1. Mombasa Declaration on Illegal Fishing

A multi-nation transparency framework adopted at the 11th Our Ocean Conference to combat IUU fishing through vessel registries and data sharing.

Why in News

The Mombasa Declaration was adopted at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya by countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific to strengthen action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Key Facts

• IUU fishing costs the global economy up to $50 billion annually, distorting markets and reducing income for legitimate fishers.
• The declaration supports the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, which outlines 10 low-cost policy principles for sustainable marine resource management.
• Developed with support from the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency, a global network of over 60 civil society organisations.
• India is not a signatory to the Mombasa Declaration.
• Key commitments include modernising vessel registries, publishing fishing authorisations, improving vessel ownership data and strengthening information-sharing mechanisms.
• IUU fishing is linked to serious human rights violations including forced labour, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions.
• Countries that signed include Belgium, Cameroon, Chile, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Somalia, South Korea, France, The Gamble, Dominican Republic, Republic of the Congo and others. (UPSC Mains Usage: Useful for GS2 International Relations — bilateral/multilateral cooperation on maritime security)
• A wider campaign will encourage more nations to join before the next Our Ocean Conference in 2027.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
IUU Fishing	Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing activities
Economic Cost	Up to $50 billion lost globally per year
Coalition for Fisheries Transparency	Network of 60+ civil society organisations
Global Charter Principles	10 low-cost policy principles for fisheries governance
Next Our Ocean Conference	2027 — target for wider adoption
India's Status	Not a signatory to the Mombasa Declaration

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2. PM-DevINE Scheme — Northeast Region Development Initiative

100% centrally funded scheme for infrastructure and social development in India's eight Northeast states.

Why in News

Mentioned in PIB's 22 June 2026 backgrounder as a key instrument for addressing development gaps in Northeast India through high-impact projects.

Key Facts

• Announced in Union Budget 2022-23 for the eight Northeast states.
• 100% Central funding — no state matching contribution required.
• Focuses on infrastructure, social development, livelihoods, and youth & skill development.
• Fills critical gaps not covered under existing Central or State schemes.
• Implemented through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
• Funds projects in connectivity (roads, digital, power), water supply, skill training, and tourism. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS2 Government Initiatives for Regional Development)
• Complements the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
PM-DevINE	100% centrally funded scheme for NE development
Launch Year	Union Budget 2022-23
Coverage	All 8 Northeast states
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region)
Focus Areas	Infrastructure, livelihoods, social sector, youth & skill
Funding Model	100% Central, no state share required

 

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UDAN Scheme — Regional Aviation Connectivity

Regional Connectivity Scheme to make air travel affordable and widespread, especially in underserved and remote regions.

Why in News

PIB's 22 June 2026 backgrounder noted a 78% increase in operational commercial airports in Northeast India under UDAN, rising from 9 (2014) to 17 (2026).

Key Facts

• Launched in October 2016 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Aims to provide affordable air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• Airlines receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to operate on unserved/underserved routes.
• Capped airfares: approximately ₹2,500 for one-hour flight under UDAN routes.
• 50+ airports and heliports operationalized across India as of 2026. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 Infrastructure & Inclusive Growth)
• Northeast states are priority regions due to difficult terrain and limited surface connectivity.
• Integrated with Krishi UDAN for transporting perishable agricultural produce.
• UDAN 5.0 announced in 2023 with focus on helicopter and seaplane routes.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
UDAN Scheme	Regional Connectivity Scheme for affordable air travel
Launch Year	October 2016
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Civil Aviation
Fare Cap	Approx. ₹2,500 for 1-hour flight
Funding Model	Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airlines
UDAN 5.0	Focuses on helicopters and seaplanes (2023)
Northeast Impact	78% rise in airports: 9 (2014) to 17 (2026)

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3. National Waterways in Northeast India — Inland Water Transport

Designated inland water routes on Brahmaputra and Barak rivers for cargo and passenger transport, promoting sustainable connectivity.

Why in News

PIB's 22 June 2026 backgrounder highlighted expansion of active National Waterways in Northeast from 1 (2014) to 20 (2024), utilizing the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.

Key Facts

• National Waterway-2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra River from Dhubri (Assam) to Sadiya (Arunachal Pradesh) — 891 km.
• National Waterway-16 (NW-16): Barak River in Assam from Lakhipur to Bhanga — 121 km.
• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the nodal agency for development and regulation.
• 20 National Waterways now operational in Northeast as of 2024, up from just 1 in 2014.
• Offers eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to road and rail transport. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 Infrastructure & Environmental Sustainability)
• Multi-Modal Terminals developed at Jogighopa, Pandu, Neamatighat, and Dhubri.
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects Kolkata to Sittwe (Myanmar) via inland waterways.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
NW-2	Brahmaputra River, Dhubri to Sadiya, 891 km
NW-16	Barak River, Lakhipur to Bhanga, 121 km
IWAI	Inland Waterways Authority of India, nodal agency
2014 Status	Only 1 active National Waterway in NE
2024 Status	20 active National Waterways in NE
Kaladan Project	Multi-modal transit via Sittwe, Myanmar
Multi-Modal Terminals	Jogighopa, Pandu, Neamatighat, Dhubri

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4. Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project — India's Tallest Dam

Under-construction 2,880 MW hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh, set to be India's tallest dam structure.

Why in News

Highlighted in PIB's 22 June 2026 backgrounder as part of Northeast India's clean energy infrastructure expansion under the Ashtalakshmi Growth Model.

Key Facts

• Located on Dibang River in Lower Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Total installed capacity: 2,880 MW — one of India's largest hydropower projects.
• Will be India's tallest dam structure upon completion.
• 278-metre-high concrete gravity dam (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 Energy Security & Renewable Energy)
• Estimated cost: approximately ₹28,080 crore (as per revised estimates).
• Developed by NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation).
• Faces environmental concerns due to location in biodiversity-rich Eastern Himalayas.
• Expected to generate 11,223 million units of electricity annually.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Dibang Project	2,880 MW hydropower project, Arunachal Pradesh
River	Dibang River (tributary of Brahmaputra)
Dam Height	278 metres — India's tallest dam structure
Developer	NHPC Limited
Estimated Cost	Approx. ₹28,080 crore
Annual Generation	11,223 million units of electricity
Ecological Concern	Located in biodiversity-rich Eastern Himalayas

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5. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) — India's Space Commerce Arm

India's state-owned commercial vehicle for space technology commercialization and public-private space ventures.

Why in News

NSIL revenues surged nearly tenfold from ₹321.77 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹3,246.09 crore in FY 2024-25, demonstrating India's aggressive space commercialization drive under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Facts

• NSIL is a Government of India public sector enterprise under the administrative control of the Department of Space (DOS).
• Functions as the commercial arm of ISRO to transfer space technology to industry and market space products.
• Manufactures launch vehicles through public-private partnerships (PPP) and sells satellite services
• Facilitates technology transfer from ISRO to private domestic industries to build indigenous space manufacturing capabilities.
• India deployed 399 foreign satellites between 2014 and March 2026 compared to only 35 launches prior to 2014. (UPSC Mains Usage: Demonstrates India's rising global credibility in commercial space services — relevant for GS3 Space Economy)
• Revenue growth reflects India's shift from a purely state-run space program to a dual-purpose ecosystem balancing scientific exploration with private sector commercialization.
• Operates under the policy framework of Indian Space Policy 2023 which legalized private participation across satellite manufacturing and launches.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
NSIL	Commercial arm of ISRO for space tech transfer and PPP
Revenue Growth	₹321.77 crore (FY 2021-22) → ₹3,246.09 crore (FY 2024-25)
Foreign Satellites Deployed	399 satellites (2014–March 2026)
Governing Policy	Indian Space Policy 2023
Parent Department	Department of Space (DOS), Govt. of India
Key Function	Technology transfer, launch vehicle manufacturing, satellite services

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6. IN-SPACe — India's Space Sector Single-Window Regulator

Autonomous single-window regulatory body to authorize, facilitate, and regulate private sector space activities in India.

Why in News

IN-SPACe has cleared 71 ISRO technology transfers to domestic industries as part of India's institutional reforms to build a vibrant NewSpace startup ecosystem that expanded from 1 venture in 2014 to over 400 active firms by February 2026.

Key Facts

• IN-SPACe is an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space (DOS).
• Established to break ISRO's state monopoly and act as a single-window clearance mechanism for private space ventures.
• Authorizes private sector participation in satellite manufacturing, payload launches, and geospatial downstream services.
• Has approved 71 technology transfers from ISRO to private companies, enabling indigenous manufacturing depth.
• Operates under the Indian Space Policy 2023 which provides the legal framework for private space activities. (UPSC Mains Usage: Links to GS3 Space Economy and Government Policies for Private Sector Participation)
• The Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures (NGP) 2024 framework under IN-SPACe provides clear eligibility and compliance parameters for private investors.
• India's space startup ecosystem attracted over $500 million in total private investments by February 2026.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Full Form	Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre
Status	Autonomous agency under Department of Space
Function	Single-window regulator for private space activities
Technology Transfers	71 ISRO tech transfers cleared
Legal Framework	Indian Space Policy 2023
Startup Growth	1 (2014) → 400+ firms (Feb 2026)

 

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7. NavIC — India's Indigenous Regional Navigation System

India's independent regional satellite navigation system providing accurate positioning services over India and surrounding regions.

Why in News

India is leveraging a partnership with Qualcomm to embed indigenous NavIC navigation chipsets into mainstream global smartphones, expanding regional positioning infrastructure as part of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat space strategy.

Key Facts

• NavIC is India's independent regional satellite navigation network operated by ISRO.
• Provides accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
• Uses a customized constellation of first and second-generation (NVS) satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GSO).
• Offers dual-frequency positioning (L5 and S-band) for both civilian and strategic/military applications. (UPSC Mains Usage: Connects to GS3 Space Technology and Strategic Autonomy in Defence Communication)
• Provides positioning accuracy of better than 20 meters in primary service area and better than 10 meters with augmentation.
• Integration into commercial smartphones will reduce India's dependence on GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China).
• Originally called IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) before being renamed NavIC.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Full Form	Navigation with Indian Constellation
Previous Name	IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System)
Coverage	India + 1,500 km beyond borders
Accuracy	Better than 20 meters (primary service area)
Frequency Bands	L5 and S-band (dual-frequency)
Satellite Generation	NVS (NavIC second-generation satellites)

 

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8. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) — India's Planned Space Station

India's planned modular space station in Low Earth Orbit to be operational by 2035 as part of India's human spaceflight program.

Why in News

The Union Cabinet has officially approved the deployment of the foundational module BAS-01 by 2028, marking a major milestone in India's ambition to become the fourth nation to independently operate a space station.

Key Facts

• BAS will be a modular space station in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) designed for long-duration human habitation and scientific research.
• The first module BAS-01 has been approved for launch by 2028.
• Full operational capability of the station is targeted for 2035.
• India will become the fourth country after USA, Russia, and China to independently operate a space station. (UPSC Mains Usage: Demonstrates India's growing technological self-reliance and strategic space autonomy — relevant for GS3 Science & Technology)
• The station will support microgravity research, Earth observation, space biology experiments, and materials science.
• BAS is a follow-on to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, leveraging indigenous life-support and docking technologies.
• The station will use Indian crew modules and docking interfaces developed under the Gaganyaan program.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Full Form	Bharatiya Antariksh Station
First Module	BAS-01 (approved for launch by 2028)
Full Operational Capability	2035
Orbit Type	Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
India's Global Rank	Fourth nation with independent space station
Preceding Program	Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission

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9. Gaganyaan Mission — India's First Human Spaceflight Program

India's flagship human spaceflight program to send astronauts to a 400-kilometer orbit using an entirely indigenous life-support system.

Why in News

The Gaganyaan mission is entering its final phase with crewed launches planned to send up to three astronauts into a 400-kilometer orbit for up to three days, making India the fourth nation to independently conduct human spaceflight.

Key Facts

• Gaganyaan means "Sky Vehicle" in Sanskrit.
• Objective: Send a three-member crew to a 400-kilometer Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for three days and return them safely to Earth.
• Uses an entirely indigenous life-support system including oxygen supply, temperature control, and waste management.
• The crew module will be launched atop the GSLV Mk III rocket (also called LVM3 — Launch Vehicle Mark 3).
• India will become the fourth nation after USA, Russia, and China to independently send humans to space. (UPSC Mains Usage: Demonstrates India's advancement in human-rated space technology and strategic autonomy — relevant for GS3)
• The mission includes two unmanned test flights followed by the crewed mission.
• Four astronaut candidates are undergoing training, with support from ISRO and Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Meaning	"Sky Vehicle" (Sanskrit)
Crew Size	Up to 3 astronauts
Orbit Altitude	400 kilometers (Low Earth Orbit)
Mission Duration	Up to 3 days
Launch Vehicle	GSLV Mk III / LVM3
India's Global Rank	Fourth nation with independent human spaceflight

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10. MOVCD-NER Scheme for Organic Farming

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region.

Why in News

Highlighted in PIB's Ashtalakshmi backgrounder on 22 June 2026 as a key initiative expanding sustainable agriculture and strengthening FPOs in North-East India.

Key Facts

• Full form: Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region.
• Launched by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to promote organic farming.
• Specific to eight North-Eastern states - leverages region's natural advantage for organic cultivation.
• Supports entire organic value chain from production to certification to marketing.
• Strengthens Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to improve collective bargaining power. (UPSC Mains Usage: GS3 - Agricultural marketing reforms)
• Provides certification support for organic products to access premium markets.
• Increased farmers' incomes through organic premium pricing and export opportunities.
• Expands sustainable agriculture reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide dependency. (UPSC Mains Usage: GS3 - Sustainable agriculture practices)

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Full Form	Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
Ministry	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Target Region	Eight North-Eastern states exclusively
Coverage	Entire organic value chain - production, certification, marketing
Key Beneficiaries	Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and organic farmers
Impact	Increased farmers' incomes through organic premium pricing

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11. Noney Bridge — World's Tallest Railway Pier Bridge

Under-construction railway pier bridge in Manipur set to become the world's tallest at 141 metres.

Why in News

PIB's Ashtalakshmi backgrounder on 22 June 2026 highlighted the need to expeditiously complete the 141-metre-tall Noney Bridge on the Jiribam–Imphal railway line in Manipur as part of Northeast development initiatives.

Key Facts

• Located in Noney district, Manipur on the Jiribam–Imphal railway line covering 111 km.
• Will be the world's tallest railway pier bridge at 141 metres height upon completion.
• Part of India's broad gauge expansion project in the Northeast region.
• Crosses difficult mountainous terrain in one of India's most seismically active zones (Zone V).
• Forms critical link in Act East Policy connectivity framework. (UPSC Mains Usage: GS2 International Relations & Infrastructure Diplomacy; GS3 Transport infrastructure for landlocked states)
• Construction involves complex geotech engineering due to landslide-prone zones requiring advanced engineering solutions.
• Expected to significantly reduce travel time between Imphal and Silchar/Guwahati and mainland India.
• Currently under construction as of June 2026, nearing completion.

Quick Revision Box

Term	Detail
Height	141 metres - world's tallest railway pier bridge
Location	Noney district, Manipur
Railway Line	Jiribam–Imphal new broad gauge line (111 km)
Seismic Zone	Zone V (highest seismic risk)
Policy Linkage	Act East Policy - strategic engagement with Southeast Asia
Status (June 2026)	Under construction, near completion

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12. Ashtalakshmi Growth Model: Transforming Northeast India into a Growth Engine

Introduction

The Ashtalakshmi Growth Model represents a paradigm shift in India's approach to Northeast regional development. Named after the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi symbolizing prosperity and wellbeing, this comprehensive framework seeks to leverage the unique strengths of the eight Northeastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—to integrate them into India's growth trajectory while preserving their distinct cultural identities.

Background

Historical Context of Northeast Development

The Northeast region, despite being resource-rich and strategically located, has historically faced developmental challenges stemming from geographical isolation, infrastructure deficits, insurgency issues, and limited economic integration with mainland India. The region's landlocked nature, with only a narrow corridor connecting it to the rest of India, created what was termed the "chicken's neck" vulnerability.

Previous development approaches often adopted a one-size-fits-all model that failed to recognize the region's diversity across 220+ tribes speaking over 160 languages. The Ashtalakshmi Model marks a departure by acknowledging each state as a distinct manifestation of prosperity, requiring tailored interventions while maintaining overarching connectivity and integration objectives.

Constitutional and Policy Framework

Article 371 and its various clauses provide special provisions for Northeastern states, recognizing their unique socio-cultural fabric. The creation of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in 2001 institutionalized focused attention, but comprehensive transformation required a holistic approach—which the Ashtalakshmi Model aims to provide.

Recent Developments

Infrastructure Revolution

The transformation over the last twelve years has been marked by unprecedented infrastructure development. Over 3,700 projects sanctioned through the Central Sanctions Matrix demonstrate the scale of intervention. Railway electrification has achieved 100% coverage in five states by 2026, significantly improving connectivity and reducing carbon footprint.

The aviation sector witnessed a 78% increase in operational airports—from 9 in 2014 to 17 in 2026—under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, democratizing air travel and reducing travel time to the region. The expansion of National Waterways from just 1 in 2014 to 20 by 2024, utilizing the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16) rivers, has unlocked the region's inland water transport potential.

Energy Security Initiatives

The 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh, set to become India's tallest dam structure, exemplifies the region's potential as India's hydropower hub. With an estimated hydroelectric potential of over 50,000 MW, the Northeast can emerge as the nation's renewable energy powerhouse.

PM-DevINE Scheme

The Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) represents a dedicated financial mechanism addressing region-specific gaps in connectivity, livelihoods, and social sectors, moving beyond traditional grant-based approaches to outcome-oriented investments.

Significance

Strategic and Geopolitical

The Northeast serves as India's gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy. Enhanced connectivity transforms the region from a peripheral area to a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN economies, potentially unlocking trade routes through Myanmar, Thailand, and beyond.

Economic Integration

By addressing infrastructure deficits, the model facilitates integration of the region's organic produce, handicrafts, and tourism potential into national and international markets. The region's biodiversity hotspots offer opportunities in ecotourism and sustainable resource utilization.

Social Cohesion and Security

Development-driven prosperity addresses underlying grievances that fuel insurgency and separatist movements. Improved governance, economic opportunities, and cultural recognition foster inclusive growth and national integration.

Environmental Sustainability

With 25% of India's forest cover concentrated in the Northeast, the model's emphasis on sustainable development and renewable energy aligns with national climate commitments while preserving ecological integrity.

Challenges

Geographical and Infrastructural Constraints

The region's difficult terrain, seismic vulnerability, and international borders with multiple countries complicate infrastructure development. Construction costs are significantly higher than in mainland India, affecting project viability.

Ethnic Diversity and Conflict

Managing aspirations of over 220 tribes while addressing ethnic tensions, insurgency remnants, and inter-state boundary disputes requires sensitive governance. The demands for autonomous councils and separate states continue to pose administrative challenges.

Capacity and Governance Gaps

Limited state capacity for project implementation, skilled manpower shortages, and weak local governance institutions hinder effective utilization of allocated funds. Absorption capacity remains a critical constraint.

Environmental Concerns

Large-scale hydropower projects and infrastructure development face opposition from environmental groups and local communities concerned about ecological damage, displacement, and impact on biodiversity.

Border Management

The region shares over 5,000 km of international borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, necessitating careful balancing of development with security imperatives.

Way Forward

Strengthening Implementation Mechanisms

Establishing dedicated Project Management Units (PMUs) with technical expertise and empowering local bodies to oversee implementation can improve project execution. Regular third-party audits and outcome monitoring systems should be institutionalized.

Community-Centric Development

Involving tribal councils, civil society organizations, and local communities in project design and implementation ensures cultural sensitivity and ownership. Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles must guide resource extraction and infrastructure projects.

Digital Connectivity and Skill Development

Investing in digital infrastructure and establishing skill development centers aligned with regional economic potential—tourism, organic farming, handicrafts, and renewable energy—can create sustainable livelihoods.

Inter-State Cooperation

Facilitating Northeast states' cooperation through joint initiatives, shared infrastructure, and collective marketing of regional products can create economies of scale and stronger bargaining power.

Environmental Safeguards

Adopting green infrastructure standards, conducting comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and implementing compensatory afforestation programs can balance development with conservation.

Leveraging Bamboo Economy

With 60% of India's bamboo resources, developing bamboo-based industries from construction materials to handicrafts offers sustainable economic opportunities.

Conclusion

The Ashtalakshmi Growth Model represents an ambitious vision of transforming Northeast India from a perceived periphery to the heart of India's growth story. Success requires sustained commitment, adequate resource allocation, sensitive governance, and genuine partnership with local communities. By recognizing and leveraging the unique strengths of each state while addressing common challenges through connectivity and capacity building, the model can unlock the region's immense potential, contributing significantly to India's emergence as a developed nation by 2047.

Mains Practice Question

"The Ashtalakshmi Growth Model seeks to transform Northeast India's geographical diversity into a developmental advantage. Critically examine the key components of this framework and assess the challenges in its implementation. Suggest measures to ensure sustainable and inclusive development in the region." (250 words, 15 marks)

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