🪖 Defence & Security · UPSC track
7th India-Uzbekistan 'DUSTLIK' Joint Military Exercise Commences
The **Indian Army** contingent departed for the 7th edition of **Exercise DUSTLIK**, a joint military exercise with **Uzbekistan**.
- The 7th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK is from 12 to 25 April 2026.
- It is being conducted at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangam, Uzbekistan.
- The Indian Army contingent includes 45 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment.
- The exercise aims to enhance combined capabilities in semi-mountainous terrain.
- The last edition was held in April 2025 at Aundh (Pune), India.
💡 DUSTLIK is an annual India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, with the 7th edition in Uzbekistan in April 2026.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2251300
🌾 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
States Advised to Diversify Crops, Boost Pulses & Millets
The Centre issued an advisory to states to align bonus policies with national priorities for nutritional security and self-reliance.
- The Department of Expenditure issued an advisory letter on 09.01.2026.
- States are encouraged to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets over wheat and paddy.
- Bonus over MSP for wheat/paddy discourages other crops, increasing import dependence.
- Initiatives like Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses support diversification.
- The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana benefits 1.7 crore farmers in 100 districts.
- Imported edible oil dependence fell from 63.2% (2015–16) to 56.25% (2023–24).
💡 Remember: The 09.01.2026 advisory is not a directive, promoting crop diversification for Aatmanirbharta, nutritional security, and farmer welfare.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2251315