State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 20 Mar 2026

Implementation of Van Dhan Yojana in Jammu & Kashmir

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs informed about the implementation of the Van Dhan Yojana in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), aimed at strengthening tribal livelihoods through value‑addition and marketing of tribal products. 

Key Points: 

• Scheme: The Van Dhan Yojana operates under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM). 
  • Supports tribal communities by fostering livelihoods through optimal utilisation of natural resources, value addition, marketing linkages, and sustainable enterprises. 
• Status in Jammu & Kashmir: As of March 2026, 100 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir, with a total sanctioned amount of ₹14.57 crore; out of these, three VDVKs are operational. 
• Institutional Support: Financial assistance is provided through the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) for establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), which engage tribal members in processing and marketing tribal products. 
  • Across India, TRIFED has sanctioned ₹612.27 crore for the establishment of 4,125 VDVKs.  
• Focus: The scheme promotes an enterprise‑based approach to generate additional income for Self‑Help Groups (SHGs) and tribal beneficiaries through activities such as collection, training, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing of value‑added products. 
• Marketing & Branding: TRIFED also empanels tribal artisans, SHGs, and cooperatives to procure tribal products and markets them through 116 TRIBES India outlets, e‑commerce platforms, and exhibitions like Aadi Mahotsav and Aadi Bazaar. 
• Significance: By integrating tribal producers into formal value chains and organised marketing, the Van Dhan Yojana aims to enhance livelihoods, strengthen tribal communities’ economic resilience, and improve market access for tribal products. 

Read More: Van Dhan Yojana, TRIFED, Self‑Help Groups, Aadi Mahotsav 

India Emerged as World’s Largest Coconut Producer

Why in News? 

India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of coconuts, contributing about 30.37% of global coconut production, and the Government of India has announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme in Union Budget 2026‑27 to boost production and productivity in the sector. 

Key Points: 

• Global Leadership: India accounts for approximately 30.37% of the world’s coconut output, making it the leading producer globally. 
• Major Coconut‑Growing States: The key producing states are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, which together account for the bulk of production. 
  • Coconut cultivation in India covers about 2,165.20 thousand hectares out of the global 12,390 thousand hectares of coconut‑growing area. 
  • The country produces around 21,373.62 million nuts annually, highlighting the crop’s importance to agricultural output. 
• Livelihood Support: Nearly 30 million people, including about 10 million farmers, depend on coconut cultivation and allied activities for their livelihoods. 
• Scheme: The Government has introduced the Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026‑27 to increase production and enhance productivity through interventions like replacing old and unproductive trees with high‑yielding varieties. 
  • This initiative is part of a broader ₹350 crore allocation for high‑value agriculture, which also includes support for cashew and cocoa cultivation.  
• Significance: The scheme aims to strengthen India’s competitiveness in coconut production, improve farmer incomes, and enhance sustainability and productivity in the sector.  

Read More: Union Budget 2026‑27 

World Happiness Report 2026

Why in News? 

The World Happiness Report 2026 was released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with the Gallup World Poll and the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It marked Finland as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. 

Key Points: 

• Ranking Criteria: Happiness is measured using six key indicators—GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perception of corruption. 
  • Top Countries: Finland (1^st), Iceland (2^nd), Denmark (3^rd), Costa Rica (4th), Sweden (5^th), Norway (6^th), Netherlands (7^th), Israel (8^th), Luxembourg (9^th), Switzerland (10^th). 
    • Costa Rica (4^th) is the standout "surprise" of 2026, marking the highest rank ever for a Latin American nation. 
  • Bottom Countries: Afghanistan (147^th), Sierra Leone (146^th), Malawi (145^th), Zimbabwe (144^th), Botswana (143^rd), Yemen (142^nd), Lebanon (141^st), DR Congo (140^th), Egypt (139^th), Tanzania (138^th). 
• India’s Rank: India is ranked 116th, with a life evaluation score of 4.536. 
  • Pakistan (104^th) and Nepal (99^th) rank above India, indicating stronger social support and well-being indicators. 
  • Among BRICS members, China ranked 65^th followed by Russia (79^th), and Iran (97^th). 
• Regional Trends: Europe, particularly Nordic nations, performs well, whereas South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa face challenges due to socio-economic issues. 
• Significance: The report emphasizes a shift in policy focus from pure economic growth to inclusive development, mental health, and social well-being. 

Read More: World Happiness Report 2025