Why in the News?
New Delhi CM has announced expanding Ujjwala Yojana to families using traditional stoves or coal heaters to improve air quality and promote clean cooking.
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- Overview: Introduced in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to poor and rural households.
- Objective: Replace traditional cooking fuels like firewood, dung, and coal with LPG, improving women’s health, reducing indoor pollution, and promoting clean energy.
- Target and Beneficiaries: Initially aimed to provide 8 crore LPG connections to deprived households by March 2020, with each connection issued in the name of an adult woman from the household.
- Financial Support: Government provides ₹1,600 per connection, covering the security deposit, first refill, and stove (hotplate)– all free of cost.
- Subsidy Entitlement: Beneficiaries eligible for up to 12 LPG cylinder subsidies per year (each of 14.2 kg).
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Adult woman from a poor household without an existing LPG connection.
- Must belong to SECC 2011, SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, Forest Dweller, Most Backward Class, or Tea/Ex-Tea Garden Tribe categories.
- Others can apply under “poor household” category by submitting a 14-point self-declaration.
- Application Process: Available both online and offline through oil marketing companies.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Announced in August 2021 to expand coverage by 1 crore new LPG connection, especially targeting migrant workers and urban poor.
- Financial Assistance: Continued ₹1,600 per connection support with a free stove and first gas cylinder; subsequent refills paid by users.
Achievements:
- LPG Coverage Growth: Expanded national LPG coverage from 62% (2016) to 99.8% (April 2021).
- Employment Generation: Created ~1 lakh jobs in the LPG distribution and logistics network.
- COVID-19 Relief: Provided 14 crore free refills to PMUY households under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP).
- Environmental Impact: Significant decline in biomass stove dependence, improving air quality and reducing household emissions.
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Why in the News?
PIB has provided an update regarding the progress of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
About National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
- Overview: Launched on 15 August 1995, NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Objective: To provides financial and food security to individuals living below the poverty line (BPL), fulfilling the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 41) by supporting the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and families suffering the loss of a breadwinner.
- Coverage: It operates across rural and urban India, covering over 3.09 crore beneficiaries.
- Components of NSAP:
-
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides ₹200/month to citizens aged 60–79 and ₹500/month to those 80+, with States adding top-up support.
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Offers ₹300/month to widows aged 40–79 and ₹500/month for those 80+.
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Extends ₹300/month to persons aged 18–79 with severe disabilities; ₹500/month for those 80+.
- National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): Grants a one-time ₹20,000 to BPL families on the death of a breadwinner aged 18–59.
- Annapurna Scheme: Supplies 10 kg of free food grains/month to senior citizens eligible for IGNOAPS but not receiving pension.
Implementation and Monitoring Framework:
- Selection: Eligible beneficiaries identified by Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
- Disbursement: About 94% through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank or post office accounts; cash-at-doorstep allowed in special cases.
- Monitoring: Each State/UT appoints a Nodal Secretary; quarterly progress reports are mandatory, and failure to submit can lead to withholding of funds.
- Transparency Measures: Integration with Public Financial Management System (PFMS) ensures real-time tracking, Aadhaar linkage, and prevention of duplication.
Recent Update (2024–25):
- NSAP disbursed funds of ₹6,143.92 crore (IGNOAPS), ₹2,150.03 crore (IGNWPS), ₹243.74 crore (IGNDPS), and ₹394.29 crore (NFBS & Annapurna).
- 2.5 crore+ beneficiaries have Aadhaar-linked accounts ensuring transparent payments.
- Budget for 2025–26: ₹9,652 crore, with IGNOAPS receiving the largest share (₹6,645.9 crore).
- Digital Life Certification (DLC) mobile app launched in July 2025, enabling Aadhaar-based verification and reducing manual procedures.
- The programme continues to serve as a core pillar of India’s social safety net, enhancing welfare delivery and inclusion through digitisation, DBT, and Aadhaar authentication.
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Why in the News?
The Union Health Ministry has achieved three GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles under the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA)”, highlighting India’s leadership in women’s health and preventive care.
Guinness World Records Achieved
- Most people registered on a health care platform in one month: 3.21 crore (3,21,49,711).
- Most people signed up for breast cancer screening in one week: 9.94 lakh (9,94,349).
- Most people signed up for vital signs screening online in one week (State level): 1.25 lakh (1,25,406).
These records reflect unprecedented participation across India’s digital health platforms under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. |
About Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA):
- Objective: Strengthen women’s, children’s, and family health services, focusing on rural, tribal, and underserved regions.
- Launch: Introduced on 17 September 2025 by the PM, jointly led by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Scale: Over 10 lakh health camps at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals.
- Screenings: Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, TB, breast and cervical cancers, sickle cell disease, reproductive health conditions.
- Services offered: Maternal, child, adolescent health including antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition counselling, menstrual hygiene, mental health, lifestyle awareness.
- Digital Monitoring: SASHAKT portal ensures real-time data tracking and transparency.
- Jan Bhagidaari: Collaboration with private hospitals, SHGs, Anganwadis, Panchayati Raj institutions, volunteers.
- Tribal Focus: Specialised medical services and tailored counselling for remote and tribal areas.
What is Rashtriya Poshan Maah?
- Overview: Part of POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission); celebrated annually since 2018.
- 2025 Edition: 8th Poshan Maah, aligned with SNSPA for synergised impact.
- Aim: Mobilise communities to improve nutrition of children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
- Activities: Poshan Panchayats, health and nutrition camps, recipe demos, rallies, school-Anganwadi outreach, Jan Andolan approach.
- Focus Areas (2025):
- Anaemia Mukt Bharat and micronutrient awareness.
- Complementary feeding practices for infants and toddlers.
- Poshan-Vatika (nutri-gardens) for food security.
- Promotion of traditional and regional diets for sustainable nutrition.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:
1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved an enhanced outlay of ₹6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), including ₹1,000 crore earmarked for 50 irradiation units under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) Scheme.
About the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) Scheme:
- Objective: To build an end-to-end cold chain and value addition system from farm gate to consumer, ensuring unbroken preservation, reduced losses, and fair returns to farmers.
- Overview: A Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), implemented as a component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
- Coverage: Focuses on non-horticultural produce, dairy, meat, poultry, and marine fish, while fruits, vegetables, and shrimp fall under Operation Greens.
- Goal: Minimise post-harvest wastage, promote value addition, and provide year-round food availability through modern cold chain infrastructure.
- Participation: Open to farmers, FPOs/FPCs, cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs, companies, and PSUs on a demand-driven basis.
Details of the ICCVAI Scheme:
- Objectives: Develop pre-cooling, cold storage, processing, and refrigerated transport; strengthen farmer–market linkages; promote modern technologies like irradiation and renewable energy; and enhance food safety and shelf life.
- Infrastructure Components:
- Farm-Level Infrastructure (FLI): Pre-cooling, grading, packaging near production zones.
- Processing Centres: Multi-product processing and testing units.
- Distribution Hubs: Multi-temperature storage for aggregation and retail dispatch.
- Refrigerated Transport: Reefer vans and mobile tankers for seamless cold logistics.
- Irradiation Units: For sterilisation and shelf-life extension via ionising radiation.
- Financial Assistance:
- 35% of project cost in general areas; 50% in difficult areas (NE, hill states, islands, ITDP regions) or for SC/ST/FPO/SHG entities.
- Grant cap: ₹ 10 crore per project, released in three instalments.
- 2025 Update: Union Cabinet raised PMKSY’s total outlay to ₹6,520 crore, with ₹1,000 crore for 50 irradiation units under ICCVAI.
- Eligibility Conditions: Applicants must have net worth ≥ 1.5× the grant (general areas) or equal to the grant (special areas). Each project must integrate Farm-Level Infrastructure with a Distribution Hub and/or refrigerated transport.
- Implementation Progress:
- 395 projects approved, 291 operational.
- Created 25.52 LMT preservation capacity and 114.66 LMT processing capacity.
- Generated 1.74 lakh jobs nationwide.
Complementary Government Initiatives:
- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Credit-linked subsidy for cold storages up to 5,000 MT.
- National Horticulture Board (NHB): Promotes Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storages for horticulture.
- Operation Greens (PMKSY): Stabilises supply chains for fruits, vegetables, and shrimp.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 crore for cold chain and processing units.
- National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD): Think tank for standards, training, and best practices in cold logistics.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs: Economic activity Sector
1. Storage of agricultural produce Secondary
2. Dairy farm Primary
3. Mineral exploration Tertiary
4. Weaving cloth Secondary
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Options: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2025–26 (October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
About the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme:
- Overview: Introduced on April 1, 2010, by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.
- Nature: A Central Sector Scheme providing fertilisers at subsidized rates based on nutrient content rather than product type.
- Nutrients Covered: Subsidy is fixed per kilogram of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), and Sulphur (S).
- Coverage: Applies to 28 grades of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), NPKS grades, and fortified fertilizers containing micronutrients such as zinc and molybdenum.
- Exclusion: Urea is not covered under NBS; it remains price-controlled and sold at a fixed MRP by the government.
- Objective: Ensures balanced fertilizer use (optimal N: P: K ratio of 4:2:1) to maintain soil fertility, increase productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Subsidy Mechanism: Subsidy is paid directly to fertilizer manufacturers/importers based on notified per-kg nutrient rates, enabling sale to farmers at affordable prices.
- Rationale: Aims to insulate farmers from international price volatility of fertilizer inputs such as urea, DAP, MOP, and sulphur, while maintaining fiscal prudence.
- Additional Support: Fertilizers fortified with secondary, and micronutrients are eligible for additional subsidy.
- Institutional Role: Department of Fertilizers monitors implementation; state agriculture departments ensure field-level availability and prevent diversion.
- Major Benefits:
- Ensures timely and affordable access to fertilizers.
- Promotes balanced nutrient application and soil health.
- Supports food security and agricultural productivity.
- Rationalizes government subsidy expenditure.
- Encourages domestic fertilizer production and reduces import dependence.
- Issues:
- Exclusion of urea leads to its overuse and nutrient imbalance.
- Rising fiscal burden; fertiliser subsidy is India’s second-largest after food subsidy.
- Continued chemical fertiliser dependence affects long-term soil sustainability.
[UPSC 2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:
1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for Phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Kerala government has formally signed the PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) agreement with the Union Ministry of Education, seeking approximately ₹1,446 crore to modernize government schools across the State.
About the PM-SHRI Scheme:
- Objective: To upgrade and modernize government schools as model institutions of quality education aligned with New Education Policy, 2020.
- Purpose: Promote inclusive, equitable, and holistic education, integrating digital tools, environmental awareness, and vocational learning.
- Overview: Launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Education as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Scale & Duration: Targets 14,500 schools across India from 2022–23 to 2026–27, after which states will maintain benchmarks independently.
- Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Centre: States/UTs with legislature), 90:10 (North-Eastern & Himalayan States), and 100% Central assistance (UTs without legislature).
Key Features of PM-SHRI Schools:
- Holistic Learning: Focus on creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking beyond rote academics.
- Pedagogical Shift: Promotes experiential, inquiry-driven, and multilingual education with art and technology integration.
- Infrastructure Upgradation: Includes Smart Classrooms, Integrated Science & Computer Labs, Vocational/Skill Labs, Atal Tinkering Labs, and Digital Libraries.
- Green Practices: Encourages solar power use, waste recycling, rainwater harvesting, and organic gardening to create sustainable campuses.
- Assessment Reform: Moves from memorization to competency-based evaluation, measuring conceptual understanding and application.
- Innovation Focus: Acts as incubators of educational innovation, influencing reforms across India’s public school system.
Selection and Monitoring Mechanism:
- Three-Stage Process:
- Stage 1 – MoU signed by States/UTs committing to NEP-aligned reforms.
- Stage 2 – Identification of eligible schools using UDISE+ data.
- Stage 3 – Challenge Mode competition reviewed by an Expert Committee headed by the Education Secretary.
- Monitoring System: Implemented via School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) evaluating academic, infrastructural, and administrative standards.
- Accountability: Continuous digital evaluation, reporting, and performance tracking ensure transparency and sustained improvement.
| [UPSC 2017] What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana?
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 2 only * (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The Centre has recently proposed to open conservation of protected monuments to private participation, ending the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) exclusive control over this domain.
About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
- Establishment: Formed in 1861 under the Ministry of Culture, ASI is responsible for archaeological research, exploration, and protection of India’s cultural heritage.
- Legal Authority: Enforces the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.
- Scope of Work: Manages about 3,700 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
- Organisational Structure: Operates through 37 regional Circles and specialist wings such as Science Branch (material analysis), Horticulture Branch (site maintenance), Temple Survey Projects (documentation), and Underwater Archaeology Wing (submerged heritage).
- Institutional Challenges: Faces staff shortages, budget limits, and procedural delays, constraining nationwide conservation capacity.
What is the new Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model for Conservation?
- Purpose: Supplements ASI’s work by allowing private participation in conservation of heritage monuments.
- Participants: Corporates, PSUs, and philanthropic bodies may fund, execute, and monitor restoration projects under ASI supervision.
- Funding Mechanism: Routed through the National Culture Fund (NCF); donations qualify as CSR expenditure with 100% tax exemption.
- Implementation Framework:
- Empanelment of conservation architects via RFP by the Ministry of Culture.
- Donors select architects, who jointly engage restoration agencies experienced in structures over 100 years old.
- Each project must have a Detailed Project Report (DPR) approved by ASI and comply with the National Policy for Conservation, 2014.
- Priority Monuments: 250 sites identified for initial adoption based on region or thematic interest.
- Eligibility: Proven heritage conservation experience, financial competence, and technical compliance with ASI standards.
Difference from ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme:
- Earlier Model (2017, revised 2023): Focused on tourism amenities cafés, ticketing, signage through “Monument Mitras”; excluded structural restoration.
- Current PPP Model: Extends to scientific conservation and architectural restoration under direct ASI oversight.
- Regulatory Control: ASI retains authority over authenticity, ethics, and policy compliance; funding channelled via NCF with technical audit.
- Policy Evolution: Marks a shift from tourism partnership to heritage stewardship, blending private resources with public accountability for monument preservation.
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Why in the News?
After a decade (2015–2025), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has evolved from a pilot cluster model into a national ecosystem of training, certification, and market access.
About Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- Launch: Introduced in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare as part of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to promote organic and traditional chemical-free farming.
- Cluster-Based Model: Farmers form 20 ha+ clusters for collective organic adoption, resource sharing, and easier certification & marketing.
- Eligibility & Funding Flow: Open to farmers/institutions with land up to 2 ha; applications via Regional Councils → Annual Action Plans → States → DBT to farmers.
- Financial Support: ₹31,500/ha over 3 years, covering inputs, training, certification, and marketing.
- Certification Systems:
-
- NPOP (Third-Party Certification): for export and formal markets.
- PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System): community-driven, peer-reviewed certification for domestic markets.
- Large Area Certification (LAC): initiated in 2020 to fast-track certification in areas with no prior chemical use, reducing conversion time.
- Digital Integration: Jaivik Kheti portal links farmers, buyers, input suppliers for transparent, traceable organic trade.
Achievements (as of Jan 2025):
- Scale: ₹2,265.86 crore released; 15 lakh ha organic area, 52,289 clusters, 25.3 lakh farmers.
- Certification: Sikkim fully organic, Lakshadweep & Dantewada LAC-certified, expansion to Nicobar & Ladakh.
- Digital Reach: 6.23 lakh farmers, 19,016 groups, 8,676 buyers on Jaivik Kheti portal.
- Institutional Growth: 9,268 FPOs formed; expanded market linkages for premium organic produce.
- Ecological Gains: Reduced chemical load, improved soil fertility, local input ecosystems strengthened.
Challenges:
- Yield Dip: Transitional productivity loss strains small farmers.
- Certification Costs: Verification and residue testing remain expensive.
- Market Gaps: Uneven price premiums and weak buyer networks.
- Cluster Variation: Success depends on local leadership and coordination.
- Sustainability: Post-funding continuity often uncertain; technical gaps persist.
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
1. The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d)1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
PM has launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme to modernize India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into industry-aligned centers of excellence.
About the PM-SETU Scheme:
- Overview: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Objective: Upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs into modern, industry-linked institutions that address evolving global skill demands.
- Financing: Supported by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB); co-funded by Centre, States, and Industry.
- Implementation Model: Operates on a Hub-and-Spoke structure —
- 200 Hub ITIs act as Centres of Excellence.
- 800 Spoke ITIs extend outreach and training access across districts.
- Target: Skill 20 lakh youth over five years through new and revamped programs.
Key Features:
- Industry Partnership: Each cluster managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with an Anchor Industry Partner, ensuring outcome-based, employment-linked training.
- Curriculum Reform: New demand-driven, industry-aligned courses and flexible pathways — diplomas, short-term modules, and executive programs.
- Infrastructure Modernization:
- Advanced machinery, incubation and innovation centres, and production units in hub ITIs.
- Integration of placement services and trainer-training facilities.
- Centres of Excellence (NCOEs): Upgradation of 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana into global-standard NCOEs with international collaboration.
- Pilot Phase: Begins with Patna and Darbhanga ITIs (Bihar) as the first upgraded hubs.
- Youth Empowerment Focus: Links skilling with innovation, startups, and MSMEs to create self-employment opportunities and strengthen India’s human-capital base.
Also in News: National Scheme for ITI Upgradation & NCOEs
- Cabinet-approved (May 2025) companion initiative with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore:
- Central Share: ₹30,000 cr; State: ₹20,000 cr; Industry: ₹10,000 cr.
- 50 % of the Central share co-financed by World Bank and ADB.
- Purpose: Upgrade 1,000 ITIs and establish 5 NCOEs as Government-owned, Industry-managed skill institutions.
- Features:
- Need-based investment flexibility for each ITI.
- Training-of-Trainers (ToT) infrastructure upgrade and training for 50,000 trainers.
- Enhanced alignment of local workforce supply with MSME and industrial demand.
- Introduction of an industry-led SPV model for better accountability and course relevance.
|
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Centre has announced the identification of 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) to boost farm productivity, sustainability, and rural incomes.
What are Aspirational Agriculture Districts (AADs)?
- Overview: The AADs comprise 100 districts across 29 States and Union Territories with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and limited access to agricultural credit.
- Selection Basis: Districts were chosen to ensure balanced regional representation, considering each state’s net cropped area and number of operational holdings.
- Purpose: Designed as focal points for agricultural transformation, akin to the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) model for holistic development.
- Objective: Accelerate agricultural growth and raise farmers’ income through data-driven governance, technology adoption, and scheme convergence.
- Leading States: Uttar Pradesh (12), Maharashtra (9), Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan (8 each), and Bihar (7).
- Implementation Mechanism: Each district formulates a District Agriculture Development Plan (DADP) integrating existing central and state schemes for productivity enhancement, irrigation, crop diversification, and credit inclusion.
- Monitoring Framework: Employs a performance-based index with measurable outcome indicators for real-time progress tracking.
About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY):
- Overview: Introduced in July 2025 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Aim: Transform 100 low-performing agricultural districts into high-productivity, market-linked, and climate-resilient hubs.
- Design: Modeled on the Aspirational Districts Programme, emphasizing saturation-based development in agriculture.
- Key Objectives:
- Boost productivity through modern technology and best practices.
- Promote crop diversification and climate-resilient farming.
- Expand irrigation coverage and credit access.
- Strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, storage, and value addition at grassroots levels.
- Build market linkages and sustainable practices for inclusive rural growth.
- Implementation Structure:
- Convergence of 36 schemes from 11 Ministries/Departments, with no separate budget allocation.
- District PMDDKY Committees, headed by Collectors, plan and execute projects.
- 100 Central Nodal Officers (CNOs), mostly Joint Secretaries, monitor implementation.
- A digital dashboard tracks 117 indicators across agriculture, irrigation, and markets.
- Budget & Duration: Convergence-based outlay of ₹24,000 crore annually for six years (FY 2025–31), benefiting 1.7 crore farmers.
- Expected Outcomes:
- Improved productivity, resilience, and market efficiency.
- Enhanced credit systems and localized agri-infrastructure.
- Contribution toward “Viksit Bharat 2047” through sustainable agricultural transformation.
[UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
- Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
- Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
- Consumption requirements of farm households
- Post-harvest expenses
- Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Options:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only *
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Why in the News?
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, launched on 2 October 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has completed 50 years in 2025.
What is Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme?
- Launched: 2nd October 1975 by PM Indira Gandhi.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
- Nature: Flagship centrally sponsored scheme and world’s largest community-based outreach programme for early childhood care.
- Beneficiaries: Children (0–6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (under extensions).
- Objectives:
- Improve nutritional and health status of 0–6 year children.
- Lay foundation for physical, psychological, and social development.
- Reduce mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropouts.
- Provide non-formal pre-school education.
- Enhance maternal health & nutrition awareness.
|
About Umbrella ICDS Scheme:
- Origin: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme was restructured and renamed as the Umbrella ICDS scheme in 2016–17.
- Aim: Strengthen child nutrition, early childhood care, adolescent girl support, and child protection services.
- Key Feature: Convergence model – Anganwadi Centres serve as hubs delivering integrated health, nutrition, and education.
- Funding Pattern:
- General States: 60:40 (Centre: State).
- Supplementary Nutrition: 50:50.
- NE & Himalayan States: 90:10.
- UTs without legislatures: 100% Centre.
Key Components and Their Features
-
Anganwadi Services
- Core ICDS component.
- Provides six services: supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, health check-ups, immunization, referral services, and nutrition/health education.
- Nutrition support: Take-Home Rations (THR), Hot Cooked Meals, snacks.
-
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women.
- Provides ₹5,000 in three instalments for wage loss, nutrition, and healthcare.
- Delivered through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
-
National Creche Scheme
- Day-care facilities for children (6 months–6 years) of working women.
- Services include supplementary nutrition, early childcare education, health check-ups, and sleeping facilities.
- Functions 7.5 hours/day, 26 days/month.
-
Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG – SABLA)
- Focus on out-of-school girls (11–14 years).
- Nutrition support: 600 kcal/day, 18–20 g protein.
- Non-nutrition support: life skills, home management, health & hygiene awareness, educational and skill training.
- Encourages mainstreaming into formal education and skill development.
-
Child Protection Services (CPS)
- Ensures care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in difficult situations.
- Prevents abuse, exploitation, neglect, and family separation.
- Runs child care institutions, helplines, adoption and foster care systems.
-
POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission)
- Launched in 2018 to reduce stunting, anaemia, and low birth weight.
- Uses Poshan Tracker (ICT-based real-time monitoring).
- Promotes inter-ministerial convergence and community participation via Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada.
| [UPSC 2013] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:
1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development has approved the National Pulses Mission (Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses).
About the National Pulses Mission:
- Launch (2025): Approved by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030–31, improve nutrition, and raise farmer incomes.
- Targets: Production to rise from 24.2 MT (2024–25) to 35 MT (2030–31); acreage 310 lakh ha, yield 1,130 kg/ha.
- Coverage: 416 districts, with focus on rice fallows, improved seeds, intercropping, irrigation, and market linkages.
- MSP Procurement: 100% assured for Tur, Urad, Masoor for four years under PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme, via NAFED/NCCF.
- Framework: Under National Food Security Mission (NFSM); combines ICAR-led R&D with private sector inputs, processing, and storage.
- Budget: ₹11,440 crore outlay up to 2030–31 for multi-year implementation.
- Outcomes: Improved nutrition, soil fertility (nitrogen-fixing), stable prices, climate resilience, and rural employment.
Key Features:
- Cluster-Based Approach: Targets high-potential regions, diversifies beyond traditional belts, reduces risks.
- Market Infrastructure: 1,000 post-harvest units (dal mills, grading, packaging) with subsidies up to ₹25 lakh/unit.
- Research & Extension: New high-yield, climate-resilient varieties; farmer training on nutrient, pest, and water management.
- Risk Cover: Subsidies, insurance, and credit to reduce cultivation risks.
- Market Reforms: Direct sales linkages, transparent logistics, MSP-backed procurement.
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
(a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Government has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme until March 31, 2026, providing relief and policy certainty to exporters.
About the RoDTEP Scheme:
- Launch & Context: Introduced on 1 January 2021 under the Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20, replacing the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) after India lost a case at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
- Administration: Managed by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and implemented via the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
- Objective: Refund hidden domestic taxes/duties on exports to ensure goods leave the country free of embedded levies, enhancing competitiveness and ensuring WTO compliance.
- Coverage: Applicable to all Indian exporters (manufacturers and merchants) including SEZs, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units.
- Timeline: Initially valid till 5 February 2025, restored in May 2025 for AA, EOU, and SEZ exports after industry lobbying, and now extended till 31 March 2026.
Key Features:
- Hidden Taxes Covered: Refunds duties such as electricity duty, mandi tax, fuel charges in transport, and local cesses.
- Rebate Mechanism: Calculated as a percentage of the Free on Board (FOB) value of exports.
- Refund Mode: Benefits disbursed as electronic scrips (e-scrips), stored in CBIC’s digital ledger.
- Use of E-Scrips: Can be utilised to pay basic customs duty or transferred to other importers.
- Sectoral Priority: Focus on labour-intensive industries like textiles, handicrafts, leather, etc.
- Exclusion: Re-exported goods are not eligible under RoDTEP.
- Budgetary Control: Operates strictly within annual budget allocations, as clarified by DGFT.
- Policy Certainty: Extension till 2026 ensures stability for exporters facing global trade headwinds.
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only* |
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Why in the News?
The Central Government has amended the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005) to mandate a minimum share of funds for water conservation and harvesting works. Earlier this month, MGNREGA completed 20 years of its implementation.
What is entailed in this MGNREGA (2005) Amendment?
- Objective: Prioritise long-term water management, shift focus from reactive drought relief to preventive groundwater conservation.
- Provision Amended: Paragraph 4(2), Schedule I of MGNREGA (2005).
- Mandate: Minimum share of MGNREGA funds earmarked for water conservation & harvesting works.
- Allocation Criteria: Based on groundwater stress classification (Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) assessment):
- 65% in over-exploited / critical (dark zones).
- 40% in semi-critical blocks.
- 30% in safe/non-critical blocks.
- Responsibility: District Programme Coordinator / Programme Officer must ensure compliance.
- Earlier Provision: Gram Panchayats could prioritise works; at least 60% of funds had to go to agriculture & allied works, including water.
|
About MGNREGA:
- Overview: MGNREGS is a rights-based Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched under the MGNREGA Act of 2005 to ensure the Right to Work for rural households.
- Origins:
- The idea of employment guarantee in India began with Maharashtra’s pilot, Employment Guarantee Scheme (MEGS), in 1965 under the Vasantrao Naik government.
- At the national level, the idea was first proposed in 1991 by then PM P. V. Narasimha Rao and later enacted in 2005.
- Employment Guarantee: It provides 100 days of wage employment per year to any adult willing to do unskilled manual labour in rural India.
- Legal Obligation: It is the first law in India that imposes a legal duty on the government to provide employment and compensate for non-compliance.
- Development Goal: The scheme aims to promote livelihood security, inclusive growth, and rural development.
Key Features:
- Statutory Right: Employment under MGNREGS is a legal entitlement, not just a welfare scheme.
- Eligibility: Any rural adult aged 18 or above can apply and must be offered work within 15 days.
- Proximity and Wages: Work must be provided within 5 km of the applicant’s residence with minimum wage, and delays attract compensation.
- Unemployment Allowance: If work is not provided on time, the state must pay an allowance.
- Demand-Driven Model: The scheme is worker-initiated, requiring the government to respond to demand.
- Transparency and Audits: Regular social audits and online updates ensure accountability in job cards, muster rolls, and fund use.
- Local Implementation: It is decentralised, led by Gram Panchayats, with support from block and state officials, and centrally funded.
- Women’s Inclusion: At least one-third of beneficiaries must be women, enhancing gender equity.
- Sustainable Assets: Projects focus on durable rural infrastructure like ponds, roads, canals, and plantations.
| [UPSC 2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”?
(a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households
(b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households
(c) Adult members of households of all backward communities
(d) Adult members of any household * |
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Why in the News?
The government has announced the establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centres across the country as part of the recently approved Rs 1,765.67 crore Clean Plant Programme (CPP).
What is Clean Plant Programme (CPP)?
- Launch: Cleared by the Union Cabinet in August 2024 with an outlay of ₹1,765.67 crore, supported by a $98 million Asian Development Bank loan.
- Implementation: Led by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board (NHB), with technical support from ICAR.
- Objective: Supply virus-free, high-quality planting material to improve crop yield, quality, and farmer incomes in horticulture.
- Scope: Focus on fruit crops such as grapes, oranges, pomegranates, apples, and citrus.
Key Features:
- Centres: Establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) across India; three in Maharashtra – Pune (grapes), Nagpur (oranges), Solapur (pomegranates).
- Research Hub: National-level laboratory in Pune for original plant species research.
- Financial Aid: ₹3 crore for large nurseries, ₹1.5 crore for medium nurseries; target of 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually.
- Certification & Traceability: Strong framework to ensure disease-free mother plants and regulated propagation.
- Global Cooperation: Collaboration with Israel and the Netherlands for clean plant technologies.
- Policy Alignment: Supports Mission LiFE, One Health, and Viksit Bharat 2047.
On-Ground Progress:
- Dedicated Website: Launched as central hub – cpp-beta.nhb.gov.in.
- Hazard Analysis:
- Grapevine: 578 samples tested from multiple states.
- Apple: 535 samples under testing from Himalayan and northern states.
- Citrus: Hazard profiling preparations underway.
- Assessments: ICAR, NHB, and ADB conducted lab and nursery visits (2024–25) to strengthen diagnostics and bioinformatics using High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS).
- Propagation Protocol: Negative samples re-tested; positive ones treated with tissue culture, heat, or cryotherapy before propagation.
- Infrastructure: First Clean Plant Centre underway; design bidding initiated.
| [UPSC 2011] With what purpose is the GoI promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”?
1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone for India’s first PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
About PM MITRA Scheme:
- Overview: Introduced by the Ministry of Textiles in 2021, the scheme aims to strengthen India’s textile sector by creating 7 world-class integrated parks.
- Concept: Designed on the vision “Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign”, each park consolidates the entire textile value chain—spinning, weaving, dyeing, processing, printing, and garment-making—within a single ecosystem.
- Sites Selected: Tamil Nadu (Virudhunagar), Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh (Dhar), and Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow).
- Timeline: All parks are targeted to be established by 2026–27, with each covering around 1,000+ acres.
- Implementation Structure:
- Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): Each park will be developed by an SPV jointly owned by the Centre and State Governments, operating in Public–Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
- Development Capital Support (DCS): Up to ₹500 crore per park provided by the Centre to SPVs.
- Competitive Incentive Support (CIS): Up to ₹300 crore per park offered to manufacturing units to encourage rapid implementation.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Integrated Value Chain: All stages of textile production are located in one hub, reducing transport costs, delays, and inefficiencies.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Includes incubation centres, design/testing labs, effluent treatment plants, reliable utilities, logistics facilities, and worker hostels.
- Employment Generation: Each park expected to create ~1 lakh direct and ~2 lakh indirect jobs, especially benefiting women and rural youth.
- Investment Boost: Scheme aims to attract over ₹70,000 crore in investments in the textile sector.
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Why in the News?
Prime Minister has launched the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) alongside the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah.
![[pib] Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA)](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/snspa.jpg)
About Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA):
- Launch: Introduced on 17 September 2025 by the PM, jointly led by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Objective: Strengthen women’s, children’s, and family health services, focusing on rural, tribal, and underserved regions.
- Scale: Over 10 lakh health camps at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals.
- Screenings: Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, TB, breast and cervical cancers, sickle cell disease, reproductive health conditions.
- Services offered: Maternal, child, adolescent health including antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition counselling, menstrual hygiene, mental health, lifestyle awareness.
- Digital Monitoring: SASHAKT portal ensures real-time data tracking and transparency.
- Jan Bhagidaari: Collaboration with private hospitals, SHGs, Anganwadis, Panchayati Raj institutions, volunteers.
- Tribal Focus: Specialised medical services and tailored counselling for remote and tribal areas.
What is Rashtriya Poshan Maah?
- Overview: Part of POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission); celebrated annually since 2018.
- 2025 Edition: 8th Poshan Maah, aligned with SNSPA for synergised impact.
- Aim: Mobilise communities to improve nutrition of children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
- Activities: Poshan Panchayats, health and nutrition camps, recipe demos, rallies, school-Anganwadi outreach, Jan Andolan approach.
- Focus Areas (2025):
- Anaemia Mukt Bharat and micronutrient awareness.
- Complementary feeding practices for infants and toddlers.
- Poshan-Vatika (nutri-gardens) for food security.
- Promotion of traditional and regional diets for sustainable nutrition.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:
1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Centre has approved the Unified Pension Scheme, starting Apr 2025, with NPS employees allowed to switch till Sept 30, 2025.
About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
- Launch & Applicability: Announced in August 2024; implemented from 1 April 2025. Applicable to central govt employees who joined service after 1 January 2004 (those under NPS).
- Nature: Hybrid pension system combining features of the assured benefit of OPS and the contributory model of NPS.
- Assured Pension: 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months before retirement, with minimum 25 years of service.
- Minimum Pension: ₹10,000/month assured after 10 years of service.
- Family Pension: 60% of pension last drawn, payable to spouse on retiree’s death.
- Contributions: Employee contributes 10% of basic pay + Dearness Allowances (DA); govt contributes 10% + an additional 8.5% towards a pooled corpus.
- Lump Sum at Retirement: 1/10th of last pay + DA for every completed six months of service, in addition to gratuity.
- Inflation Indexation: DA-linked relief on pensions, tied to CPI-IW.
- Flexibility: Employees may choose between NPS and UPS, but once shifted, re-entry into UPS is not allowed.
Difference between OPS, NPS and UPS:
|
Old Pension Scheme (OPS) |
National Pension System (NPS) |
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) |
| Type |
Defined Benefit |
Defined Contribution (market-linked) |
Hybrid (Defined + Contribution) |
| Employee Contribution |
None |
10% of Basic + DA |
10% of Basic + DA |
| Govt Contribution |
Entire burden on govt |
14% of Basic + DA |
10% + 8.5% pooled corpus |
| Assured Pension |
50% of last drawn pay + DA |
None; depends on market returns |
50% of avg. basic pay (last 12 months) |
| Minimum Pension |
Not fixed, but effectively higher |
None |
₹10,000 after 10 years’ service |
| Family Pension |
50% of pension last drawn |
Depends on accumulated corpus |
60% of pension last drawn |
| Lump Sum |
Commutation of up to 40% pension (reduces monthly pension) |
60% withdrawal of accumulated corpus at retirement |
Lump sum = 1/10th of last pay + DA for every 6 months of service; pension unaffected |
| Indexation (DA link) |
Full DA linked |
Market-driven returns; no DA link |
DA-linked inflation relief |
| Fiscal Burden |
High, unfunded |
Lower, market-based |
Moderate (partially funded + assured) |
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:
1. All casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage.
2. All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment.
3. The government can, by notification, specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Centre has announced reopening of the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, following the strong response and success of earlier rounds.
| Note: White goods refer to large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, so named because they were traditionally white. |
About the PLI Scheme for White Goods:
- Objective: To create a complete component ecosystem for ACs and LED lights, integrating India into global supply chains and boosting domestic manufacturing.
- Approval: Cleared by the Union Cabinet in April 2021; implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
- Duration: Implemented over seven years (FY 2021–22 to FY 2028–29) with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore.
- Incentives: Provides 4–6% incentive on incremental turnover (over base year 2019–20) for both domestic sales and exports, applicable for five years to eligible companies.
- Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
- Eligibility depends on achieving threshold levels of incremental sales and investments.
- Entities availing benefits under any other PLI scheme for the same products are not eligible.
- Beneficiaries So Far: 83 companies with committed investment of ₹10,406 crore have been approved under the scheme, covering AC and LED components across the entire value chain.
- Employment and Exports: Expected to create jobs, expand exports, and enhance self-reliance in components that were earlier imported.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.
Statement II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct *
|
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage.
About Gyan Bharatam Mission:
- Launch: A national initiative by the Ministry of Culture to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
- Scheme Type: Approved as a Central Sector Scheme (2024–31) with an outlay of ₹482.85 crore.
- Background: Builds on the National Mission for Manuscripts (2003), which documented 44.07 lakh manuscripts in the Kriti Sampada repository.
- Vision: Integrates tradition with modern technology (AI, cloud systems, digital archives) to safeguard manuscripts as living knowledge resources.
- Philosophy: Linked to PM’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, positioning India as Vishwa Guru by combining heritage with innovation.
Key Features:
- Identification & Documentation: Establishment of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) for systematic registration across India.
- Conservation & Restoration: Strengthening Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) for preventive and curative preservation using scientific techniques.
- Digitisation & Repository: Large-scale digitisation with AI-based Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), microfilming, and creation of a National Digital Repository accessible worldwide.
- Youth & Public Engagement: Programs like Gyan-Setu AI Innovation Challenge to involve youth, start-ups, and researchers in heritage innovation.
| [UPSC 2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register?
Options: (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka (b) Mahabharata (c) Ramayana (d) Rig Veda* |
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