural Changes: Carpooling and Energy Saving

Small behavioural changes such as carpooling and conserving energy can significantly benefit society and the environment. Carpooling reduces traffic congestion, fuel consumption, travel costs, and greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging shared responsibility. Energy conservation through efficient use of electricity, water, and fuel helps preserve natural resources and reduce pollution. Simple practices like switching off unused appliances, using LED lights, and choosing public transport contribute to sustainable development. These habits support India's climate commitments, improve resource efficiency, and promote environmental protection. Collective action by citizens through responsible daily behaviour can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

7. Use of Natural Fertilizers

Natural fertilizers are organic substances such as compost, manure, vermicompost, and biofertilizers that improve soil fertility without harming the environment. They enrich the soil with essential nutrients, increase microbial activity, enhance water retention, and improve long-term agricultural productivity. Unlike chemical fertilizers, natural fertilizers reduce soil degradation, water pollution, and environmental damage. Their use promotes sustainable agriculture, supports biodiversity, and lowers farming costs over time. Encouraging organic farming through natural fertilizers helps produce healthier crops while protecting ecosystems. This approach benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment by ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development.

8. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is a government-backed accidental insurance scheme launched in 2015 to provide affordable financial protection. Available to individuals aged 18–70 years with a bank account, it offers insurance coverage against accidental death and permanent disability. The scheme has a very low annual premium, making it accessible to economically weaker sections. It encourages financial inclusion by providing security to families in case of unforeseen accidents. PMSBY is implemented through banks and insurance companies and forms an important component of India's social security framework aimed at protecting vulnerable households from financial hardship.

9. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is a government-supported life insurance scheme launched in 2015 to provide affordable life cover. It is available to individuals aged 18–50 years holding a savings bank account. The scheme provides financial assistance to the nominee in case of the insured person's death from any cause. With a low annual premium, PMJJBY ensures that even low-income families can access life insurance. It promotes financial security, social protection, and financial inclusion by reducing the economic burden on families during emergencies and encouraging greater participation in formal insurance services.

10. Hargila (Greater Adjutant Stork)

The Hargila, also known as the Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius), is one of the world's rarest large stork species and is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Found mainly in Assam and parts of Bihar, it plays an important ecological role by feeding on animal waste and maintaining environmental cleanliness. Once threatened by habitat loss and human conflict, conservation efforts led by local communities have significantly improved its population. The Hargila has become a symbol of successful community-based wildlife conservation in India, demonstrating how public participation can protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.

11. Living Root Bridges

Living Root Bridges are unique bioengineering structures found mainly in Meghalaya, created by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across rivers and streams. Built over several decades by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities, these bridges become stronger with age and can last for centuries. They are environmentally sustainable, naturally resilient, and require minimal maintenance compared to conventional bridges. Living Root Bridges demonstrate the harmonious relationship between humans and nature while preserving traditional ecological knowledge. Today, they attract tourists from around the world and represent an outstanding example of sustainable infrastructure and indigenous engineering.

12. Hally War

Hally War is a renowned environmental conservationist from Meghalaya who has gained recognition for preserving the famous Living Root Bridges built by the Khasi community. He has worked extensively to protect indigenous ecological knowledge, promote sustainable tourism, and conserve the region's unique biodiversity. Through community participation and environmental awareness campaigns, he has helped restore and maintain these remarkable natural structures for future generations. His dedication to environmental protection earned him the Padma Shri in 2026. Hally War's efforts highlight the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

13. Catch the Rain Campaign

The Catch the Rain Campaign is a nationwide water conservation initiative launched by the Government of India to promote rainwater harvesting before the monsoon season. Its slogan, "Catch the Rain, Where It Falls, When It Falls," encourages individuals, communities, and institutions to conserve rainwater locally. The campaign focuses on constructing and restoring ponds, check dams, rooftop harvesting systems, and groundwater recharge structures. It supports sustainable water management, improves groundwater availability, reduces water scarcity, and strengthens climate resilience. Public participation is the campaign's key strength, helping ensure long-term water security and environmental sustainability across India.

14. Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Utsav is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. Celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra, the festival promotes devotion, cultural unity, and community participation. Public processions, cultural programmes, prayers, and charitable activities form an important part of the celebrations. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularized the public celebration during the freedom movement to unite people against British rule. Today, Ganesh Utsav also encourages eco-friendly practices through the use of clay idols and environmentally sustainable celebrations, promoting social harmony and cultural heritage.