The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 is a scheme launched on October 1, 2021 continues to make strides towards transforming Indian cities into self-reliant and water-secure urban areas.
Back2Basics: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
It is a flagship urban development scheme launched in June 2015.
The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
Objectives:
Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
Increase the green areas in the cities.
Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
It covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over 1 lakh with notified Municipalities.
About AMRUT 2.0:
Details
• Launched on 1st October 2021 as the continuation of AMRUT 1.0.
• Aims to enhance urban infrastructure in 500 cities by focusing on water supply, wastewater management, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
• The mission runs for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
Salient Features and Mission
• Universal Coverage: Ensures coverage of water supply and sewerage in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns.
• Circular Economy: Focuses on water recycling, reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation.
• Technology Integration: Adopts global technologies for better water management.
• Pey Jal Survekshan: Survey to assess water distribution, wastewater reuse, and promote healthy competition among cities.
Its Implementation and Further Roadmap
• Project Approval: 8,998 projects approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,89,458.55 crore.
• Funds Distribution: Funds released by MoHUA to States/UTs and then to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs must complete their SWAP and get approval within two years of the mission’s launch.
• Future Plans: Focus on sustainable water management and extension of AMRUT 1.0 benefits to more towns.
PYQ:
[2011] In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
2. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.
3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Union Cabinet has approved the “One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme” aims to provide nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals.
One Nation One Subscription (ONOS): Everything you need to know
About
• Fully digital and user-friendly Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet.
Aims and Objectives
• Provideunified access to scholarly journals and research articles for government HEIs and R&D labs.
• Support research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and other government initiatives, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• Centralize subscriptions to reduce the financial burden on individual institutions.
• Align with Viksit Bharat@2047, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and National Research Foundation(NRF).
Structural Mandate
• Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under UGC, will coordinate ONOS and ensure seamless access to research materials.
• 6,300 institutions under central and state government management, including universities, colleges, and R&D labs.
• A dedicated digital portal for easy access, designed for wide accessibility.
Provisions and Eligibility Criteria
• All government-run HEIs and R&D institutions are eligible.
• 13,000 journals from 30 international publishers are available free of cost.
• ₹6,000 crore allocated for 2025-2027; payments to publishers made centrally by INFLIBNET.
PYQ:
[2013] To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?
World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide.
2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience.
About World Toilet Day
It is celebrated each year on November 19 to raise awareness about global sanitation issues.
It became an UN-recognized day in 2013 to emphasize the importance of safe sanitation under SDG 6.
It was first proposed by Jack Sim of the World Toilet Organization in 2001.
Purpose: To address the health, dignity, and environmental challenges linked to inadequate sanitation.
Significance and Global Collaborations
Public Health: Prevents waterborne diseases; 1,000 child deaths daily linked to unsafe sanitation (WHO).
UN Initiatives: UNICEF, WHO, and UN-Water work with countries to improve WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) facilities.
NGO Support: Organizations like World Toilet Organization and WaterAid implement sanitation projects and awareness.
International Partnerships: Programs like Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) unify governments and NGOs for sanitation solutions.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped drinking water to rural households, supporting sanitation.
Women’s Safety Campaigns: Programs like Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman link sanitation to dignity, especially for women.
Waste Management: SBM Phase II focuses on sustainable waste management and sanitation systems.
PYQ:
[2024] Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:
It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Within just three weeks of its launch, over 10 lakh senior citizens have enrolled for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.
Note: Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PM-VVY) is a pension scheme and insurance policy for senior citizens in India. One must not get confused with Ayushman-VVY.
AboutAyushman Vay Vandana Yojana:
Details
Features and Provisions
• Cashless health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year for senior citizens aged 70and above. • Beneficiaries receive an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, which grants them access to free treatment in empaneled hospitals across India.
• Coverage includes medical consultations, treatments, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, and complex procedures such as angioplasty.
Structural Mandate
• Administered under the PM-JAY framework, ensuring structured implementation and integration with India’s health insurance network.
• Implemented across empaneled hospitals in both urban and rural areas, ensuring nationwide reach.
• Centralized digital system tracks treatments, patient details, and expenses for transparency and accountability.
• Specifically designed for senior citizens, addressing their unique healthcare needs.
Aims and Objectives
• Universal healthcare for senior citizens, ensuring access to essential medical treatments without financial strain.
• Seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for elderly citizens and their families.
• Encourages preventive care and early medical intervention to address age-related health conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
• Open to all Indian citizens aged 70 and above.
• There are NO income/ family size restrictions, making it accessible to all senior citizens, regardless of their economic status.
• Beneficiaries must be Indian citizens.
• Seniors need to register under PM-JAY to receive the AVV Card and avail of the benefits.
The International Energy Agency reports that 681 million people in India rely on solid fuels for cooking, causing health and environmental concerns. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides subsidized LPG connections to promote clean fuel adoption in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme aimed at providing subsidized LPG connections to poor households, promoting clean cooking fuel, improving health, and reducing dependence on solid fuels.
What specific benefits has the PMUY provided to households in Jammu and Kashmir?
Increased LPG Adoption: The PMUY scheme has significantly increased the availability of LPG in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Around 85.07% of households in rural areas now have official LPG connections, with 68% of them having obtained these connections through PMUY.
Health Benefits: PMUY adoption has led to a marked reduction in respiratory problems, such as coughing, chest infections, and headaches, particularly among BPL and AAY households.
Health improvements were more prominent in households with additional appliances like rice cookers and those with educated members.
Reduction in Solid Fuel Usage: Although not completely eliminating the use of traditional fuels, the scheme has led to moderate reductions in the reliance on solid fuels like firewood. The average consumption of firewood per household was 226 kilograms over six months.
Cultural and Health Improvements: For households that adopted LPG under PMUY, there was a noticeable reduction in indoor smoke exposure, leading to better health outcomes, especially for women who were primarily responsible for cooking.
How has the implementation of PMUY addressed local challenges related to fuel availability and usage?
Enhanced Fuel Access: PMUY has addressed the issue of limited access to clean cooking fuel in rural areas by providing subsidized LPG connections. This has significantly reduced the reliance on harmful solid fuels, such as firewood, in many areas, particularly those with difficult topography like Rajouri.
Dual-Fuel Usage and Financial Barriers: Despite increased LPG adoption, 85% of households still practice fuel stacking, using both LPG and traditional fuels. This is largely due to the high cost of refilling LPG cylinders. The scheme has not entirely solved financial barriers, which continue to force households to rely on cheaper, polluting fuels.
Awareness and Education Gaps: One of the key challenges to exclusive LPG use is the lack of awareness about its health benefits. Nearly half of the surveyed households were unaware of the risks associated with solid fuel use. This barrier has been compounded by limited access to communication devices, such as televisions and mobile phones, particularly for women who are the primary cooks.
Cultural Attachment to Traditional Cooking Methods: Despite the availability of LPG, traditional cooking methods (e.g., chulhas) continue to persist in the region due to cultural attachment. This presents a challenge in transitioning entirely to clean cooking fuels.
However, the study found that households with educated members and modern appliances like rice cookers were more likely to use LPG exclusively.
Way forward:
Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Launch region-specific awareness programs, particularly for women, highlighting the health benefits of LPG and addressing misconceptions, while utilizing mobile and community outreach for wider reach.
Financial Support for LPG Refills: Introduce subsidies or microfinance schemes to ease the financial burden of LPG refills, encouraging exclusive use of clean fuels and reducing reliance on harmful solid fuels.
Mains PYQ:
Q Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2018)
The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme named PM Vidyalaxmi to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education.
About the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:
Details
Objective
To provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions.
Eligible Students
Students gaining admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), including government and private institutions.
Annual Family Income Criteria
Up to ₹8 lakh for students who do not qualify for other government scholarships or interest subsidies.
Eligibility Based on NIRF Rankings
• Top 100 institutions in overall, category-specific, and domain-specific NIRF lists.
• State government-run institutions ranked 101-200.
• All Central government-governed institutions.
Loan Amounts
• Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee.
• For loans up to ₹10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period.
Target Beneficiaries
Approximately 1 lakh students each year, with preference for students in technical or professional courses from government institutions.
Financial Outlay
₹3,600 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
Expected Impact
Benefit for 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during the scheme’s duration.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits.
Aims to enhance access to higher education for meritorious students, reducing financial barriers.
PYQ:
[2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:
(a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
(c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
(d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation
Central Sector Scheme for the period of 2024 to 2026.
To provide drones to 14,500 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rental agricultural services (applying liquid fertilizers and pesticides)
Total Funding
Rs. 1,261 crore allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Financial Assistance
80% of the cost (up to ₹8 lakh per drone), with remaining 20% to be financed through loans.
Loans available under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with 3% interest subvention; SHGs can also access loans from other Rural Development programs
Training
15 days mandatory training for drone pilots.
Additional training for drone assistants in repairs and maintenance.
Training Providers
Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Implementing Agency
Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) responsible for coordinating with State Departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs.
They will procure drones through a transparent process, with ownership placed with the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs or the SHGs themselves.
Operational Limits
Drones must operate within visual line of sight (vLOS) and below 400 feet (120 meters) AGL.
Expected Outcomes
Each SHG is expected to cover approximately 2,000-2,500 acres annually;
IT-based Management Information System (MIS) – Drone Portal for tracking drone usage, fund disbursement, and monitoring service delivery
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following activities:
Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis.
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar cards cannot be accepted as proof of age, as other official documents like the School Leaving Certificate are more appropriate for this purpose.
What are the legal implications of the SC’s ruling on Aadhaar as proof of date of birth?
The ruling reinforces the legal stance that Aadhaar is primarily intended for identity verification rather than as a document for verifying age or date of birth. This aligns with the previous Supreme Court judgment in 2018, which defined Aadhaar as “proof of identity” rather than proof of age or residence.
By citing the Juvenile Justice Act and previous HC judgments, the SC emphasized that statutory provisions and established legal precedents should guide the determination of age.
This consistency ensures that legal processes are not diluted by using documents like Aadhaar, which lack stringent verification for date of birth.
The ruling adheres to UIDAI’s own circular, which states that Aadhaar is not intended to serve as proof of date of birth. This reduces potential misuse or misinterpretation of the Aadhaar card’s scope and usage.
How will this decision impact individuals and agencies that utilize Aadhaar for identity verification?
Impact on Identity Verification Practices: While Aadhaar remains a valid document for identity verification, organizations and institutions will need to reassess the supporting documents they accept for age-related verification.
For instance, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies may need to request additional documents when the date of birth is a critical factor.
Review of Policies in Government Schemes: Agencies implementing government schemes may need to revise their processes to comply with this ruling, ensuring that alternative documents are requested for verifying age-related eligibility.
Impact on Legal and Compensation Cases: In cases where age is a factor in calculating benefits, legal entities must rely on more reliable documents, such as birth certificates or school records, instead of Aadhaar.
What alternative documents can be used for verifying the DoB following this ruling?
School Leaving Certificate/Matriculation Certificate: This is often considered the most reliable document for verifying the age of an individual, as it is issued based on records from the time of schooling.
Birth Certificate: The birth certificate remains the primary document for establishing a person’s date of birth as it is issued by a government authority at the time of birth.
Passport: As an official government document that undergoes strict verification, the passport can serve as valid proof of age.
Government-issued Certificates (e.g., PAN Card): While not always requested for age verification, documents like the PAN card can also be used in some cases where other primary documents are unavailable.
Driver’s License or Voter ID (if Date of Birth is Mentioned): These documents, where the date of birth is explicitly recorded, could be used as supporting evidence for age verification.
Way forward:
Strengthen Guidelines for Acceptable Age Verification Documents: Government agencies, financial institutions, and service providers should clearly outline which documents are accepted for age verification, prioritizing reliable records like birth certificates and school certificates to ensure consistency and compliance.
Enhance Public Awareness on Aadhaar’s Usage Limitations: The government should initiate campaigns to educate citizens about Aadhaar’s limitations as age proof and encourage the use of appropriate documents for age-related matters, reducing confusion and potential legal disputes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth (UPSC IAS/2014)
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).
About PM-YASASVI Scheme
Details
Launch Year
2021-22
Purpose
To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
Eligibility Criteria
• Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
• Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
• Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes.
Benefits
• Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
• Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
• Hostel facilities for OBC students
• Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities.
Scholarship Amounts
• Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
• Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually
Selection Criteria
• Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
Application Process
• Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Significance
Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits.
Q). Suppose you are an officer in charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she needs documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your inquiries also show that she is destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without the necessary documents would be a violation of the rules. But denying her the support would be cruel. (UPSC CSE 2016)
Prelims: Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (UPSC CSE 2017) (a) Resident Indian citizens only (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments (d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Mentor’s Comment: There is an ongoing discussion about the need for a stronger welfare system because many countries are moving away from neoliberal policies. This has brought back conversations about government support for people in need. The proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) aims to offer pensions to everyone, but it has been criticized for needing major changes to truly help retirees. These potential reforms are important as they relate to larger social support and financial security trends, making the editorial very relevant right now.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Indian pension system has evolved through various schemes, notably the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the New Pension Scheme (NPS), and the proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
There are ongoing discussions about reforming India’s pension framework amidst significant socio-economic changes.
Previous Pension Schemes in India:
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Implemented before 2004, it guaranteed a defined benefit pension based on the last drawn salary.
The government was solely responsible for pension disbursement and provided stability and protection from financial market risks. It allowed employees to plan their retirements with financial security.
Transition to New Pension Scheme (NPS): Introduced in 2004 replacing the OPS, it shifted from a defined-benefit model to a defined-contribution model.
Both employees and the government contribute to a pension fund invested in financial markets. Pension payouts are linked to market performance, exposing retirees to market volatility.
What are the criticisms faced by the NPS?
It represents a neoliberal shift reducing state involvement in welfare. It leaves retirees vulnerable to economic downturns and market fluctuations.
The market-driven model raises worries about the commercialization of public welfare programs. It highlights the weakening of the state’s social responsibility towards its citizens.
A return to Welfarism
• Global Context: The era of neoliberalism is declining, prompting calls for stronger social safety nets. The 2008 financial crisis highlighted the risks of over-reliance on markets. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified demands for government intervention to protect citizens. • Indian Context: India is experiencing a similar push for state-backed welfare provisions. The proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) aims to provide universal pensions while balancing state involvement and market participation.
About the newly proposed – Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
• It was introduced by the government in August 2024, replacing the 21-year-old National Pension System (NPS) with a structure closely resembling the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). • The UPS promises government employees a lifelong monthly pension of 50%oftheirlastdrawn pay.In the event of a government employee’s death, the family is assured a pension equivalent to 60% of the employee’s pension. • A minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month is assured for those who complete at least 10 years of central government service. • The scheme is contributory, requiring employees to contribute 10% of their salary. The government is to contribute 18.5% of the salary.
Criticism faced by the Unified Pension Scheme:
Limited access to the Beneficiaries: UPS promises retirement payouts but offers lower returns than the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which exposes retirees to market risks.
A requirement of 25 years of service for full pension disadvantages the late joiners, and concerns about potential underfunding could lead to pension delays.
Coverage Limitations: Currently, the UPS only covers Union government employees, excluding many public sector workers like teachers.
Need for State Intervention:
Greater state involvement is necessary to protect retirees from market fluctuations.
The UPS should consider safeguards, such as a minimum guaranteed pension similar to the OPS, to enhance its viability as a welfare scheme.
Conclusion: The UPS, if properly restructured, could become an important tool in protecting the financial security of retirees and addressing the shortcomings of the NPS, ensuring that India’s retirees are not left to the mercy of market forces but are supported by a robust welfare system.
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