💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Distribution: yearly

  • UNICEF’s ‘Global Outlook 2025: Strengthening the foundations of children’s futures

    Why in the News?

    Recently, UNICEF’s Global Outlook 2025 emphasizes the urgent need for resilient systems to protect children’s rights amid crises like conflict, climate change, and economic instability, ensuring equitable access to essential services globally.

    What are the primary challenges facing children in the current global landscape as per UNICEF’s Global Outlook 2025?

    • Conflict and Displacement: Over 473 million children, or about 19% globally, live in conflict-affected areas—a figure that has nearly doubled since the 1990s. This exposes children to severe risks, including displacement, starvation, disease, and psychological trauma.
    • Economic Instability: Nearly 400 million children live in countries in debt distress, where financial pressures are reducing investments in essential services such as education and healthcare, further deepening their vulnerabilities.
    • Climate Change: Around 1 billion children are at extremely high risk from climate impacts. Disruptions from extreme weather events affect their access to education and healthcare, while only 2.4% of global climate finance is directed toward child-focused initiatives.
    • Digital Inequality: The expansion of digital public infrastructure (DPI) offers opportunities to improve service delivery, but significant digital divides persist, disproportionately affecting children in low-income and marginalised communities.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this flagship scheme aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and empowerment of girls.
    • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): This savings scheme encourages parents to save for their daughters’ education and marriage by offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
    • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Established in 1975, ICDS focuses on improving the nutritional and health status of children under six years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan): Launched in 2018, this mission aims to reduce malnutrition among children and women through a convergence of various schemes and community-based approaches.
    • Mission Vatsalya: This initiative focuses on child protection services, ensuring that vulnerable children receive necessary support and care.
    • Child Protection Policies: The government has enacted several laws, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their welfare.
    • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR): The NCPCR plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting children’s rights in India. It has launched various initiatives such as the POCSO e-Box for reporting child sexual abuse and the Bal Panchayat Abhiyan to encourage child-led governance.

    How can global governance and national systems be strengthened to support children’s rights and well-being?

    Global governance: 

    • Strengthening International Mechanisms: The United Nations should develop specialized frameworks to protect children’s rights in the digital environment, ensuring online safety and privacy are integral to global governance policies.
    • Ensuring Accountability: States and corporations must be held accountable for violations of children’s rights, with the adoption of measures like the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to ensure businesses prioritize child protection.
    • Fostering Global Collaboration: Promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation can address challenges such as cyberbullying and online exploitation through shared best practices and coordinated efforts to safeguard children’s rights worldwide.

    National systems: 

    • Developing Child Rights Governance Systems: Nations should establish comprehensive frameworks that integrate children’s rights into laws and policies, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to prioritize children’s needs in governance.
    • Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Enhancing the capacity of CSOs through training programs can improve their ability to advocate for and implement child rights initiatives while effectively engaging with government institutions.
    • Advancing Evidence-Based Advocacy: Utilizing data-driven approaches to shape policy priorities can ensure child rights are central to resource allocation and budgeting at global, regional, and national levels.
    • Empowering Children’s Participation: Encouraging children to actively participate in decision-making processes helps create policies that address their needs and aspirations, fostering a more inclusive governance system.
    • Establishing Robust Monitoring Systems: Implement mechanisms to regularly track and report on children’s well-being indicators to ensure accountability and measure progress in achieving child rights standards.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrated Global-National Synergy: Strengthen collaboration between international frameworks and national systems to prioritize children’s rights in governance, focusing on accountability, digital safety, and climate resilience through coordinated policies and resource allocation.
    • Child-Centric Policy and Participation: Develop evidence-based policies that directly address children’s vulnerabilities while empowering them to participate in decision-making, ensuring sustainable and responsive governance structures.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • RBI allows NRI to open rupee accounts abroad with authorized banks

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with the Central government, has reviewed the rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA) to make it easier to carry out cross-border transactions in Indian rupees (INR) according to a statement by the RBI.

    What are the recent changes made in FEMA regulations by RBI?

    • Opening Rupee Accounts for Non-Residents: Overseas branches of authorized dealer (AD) banks can now open rupee accounts for non-residents, enabling them to conduct current and capital account transactions with Indian residents.
    • Settlement of Transactions: Non-residents can use their balances in repatriable rupee accounts, including Special Non-Resident Rupee Accounts (SNRAs) and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs), to settle transactions with other non-residents abroad.
    • Investment Opportunities: Balances in these accounts can be utilized for foreign investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in non-debt instruments, thereby promoting rupee-based investments.
    • Flexibility for Exporters: Indian exporters are now permitted to open foreign currency accounts overseas to receive export proceeds and use these funds for import payments, enhancing operational flexibility.
    • Support for Local Currency Transactions: The new guidelines support cross-border transactions in local currencies, reducing reliance on dominant foreign currencies like the US Dollar

    What is Internationalisation of Rupee?

    • The internationalization of the rupee refers to the process of increasing the use and acceptance of the Indian rupee (INR) in global trade, investment, and cross-border transactions. This initiative aims to promote the rupee as a viable alternative to dominant currencies like the US dollar in international markets.

    What are the key features of the Internationalisation of Rupee?

    • Cross-Border Transactions: The primary goal is to facilitate more cross-border transactions in rupees, allowing businesses and individuals to conduct trade and investments without relying on foreign currencies.
    • Current and Capital Account Transactions: Initially focused on promoting the rupee for import and export trade, the process will extend to other current account transactions and eventually capital account transactions, enabling investments in rupee-denominated assets.
    • Full Convertibility: Achieving full capital account convertibility is essential for internationalization, meaning there would be no restrictions on converting rupees into foreign currency or vice versa for investments and loans.
    • Strengthening Economic Sovereignty: Reducing reliance on foreign currencies enhances India’s economic sovereignty and minimizes exposure to currency fluctuations, thereby stabilizing trade relations.
    • Enhancing Global Trade: By allowing direct transactions in rupees, internationalization can simplify cross-border trade processes, eliminate currency conversion needs, and reduce transaction costs.

     

    What are the significance of Internationalisation of Rupee? 

    • Reducing Exchange Rate Risks: By promoting INR usage in international trade, India can mitigate exchange rate risks associated with reliance on major currencies like the USD.
    • Enhancing Trade Competitiveness: Facilitating rupee transactions can improve India’s trade competitiveness by lowering transaction costs and simplifying payment processes for exporters and importers.
    • Strengthening Economic Sovereignty: Greater acceptance of the INR in global markets can enhance India’s economic sovereignty and reduce vulnerability to external economic shocks and geopolitical tensions.
    • Encouraging Foreign Investment: The ability to conduct transactions in INR may attract more foreign investors looking for stable investment opportunities in India

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Global Agreements: Expand bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to encourage invoicing and settlement in rupees, promoting its global acceptability.
    • Enhance Domestic Financial Infrastructure: Improve financial systems to support seamless cross-border rupee transactions, including achieving full capital account convertibility and increasing trust in the INR.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)

    Why in the News?

    The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is set to expand to seven major Indian airports starting January 16, 2025, ensuring seamless and expedited immigration processes for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

    About the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)

    • Launched under the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, it aims to establish world-class immigration facilities and enhance international mobility.
    • The Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the programme.
    • It was initially introduced on June 22, 2024, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
    • It is targeted at Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders in its first phase and will eventually include foreign travelers.
    • Phase-Wise Implementation:
      • Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
      • Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travelers.
    • The program is free of cost during its initial implementation phase.
    • By 2025, the program will be operational at 21 major airports across India.

    Features of the Program

    • Operates through e-gates or automated border gates for faster processing.
    • Travelers scan their boarding pass and passport, followed by biometric authentication, to complete the process.
    • Enrollment is completed through an online portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in), where applicants upload their details and required documents.
    • Membership is valid for a maximum of 5 years or until the passport’s validity, whichever comes first.
    • Applicants must ensure their passport has a minimum six-month validity at the time of registration.
    • White-listed trusted travelers undergo faster clearance while maintaining security standards.

    Significance  

    • Reduces immigration clearance time, providing a hassle-free travel experience for international travelers.
    • Biometric authentication ensures identity verification, reducing risks of fraudulent entries.
    • Travelers can bypass regular queues, making the process more convenient and seamless.
    • Comparable to the Global Entry Program in the United States, it aligns India’s immigration services with international standards.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
    2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
    3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3
    (d) 2 and 3

  • What is Central Suspect Registry?

    Why in the News?

    In just three months since its launch, the Central Suspect Registry (CSR) has successfully declined over 6 lakh fraudulent transactions, saving ₹1,800 crore, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

    About the Central Suspect Registry (CSR)

    • The CSR aims to strengthen fraud risk management by maintaining a comprehensive registry of cybercrime suspects.
    • It contains data on 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud and other cybercrimes.
    • The registry was created by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • The registry is accessible to states, Union Territories, central investigation agencies, intelligence agencies, and financial institutions.
    • Developed with inputs from banks and financial institutions, the CSR serves as a central database consolidating cybercrime-related data.

    Significance of the CSR:

    • Integration with NCRP: Uses data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal to identify potential cybercriminals.
    • Fraud Detection and Prevention: Helps financial institutions and law enforcement agencies identify and block fraudulent activities.
    • Support from Financial Entities: The RBI has directed all banks to integrate the registry into their systems for fraud prevention.
    • Impact:
      • Over 6.10 lakh fraudulent transactions blocked, saving ₹1,800 crore as of December 1, 2024.
      • 8.67 lakh mule accounts frozen by banks and financial intermediaries.
      • 7 lakh SIM cards and 1.4 lakh mobile devices blocked.
      • Financial fraud transactions amounting to ₹3,850 crore saved since 2021 through the Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System.
      • 1,03,151 suspicious online content items blocked under the powers conferred by the Information Technology Act, 2000.

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits?

    1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
    2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
    3. Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
    4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    Why in the News?

    Since earlier this month Los Angeles has been gripped by devastating wildfires fueled by a rare and alarming meteorological phenomenon known as hydroclimate whiplash.

    What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    • Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid and extreme shifts between periods of intensely wet weather and dangerously dry conditions.
    • Characteristics:
      • Alternates between heavy rainfall and severe drought.
      • Typically results in amplified weather extremes, such as floods followed by wildfires.
    • Global Trend:
      • Hydroclimate whiplash has increased by 31% to 66% worldwide since the mid-20th century, largely due to climate change.
      • Projections indicate a 113% rise in such events during sub-seasonal periods with a 3°C increase in global temperatures.

    Causes of Hydroclimate Whiplash

    • Rising global temperatures intensify hydrological extremes, causing prolonged periods of rainfall and drought.
    • Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfalls during wet periods and exacerbating droughts during dry phases.
    • Shifts in El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles influence precipitation and temperature extremes.
    • Changes in ocean currents and wind patterns disrupt normal weather cycles, contributing to hydroclimate variability.
    • Unusual delays in wet or dry seasons can magnify hydroclimate swings, as seen in regions like California.

    How did this phenomenon cause wildfire in LA?

    • The usual wet season, which begins in October, failed during 2024-25, exacerbating dry conditions and increasing fire hazards.
    • As dry air moves from high-pressure regions over southwestern deserts to low-pressure zones off the California coast, it warms and dries further, creating ideal wildfire conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2011] La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino?

    1. La Nina is characterised by an usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

    2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • India successfully tests Indian Army’s first ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone micro missiles

    Why in the News?

    India has achieved a significant milestone in defense technology by successfully testing its first domestically developed Bhargavastra micro-missile system, designed to counter swarm drone threats.

    'Bhargavastra'

    What is Bhargavastra?

    • Bhargavastra is India’s first micro-missile-based counter-drone system, developed to address the increasing threat posed by swarm drones.
    • It is capable of detecting and neutralizing small aerial vehicles at ranges exceeding 6 km.
    • Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd, the system is designed for the Indian Army, with interest also expressed by the Indian Air Force.
    • The system is tailored to provide a cost-effective solution for countering drone threats while preserving advanced air defense systems for larger challenges.

    Features of the Bhargavastra Missile System

    • Detection Range: Can detect small aerial vehicles at distances greater than 6 km.
    • Neutralization Capability: Employs guided micro munitions to engage and destroy drone targets.
    • Simultaneous Launches: Capable of launching over 64 micro missiles simultaneously, enabling effective countermeasures against swarm formations.
    • Mobile Platform: Mounted on a mobile platform for rapid deployment in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions.
    • Versatile Design: Engineered to operate across varied terrains, meeting the specific requirements of the Indian military.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer

    Commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer

    Why in the News?

    Three frontline combatants—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

    About the Ships/Vessels

    Details
    INS Nilgiri
    • Type: First Ship of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class stealth frigates)
    • Role: Multi-mission operations in deep-sea environments
    • Builders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and GRSE, Kolkata
    • Features: Integrated construction, supersonic missiles, MRSAMs, advanced weaponry
    • Timeline: Keel laid Dec 28, 2017; Launched Sep 28, 2019; Delivered Dec 20, 2024
    • Significance: Enhances anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities
    INS Surat
    • Type: Last Ship of Project 15B (stealth guided missile destroyers)
    • Role: Advanced stealth destroyer for offensive and network-centric warfare
    • Builders: MDL
    • Features: AI-enabled systems, advanced weaponry (surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes), COGAG propulsion
    • Timeline: Commissioned in 2024; follows Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal
    • Significance: India’s first AI-enabled warship with advanced IT tools
    INS Vaghsheer
    • Type: Last Submarine of Project 75 (Scorpene-class submarines)
    • Role: Stealthy, multi-role operations (anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare)
    • Builders: Collaboration with French Naval Group
    • Features: Diesel-electric propulsion, wire-guided torpedoes, modular design for future AIP upgrades
    • Timeline: Sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine; follows Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir
    • Significance: Enhances India’s underwater warfare capabilities

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship
    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine
    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • [pib] QS World Future Skills Index

    Why in the News?

    PM has expressed his happiness as the QS World Future Skills Index ranks India 2nd for Digital Skills, ahead of Canada and Germany.

    About the QS World Future Skills Index

    • The index is launched by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a London-based higher education firm, the index evaluates countries on their readiness to meet evolving job market demands.
    • It assesses over 190 countries, analyzing:
      • 280 million job postings
      • 5 million employer skill demands
      • 17.5 million research papers
    • 4 Key Indicators:
      • Skills Fit: Alignment between workforce skills and employer demands.
      • Academic Readiness: Higher education’s capability to prepare students for future skills.
      • Future of Work: Job market readiness for emerging skills in digital, AI, and green technologies.
      • Economic Transformation: Capacity for innovation and sustainable growth.
    • Countries are classified into 4 categories as:
      • Future Skills Pioneers
      • Practitioners
      • Contenders (India’s category)
      • Aspirants

    Key Observations  

    • India ranks 2nd globally in digital, AI, and green skills, showcasing its leadership in technology and sustainability.
    • It achieved a perfect score in economic capacity, reflecting strong growth potential.
    • However, India scored poorly in skills fit (59.1) and sustainability innovation (15.6), highlighting gaps in education and innovation alignment.
    • Developed nations like the USA, UK, and Germany lead as “future skills pioneers.”

    Significance of the Index

    • The report serves as a global benchmark for readiness in meeting evolving job market demands.
    • It highlights the importance of digital, AI, and green skills for future industries.
    • It provides actionable insights for policy reforms in education and workforce training.
    • It positions India to address gaps and leverage its strengths to secure a competitive global role.

    PYQ:

    [2022] What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?

  • African leaders adopt new Kampala Declaration

    Why in the News?

    The Extraordinary African Union Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda, with the adoption of the transformative Kampala Declaration.

    kampala

    What is the Kampala Declaration?

    Details
    About
    • Successor to the Malabo Declaration (2014–2025).
    • Focuses on transforming agriculture into a modern, climate-smart sector.
    • Aligns with CAADP’s vision and African Union’s Agenda 2063.
    Key Highlights
    • Adoption of a ten-year post-Malabo agenda (2026–2035) with implementation and monitoring strategies.
    • Promotes climate-smart innovations for sustainable food production.
    • Integrates agricultural policies with broader development objectives like nutrition and environmental sustainability.
    • Acknowledges global challenges like COVID-19 and geopolitical disruptions.
    Significant Features
    • Adopts an agri-food systems approach, addressing issues across the food value chain.
    • Emphasizes environmental sustainability and diverse, nutritious diets.
    • Builds resilience to withstand climate, economic, and geopolitical shocks.
    • Ensures involvement of diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, and private sector actors.
    • Establishes monitoring frameworks for accountability and progress tracking.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] The ‘Fortaleza Declaration’ recently in the news, is related to the affairs of:

    (a) ASEAN

    (b) BRICS

    (c) OECD

    (d) WTO

  • [pib] 9 Years of Startup India

    Why in the News?

    On January 16 (National Startup Day), 2025, India marks 9 successful years of Startup India, a flagship initiative that has revolutionized the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.

    About the Startup India Initiative

    • Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on January 16, 2016, to create a robust ecosystem for nurturing startups and innovation.
    • It aims to drive economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs through innovation and regulatory support.
    • The PM first announced the initiative on August 15, 2015, during his Independence Day address at Red Fort, New Delhi.
    • The program aims to establish 75+ startup hubs across India and encourages entrepreneurship in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
      • A related scheme, Stand-Up India, was launched on April 5, 2016, to facilitate loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SCs, STs and women entrepreneurs to establish Greenfield enterprises.
    • The program emphasizes the 3 Cs—Capital, Courage, and Connections, which Prime Minister Modi identifies as essential for entrepreneurial success.
    • It seeks to eliminate restrictive policies, including those related to License Raj, foreign investment proposals, and land permissions, ensuring ease of doing business.

    Definition of a Startup (as per DPIIT)

    • A startup must be registered as a private limited company, partnership firm, or limited liability partnership (LLP) in India.
    • The entity must not have completed 10 years since its incorporation.
    • Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
    • The startup should focus on innovative products or services and demonstrate scalability, potential for wealth creation, or employment generation.
    • Entities formed through splitting or restructuring of existing businesses are not classified as startups.
    • Startup related terminologies analogously used in India:
      • Unicorn: A startup valued at over $1 billion.
      • Decacorn: A startup valued at over $10 billion.
      • Hectocorn: A startup valued at over $100 billion.
      • Soonicorn: A rapidly growing startup expected to become a unicorn soon.
      • Mincorn: A startup valued at less than $1 billion.

    Key Achievements of Startup India

    • India is the third-largest startup hub globally, following the United States and China.
    • DPIIT-recognized startups grew from 500 in 2016 to 1,59,157 by January 2025.
    • Women-led startups accounted for 73,151 entities as of October 2024, with 48% of startups having at least one woman director by December 2023.
    • Startups have generated 16.6 lakh direct jobs from 2016 to October 2024.
    • Over 50% of startups originated from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, including emerging hubs like Indore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad.

    Key Government Initiatives for Startups:

    • Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), 2021: Provides financial assistance to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.
      • Total allocated amount: ₹945 crore for startups over a four-year period.
    • Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), 2022: Offers collateral-free loans to startups through Scheduled Commercial Banks, NBFCs, and SEBI-registered AIFs.
      • Covers loans up to ₹10 crore for eligible startups.
    • Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), 2016: Established with a ₹10,000 crore corpus to provide funding support to startups through SEBI-registered Venture Capital Funds.
      • By 2024, ₹7,980 crore was committed to 99 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), benefiting over 800 startups.
    • BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry), 2024: A centralized platform aimed at streamlining interactions within India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
      • Fosters innovation, collaboration, and startup growth through knowledge-sharing and networking.
    • Startup Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP): A sub-component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
      • Supported 3,02,825 enterprises as of 2024, creating 6,26,848 jobs.
    • TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs): Focuses on supporting startups in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Blockchain.
      • Established 51 incubators and supported 1,235 startups.
    • GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups), 2024: Aims to boost startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
      • Total outlay: ₹490 crore over five years, targeting over 1,500 startups.
    • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Operates under NITI Aayog to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through the establishment of Atal Incubation Centers (AICs).
      • Provides physical infrastructure and mentorship for startups to scale effectively.
    • Startup Mahakumbh: A flagship event organized to bring together startups, unicorns, investors, and industry leaders.
      • First edition in 2019 saw over 500 participants; the fifth edition is scheduled for March 7-8, 2025, in New Delhi.

    PYQ:

    [2014] What does venture capital mean?

    (a) A short-term capital provided to industries

    (b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs

    (c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses

    (d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries