The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is devoted to enhancing the productivity and income of farmers and unemployed youths across India, promising socio-economic growth. One such initiative is the ‘Honey Mission,’ launched as part of the ‘Sweet Revolution,’ which has distributed over one lakh bee-boxes nationwide. Additionally, KVIC helps fund the construction of Scorpene-class submarines, contributing to national security. Further initiatives include joint maritime exercises with France and project GRIHA, aimed at promoting green building design and operation.
About the Honey Mission and Sweet Revolution
‘Honey Mission,’ launched in August 2017 by KVIC, is an initiative aimed at raising honey production and thereby increasing farmers’ income. The scheme provides awareness, training, and ‘Bee Boxes’ equipped with Bee Colonies to the farmers. The project, part of the broader ‘Sweet Revolution’ launched in 2016, has generated over 10,000 new jobs and created around 25,000 additional man-days through the fabrication of bee boxes and honey extractors.
Overview of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
KVIC was established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956, as a statutory body. It handles planning, promotion, organization, and executing programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in rural regions, in partnership with agencies committed to rural advancement. KVIC operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Collaboration in Building Fourth Scorpene Class Submarine
India’s state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), in collaboration with French collaborator Ms Naval Group, launched the Scorpene-class submarine “Vela” in Mumbai. It’s the fourth of six underwater warships built to augment India’s ability to protect strategic sea lanes. The new Vela, equipped with modern machinery and technology to guard the seas, builds upon the legacy of INS Vela, which served the Indian Naval Service for 37 years until its decommissioning in 2010.
| Submarine | Status |
|---|---|
| Kalvari | Commissioned |
| Khanderi | Under trials and tests |
| Karanj | Under trials and tests |
India and France Joint Exercise: Varuna
The 17th edition of the joint exercise “Varuna,” held between India and France, represents a strengthened maritime partnership between the two nations. This largest-ever joint exercise focused on interoperability involves 11 modern units from both armies, including the western fleet’s Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya and French Navy’s aircraft carrier FNS Charles De Guelle. The exercise alternates annually between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
GRIHA for Existing Day Schools
The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Council has recently launched a rating tool called ‘GRIHA for Existing Day Schools.’ This innovative tool evaluates the environmental performance of existing schools across India, promoting sustainability concepts among students. GRIHA is a national rating system for completed building constructions, aimed at designing green buildings and assessing their ‘greenness’ based on four parameters: site selection and planning, conservation and efficient utilization of resources, building operation and maintenance, and innovation points.