SNIPPETS 18 MARCH 2026

Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative: Department of Telecommunications (DoT)+ The initiative is in pilot phase which will be implemented in 3 villages+ It leverages the high-speed broadband under BharatNet to transform digital connectivity into an integrated platform for delivery of services in rural areas+ Samriddhi Kendra has been conceptualised as a single-window rural service hub bringing together healthcare, education, etc and e-governance support at one location

Nor’wester: Nor’westers are severe thunderstorms that originate over Eastern and north Eastern parts of India during pre-monsoon season (March to May)+ The Nor’westers produce heavy showers, lightning, thunder, hailstorms, dust storms, squalls, down bursts and sometimes even tornadoes+ In Bengal, it is also called ‘Kalbaisakhi’,  a calamity of the month of Baisakh, while in Assam, it is known as Bordoisila or Bardoli Chheerha+ These showers are useful for tea, jute, and rice cultivation.

Fujairah port: UAE’s Fujairah port was attacked in the recent Iran- US-Israel war+ A key shipping hub for the Gulf and wider regions+ the Port of Fujairah is the only multi-purpose maritime facility on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates+ Strategically located just 70 nautical miles outside the Strait of Hormuz, the Port provides an essential economic link between Europe and Asia, opening the markets of the Indian subcontinent and North East Africa to greater local and international trade.