Why in the News?
The Centre has recently proposed to open conservation of protected monuments to private participation, ending the Archaeological Survey of Indiaās (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 Indiaās 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 PublicāPrivate Partnership (PPP) Model for Conservation?
- Purpose: Supplements ASIās 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 āAdopt a Heritageā Scheme:
- Earlier Model (2017, revised 2023): Focused on tourism amenities cafĆ©s, ticketing, signage through āMonument Mitrasā; 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 (2015ā2025), 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 ā Annual Action Plans ā States ā DBT to farmers.
- Financial Support: ā¹31,500/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: ā¹2,265.86 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 Indiaās 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 ā
- 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 ā 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 Indiaās human-capital base.
Also in News: National Scheme for ITI Upgradation & NCOEs
- Cabinet-approved (May 2025) companion initiative with an outlay of ā¹60,000 crore:
- Central Share: ā¹30,000 cr;ā State: ā¹20,000 cr;ā Industry: ā¹10,000 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 stateās 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 farmersā 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 ā¹24,000 crore annually for six years (FY 2025ā31), benefiting 1.7 crore farmers.
- Expected Outcomes:
- Improved productivity, resilience, and market efficiency.
- Enhanced credit systems and localized agri-infrastructure.
- Contribution toward āViksit Bharat 2047ā 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 worldās largest community-based outreach programme for early childhood care.
- Beneficiaries: Children (0ā6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (under extensions).
- Objectives:
- Improve nutritional and health status of 0ā6 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 2016ā17.
- Aim: Strengthen child nutrition, early childhood care, adolescent girl support, and child protection services.
- Key Feature: Convergence model ā 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 ā¹5,000 in three instalments for wage loss, nutrition, and healthcare.
- Delivered through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
-
National Creche Scheme
- Day-care facilities for children (6 monthsā6 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 ā SABLA)
- Focus on out-of-school girls (11ā14 years).
- Nutrition support: 600 kcal/day, 18ā20 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 & Farmersā 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 & Farmersā Welfare and Rural Development to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030ā31, improve nutrition, and raise farmer incomes.
- Targets: Production to rise from 24.2 MT (2024ā25) to 35 MT (2030ā31); 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: ā¹11,440 crore outlay up to 2030ā31 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 ā¹25 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 2015ā20, 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 CBICās 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.Ā Indiaās merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. Indiaās imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. Indiaās 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 onlyĀ (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 Maharashtraās 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 applicantās 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.
- Womenās 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 āMahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Actā?
(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 ā¹1,765.67 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 ā Pune (grapes), Nagpur (oranges), Solapur (pomegranates).
- Research Hub: National-level laboratory in Pune for original plant species research.
- Financial Aid: ā¹3 crore for large nurseries, ā¹1.5 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 ā 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:Ā Hazard profiling preparations underway.
- Assessments: ICAR, NHB, and ADB conducted lab and nursery visits (2024ā25) 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 Indiaās 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 Indiaās textile sector by creating 7 world-class integrated parks.
- Concept: Designed on the vision āFarm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreignā, each park consolidates the entire textile value chaināspinning, weaving, dyeing, processing, printing, and garment-makingāwithin 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 2026ā27, 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 PublicāPrivate Partnership (PPP) mode.
- Development Capital Support (DCS): Up to ā¹500 crore per park provided by the Centre to SPVs.
- Competitive Incentive Support (CIS): Up to ā¹300 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 ā¹70,000 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 womenās, childrenās, 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 āPradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyanā, 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: ā¹10,000/month assured after 10 years of service.
- Family Pension: 60% of pension last drawn, payable to spouse on retireeās 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 |
ā¹10,000 after 10 yearsā 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 2021ā22 to FY 2028ā29) with a total outlay of ā¹6,238 crore.
- Incentives: Provides 4ā6% incentive on incremental turnover (over base year 2019ā20) 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 ā¹10,406 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 Indiaās āProduction-linked Incentiveā 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 āGyan Bharatamā, a landmark national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and disseminating Indiaās manuscript heritage.
About Gyan Bharatam Mission:
- Launch: A national initiative by the Ministry of Culture to preserve, digitise, and disseminate Indiaās manuscript heritage.
- Scheme Type: Approved as a Central Sector Scheme (2024ā31) with an outlay of ā¹482.85 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 PMās 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 UNESCOās Memory of the World Register?
Options: (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka (b) Mahabharata (c) Ramayana (d) Rig Veda* |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet approved a ā¹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to promote recycling of critical minerals from secondary sources such as e-waste and battery scrap.
About Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme:
- Launch: Approved under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
- Outlay: ā¹1,500 crore over 6 years (FY 2025ā26 to FY 2030ā31).
- Objective: Build domestic recycling capacity for critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, rare earths) from secondary sources.
- Rationale: Provides a near-term solution to supply chain challenges as mining projects require long lead times.
- Targets:
- 270 kilotonnes annual recycling capacity.
- 40 kilotonnes minerals yield per year.
- ā¹8,000 crore investment mobilised.
- ~70,000 jobs created.
Key Features:
- Beneficiaries: Large recyclers, small/new recyclers, start-ups; one-third funds reserved for small/new entrants.
- Feedstock Sources: E-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, catalytic converters, other industrial scrap.
- Coverage: Support for new units, as well as expansion, modernisation, and diversification of existing plants.
- Capex Subsidy: 20% subsidy on plant & machinery for timely commissioning; reduced rates for delays.
- Opex Subsidy: Tied to incremental sales over FY 2025ā26 base year.
- 40% subsidy released in FY 2026ā27.
- 60% subsidy released in FY 2030ā31.
- Incentive Caps:
- Large entities: ā¹50 crore cap (ā¹10 crore max for opex).
- Small entities: ā¹25 crore cap (ā¹5 crore max for opex).
- Eligibility Restriction: Only for firms engaged in actual mineral extraction, not just intermediate āblack massā processing.
| [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:
I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only* (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
On the 20th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, concerns were raised over chronic underfunding of the scheme during the past decade.
About MGNREGS:
- 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 Maharashtraās 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 applicantās 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.
- Womenās 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 2006] Consider the following statements in respect of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005:
1. The Act provides 100 days of employment to households as a fundamental right.
2. Women are given priority such that half of the employment seekers are women.
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 Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently organized a national workshop on the e-SAKSHI web portal and mobile app for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
About MPLADS:
- Overview: A Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, to empower MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on durable community assets addressing local needs.
- Administration: Initially under the Ministry of Rural Development; Since 1994, managed by MoSPI.
- Implementation:
- State-level nodal department supervises implementation.
- District authorities sanction projects, release funds, and ensure execution.
- Funding:
- Each MP gets ā¹5 crore per year (since 2011ā12).
- Disbursed by MoSPI in two instalments of ā¹2.5 crore each to district authorities.
- Funds are non-lapsable i.e. carried forward if unutilized.
- Targeted Allocation: Minimum 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs.
- Special Provisions:
- Up to ā¹25 lakh annually can be spent outside constituency/state for national unity projects.
- Up to ā¹1 crore can be allocated nationwide during severe natural calamities.
- Eligible Projects:
- Durable community assets (e.g., libraries, community halls, ambulances, sports infrastructure, sanitation).
- MPLADS funds can be converged with MGNREGS or integrated with Khelo India for asset creation.
- Support allowed on lands of registered societies/trusts (3+ years old) engaged in welfare work.
- Prohibited for societies/trusts where the MP/family are office-bearers.
- Transparency Measures:
- Plaque with MPās name and project details must be installed at project sites.
- Project details listed in district offices, MPLADS website, and accessible via RTI.
- Monitoring & Audit:
- District authorities inspect at least 10% of projects annually.
- Funds audited by statutory auditors.
- Regular review meetings at state and central levels.
- e-SAKSHI platform: Enables MPs to digitally recommend, monitor, and track MPLADS projects, improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in fund utilization.
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
2. A specified portion of each MPās āfund must benefit SC/ST populations.
3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only* |
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Why in the News?
The Supreme Court intervened after Tamil Nadu faced ā¹3,000+ crore reimbursements to private schools for economically disadvantaged studentsā admissions, as the Centre declined to share costs under Samagra Shiksha.
About Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:
- Launch & Integration: Started in 2018 (by then Ministry of HRD), integrating Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) into one holistic programme.
- Benchmark Feature: Treats schooling as a continuous system from pre-primary to Class XII (ages 4ā18), removing silos.
- Funding Pattern: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with CentreāState sharing (60:40, 90:10 for NE/hilly states), implemented via a single State Implementation Society (SIS).
- Policy Alignment: Aligned with NEP 2020 and UN SDG-4 (quality education).
- Coverage: 1.16 million schools, 156+ million students, 5.7 million teachers across government & aided institutions.
- Upgraded Phase: Samagra Shiksha 2.0 (2021ā26) with focus on digital education, vocational training, FLN, and inclusion.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Unified Structure: One umbrella for pre-primary to Class XII, ensuring coherent planning.
- Teachers & Technology:
- Continuous teacher training via SCERTs, DIETs, NISHTHA, SWAYAM.
- Digital initiatives: DIKSHA, Operation Digital Board, ICT labs, smart classrooms, AI-based learning tools.
- Foundational Literacy & Numeracy: NIPUN Bharat Mission (ages 3ā9) for universal reading & numeracy.
- Vocational & Skill Education: Subjects like coding, robotics, financial literacy, AI with 1000+ training centres (from Class VI).
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Uniforms, textbooks, transport allowance directly credited via IT platforms.
- Holistic Development: Integration of sports, physical education, self-defence, soft skills under Khelo India.
- Funding Scale: Allocation crossed ā¹41,000 crore (2025); nationwide coverage till March 2026 under Samagra Shiksha 2.0.
| [UPSC 2017] What is the aim of the programme āUnnat Bharat Abhiyanā?
Options: (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and governmentās education system and local communities.
(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. *
(c) Strengthening Indiaās scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological Power.
(d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health-care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them. |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.
About PM SVANidhi Scheme:
- Launch: June 1, 2020, as Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- Purpose: To provide affordable credit to street vendors hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and help them restart/expand their businesses.
- Target Group: Urban street vendors in statutory towns and peri-urban/rural areas.
- Extension: Restructured and extended up to March 31, 2030.
- Beneficiaries: 1.15 crore vendors, including 50 lakh new ones.
Key Features:
- Collateral-free Loans (incremental):
- 1st tranche: ā¹15,000 (earlier ā¹10,000).
- 2nd tranche: ā¹25,000 (earlier ā¹20,000).
- 3rd tranche: ā¹50,000.
- Digital Empowerment:
- Timely 2nd loan repayment ā eligibility for UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card (for emergent business/personal needs).
- Digital cashback incentives up to ā¹1,600 on retail & wholesale transactions.
- Capacity Building:
- Training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, and marketing.
- Food safety & hygiene training for street food vendors (with FSSAI partnership).
- Implementation:
- Jointly by MoHUA & Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- DFS facilitates loans & credit cards through banks/financial institutions.
- Wider Goals:
- Promote financial inclusion & digital adoption.
- Enable vendorsā business expansion & sustainable growth.
- Contribute to inclusive urban economic development.
| [UPSC 2011] Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-income groups. This includes both the consumers and the self-employed. The service/services rendered under microfinance is/are:
1. Credit facilities 2. Savings facilities 3. Insurance facilities 4. Fund Transfer facilities
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the news?
The Government informed Parliament that 23% of the 56.04 crore PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts are inoperative.
About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
- Launch: Introduced in 2014 as the worldās largest financial inclusion mission.
- Objective: To provide banking to the unbanked, insurance to the unsecured, and credit to the unfunded.
- Accounts: Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts with zero balance, minimal paperwork, and e-KYC facility.
- Benefits: RuPay debit card with accident insurance, overdraft, micro-insurance, and pension coverage.
Key Features:
- Access: Universal banking through branches and Business Correspondents.
- Overdraft: Up to ā¹10,000 for eligible account holders.
- Insurance: Accident cover of ā¹1 lakh (ā¹2 lakh for new accounts post-2018); life cover of ā¹30,000 for accounts opened between August 2014āJanuary 2015.
- Interoperability: Enabled via RuPay cards and Aadhaar-linked platforms.
- Post-2018 Expansion: Coverage extended to all unbanked adults, overdraft limit enhanced, and eligibility age increased from 60 to 65 years.
- Direct Benefit Transfers: Strengthened subsidy delivery through the JAM Trinity (Jan DhanāAadhaarāMobile).
Do you know?
As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines (2009), an account is considered dormant if no transaction occurs for over two years. |
| [UPSC 2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for
Options:
(a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
(b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas
(c) promoting financial inclusion in the country*
(d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities |
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