Prelims Focus 24th March 2025

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

In News: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns regarding the ineffective implementation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at developing theme-based tourism circuits across India. 

• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism, is a central sector initiative aimed at the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in India. 
• Its primary objective is to promote sustainable tourism while leveraging the country’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. The scheme focuses on creating world-class infrastructure to enhance tourist experiences and foster economic growth through job creation. 
• It identifies 15 thematic circuits, including Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, and Spiritual circuits, among others. 
• By providing Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to states and union territories, the scheme ensures the development of tourism infrastructure while promoting local art, culture, and handicrafts. 
• Recently revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, it emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism in alignment with the “Vocal for Local” initiative to position India as a global tourism destination.

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

In News: Exercise Sea Dragon 2025 is a multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training initiative held annually, with the 2025 edition involving five Indo-Pacific nations: the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. 

• Conducted at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, the exercise focuses on enhancing ASW tactics, techniques, and operational proficiency among participating nations. 
• Pilots and aircrew coordinate to track live U.S. Navy submarines while refining their skills through classroom sessions and in-flight training. 
• The exercise fosters collaboration among maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft units, such as the P-8A Poseidon, and culminates in a graded “battle problem,” with the highest-scoring nation receiving the prestigious Dragon Belt award. 
• This initiative underscores the commitment of allied nations to maintaining regional security and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Kaliyattam Festival

In News: The Kaliyattam competition takes place inside the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).

• Also referred to as Theyyam, this festival showcases ritual dance performances primarily held to honour and worship Goddess Kali.
• Recognized as an important part of Kerala’s intangible history, it is celebrated in Kavus (sacred groves) and tharavadus (ancestral families).
• During the festival, performers are believed to become channels of deities, earning the title “dance of gods” or “dance of the divine”. 

Demands for Grants

In News: The Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants for various Ministries for 2025-26, approving an expenditure of over ₹50 lakh crore.

• The approval was made using the guillotine method, meaning funding for the affected Ministries were deemed accepted without discussion.
• It is an offer for expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, provided to the Lok Sabha as part of the yearly economic announcement, as per Article 113 of the Constitution.
• It covers sales & capital expenditure, grants to states/UTs, and loans & advances.
• Every ministry or department of the Government of India provides its personal Demand for Grants. Large ministries (e.g., Defence, Railways) may also present a couple of Demands based on their practical divisions.
• The Lok Sabha has the power to approve, reject, or lessen the proposed amounts, Rajya Sabha does not vote on those demands.
• The demand can only be offered with prior approval from the President.

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