Why in the News?
The Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage.
About Gyan Bharatam Mission:
- Launch: A national initiative by the Ministry of Culture to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
- Scheme Type: Approved as a Central Sector Scheme (2024–31) with an outlay of ₹482.85 crore.
- Background: Builds on the National Mission for Manuscripts (2003), which documented 44.07 lakh manuscripts in the Kriti Sampada repository.
- Vision: Integrates tradition with modern technology (AI, cloud systems, digital archives) to safeguard manuscripts as living knowledge resources.
- Philosophy: Linked to PM’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, positioning India as Vishwa Guru by combining heritage with innovation.
Key Features:
- Identification & Documentation: Establishment of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) for systematic registration across India.
- Conservation & Restoration: Strengthening Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) for preventive and curative preservation using scientific techniques.
- Digitisation & Repository: Large-scale digitisation with AI-based Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), microfilming, and creation of a National Digital Repository accessible worldwide.
- Youth & Public Engagement: Programs like Gyan-Setu AI Innovation Challenge to involve youth, start-ups, and researchers in heritage innovation.
| [UPSC 2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register?
Options: (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka (b) Mahabharata (c) Ramayana (d) Rig Veda* |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 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: ₹1,500 crore over 6 years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31).
- 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.
- ₹8,000 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 2025–26 base year.
- 40% subsidy released in FY 2026–27.
- 60% subsidy released in FY 2030–31.
- Incentive Caps:
- Large entities: ₹50 crore cap (₹10 crore max for opex).
- Small entities: ₹25 crore cap (₹5 crore max for opex).
- Eligibility Restriction: Only for firms engaged in actual mineral extraction, not just intermediate “black mass” 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 Maharashtra’s pilot, Employment Guarantee Scheme (MEGS), in 1965 under the Vasantrao Naik government.
- At the national level, the idea was first proposed in 1991 by then PM P. V. Narasimha Rao and later enacted in 2005.
- Employment Guarantee: It provides 100 days of wage employment per year to any adult willing to do unskilled manual labour in rural India.
- Legal Obligation: It is the first law in India that imposes a legal duty on the government to provide employment and compensate for non-compliance.
- Development Goal: The scheme aims to promote livelihood security, inclusive growth, and rural development.
Key Features:
- Statutory Right: Employment under MGNREGS is a legal entitlement, not just a welfare scheme.
- Eligibility: Any rural adult aged 18 or above can apply and must be offered work within 15 days.
- Proximity and Wages: Work must be provided within 5 km of the applicant’s residence with minimum wage, and delays attract compensation.
- Unemployment Allowance: If work is not provided on time, the state must pay an allowance.
- Demand-Driven Model: The scheme is worker-initiated, requiring the government to respond to demand.
- Transparency and Audits: Regular social audits and online updates ensure accountability in job cards, muster rolls, and fund use.
- Local Implementation: It is decentralised, led by Gram Panchayats, with support from block and state officials, and centrally funded.
- Women’s Inclusion: At least one-third of beneficiaries must be women, enhancing gender equity.
- Sustainable Assets: Projects focus on durable rural infrastructure like ponds, roads, canals, and plantations.
| [UPSC 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 ₹5 crore per year (since 2011–12).
- Disbursed by MoSPI in two instalments of ₹2.5 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 ₹25 lakh annually can be spent outside constituency/state for national unity projects.
- Up to ₹1 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 MP’s 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 MP’s ‘fund 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 ₹3,000+ crore reimbursements to private schools for economically disadvantaged students’ 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 4–18), removing silos.
- Funding Pattern: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with Centre–State 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 (2021–26) 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 3–9) 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 ₹41,000 crore (2025); nationwide coverage till March 2026 under Samagra Shiksha 2.0.
| [UPSC 2017] What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?
Options: (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.
(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. *
(c) Strengthening India’s 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: ₹15,000 (earlier ₹10,000).
- 2nd tranche: ₹25,000 (earlier ₹20,000).
- 3rd tranche: ₹50,000.
- Digital Empowerment:
- Timely 2nd loan repayment → eligibility for UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card (for emergent business/personal needs).
- Digital cashback incentives up to ₹1,600 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 vendors’ 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 world’s 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 ₹10,000 for eligible account holders.
- Insurance: Accident cover of ₹1 lakh (₹2 lakh for new accounts post-2018); life cover of ₹30,000 for accounts opened between August 2014–January 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 Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile).
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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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme for implementation in 275 technical institutions across India.
About MERITE Scheme:
- Objective: Enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligned with National Education Policy 2020.
- Funding: Central Sector Scheme with ₹4,200 crore outlay (2025–26 to 2029–30), including ₹2,100 crore as World Bank loan.
- Beneficiaries: About 7.5 lakh students; aims to boost institutional capacity in technical education.
- Collaborations: Works with Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Board of Accreditation for implementation support.
Key Features:
- Institutional Coverage: Includes National Institutes of Technology, State Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, and Affiliating Technical Universities.
- Fund Transfer: Direct funding from a Central Nodal Agency to institutions.
- Academic Focus: Multidisciplinary programs, updated curriculum, faculty training.
- Gender Inclusion: Special programs for women faculty and reducing gender disparity.
- Skill Alignment: Launch of labour market-oriented courses and blended learning models.
| [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 Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division at Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme.
About the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme:
- Objective: Acts as a bridge between traditional Gurukul learning and modern research, enabling the mainstreaming of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education.
- Target Group: Students trained under Gurus or in Gurukul systems for a minimum of 5 years.
- Focus: Encourages postgraduate and doctoral research across disciplines rooted in IKS.
- Institutions Involved: Provides access to mentorship and research facilities at top institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Key Features:
- Financial Support:
- Postgraduate Scholars: Up to ₹1 lakh.
- PhD Candidates: Up to ₹2 lakh.
- Monthly Scholarships: Starting from ₹40,000.
- Eligibility:
- Age limit: Below 32 years.
- Minimum 5 years of Gurukul-based learning.
- No formal degree required—classical knowledge proficiency is the key criterion.
- Scope of Research:
- Supports 18 disciplines rooted in IKS, including:
- Vedic philosophy, Jyotisha, Ayurveda, Rasa Shastra
- Vastu Shastra, Dandaniti (political science), Indian arts and education
- Traditional law, linguistics, agriculture, and astronomy
- Broader Impact:
- Fosters integration of ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
- Recognizes and rewards excellence in traditional systems of knowledge.
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Why in the News?
PM recently stated that 77 stations in Tamil Nadu are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), positioning the state as a hub for railway transformation.
About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):
- Launch: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.
- Goal: Modernise and develop railway stations through phased, long-term upgrades.
- Master Plans: Each station gets a tailored roadmap for future improvements.
- Focus Areas: Multimodal integration, seamless passenger movement, and upgraded amenities.
- National Significance: Integral to India’s infrastructure push under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Key Features of ABSS:
- Passenger Comfort: Larger waiting halls, clean toilets, executive lounges, lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, and business-meeting zones.
- Accessibility & Connectivity: Expanded circulating areas, barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, and smooth links to other transport modes.
- Aesthetic Upgrades: Modern façades, clear signage, landscaping, and consistently clean premises.
- Technology & Information: Digital displays, real-time train info, and self-service e-ticketing kiosks.
- Sustainability: Energy-efficient systems, green-building elements, and water-conservation measures.
- Customised Development: Station facilities scaled to local footfall and needs—no one-size-fits-all approach.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
Which of the statements given above are not correct?
(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?
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched the ‘Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana’, aimed at improving legal aid for defence personnel and their families.
Back2Basics: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
- Established under: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (in force from 1995)
- Mandate: Ensure free, competent legal aid to the socially and economically disadvantaged
- Leadership:
- Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of India
- Executive Chairman: Senior Supreme Court Judge
- Core Functions:
-
- Legal literacy campaigns
- Lok Adalats for amicable dispute resolution
- Legal aid in civil and criminal matters
- Outreach in rural and vulnerable communities
|
About Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana:
- Launched by: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- Objective: Provide legal assistance to defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families.
-
- Legal Clinics: Set up at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendra Sainik Boards
- Welfare–Legal Integration: Sainik Boards become legal service hubs
- Paralegal Volunteers: Defence families encouraged to participate, enhancing local legal access
- Legal Assistance includes:
-
- Land and property disputes
- Matrimonial and family matters
- Service-related entitlements
- Utility/civil grievances (e.g., billing disputes)
- Support for personnel in remote/conflict zones
Free Legal Aid in India:
-
- Article 21 (FR): Access to justice as part of the right to life
- Article 39A (DPSP): Legal aid and equal justice, added via 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
-
- Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Four-tier system—National, State, District, Taluka
- Section 341, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Legal aid for indigent accused persons
-
- Women and children
- Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
- Persons with disabilities
- Industrial workmen
- Victims of disasters (natural or human-made)
- Persons in custody or shelter homes
- Economically weak (annual income:
- Below ₹1 lakh generally
- Below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases)
| [UPSC 2020] In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?
1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs 1,00,000
2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs 2,00,000
3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000
4. All Senior Citizens
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme has been officially launched as the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), effective from 1st August 2025.
About PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY):
- Objective: Promote formal employment and inclusive job creation.
- Outlay: ₹99,446 crore (Aug 2025 – July 2027).
- Aim: 3.5 crore new jobs, including 1.92 crore first-time entrants into the workforce.
- Focus: Expanding EPFO coverage and supporting Viksit Bharat vision.
- Sectoral Coverage: Open to all sectors, with special focus on manufacturing for long-term growth.
Key Features:
- Incentives for Employees
-
- Eligible: First-time EPFO-registered workers earning ≤ ₹1 lakh/month.
- Benefit: 1-month EPF wage (max ₹15,000) in two parts — after 6 and 12 months.
- Condition: Completion of a financial literacy programme; Part of the amount is locked in a savings scheme.
- Incentives for Employers
-
- Applies to: New hires with salary ≤ ₹1 lakh/month.
- Minimum hires: 2 (if firm <50 employees), 5 (if ≥50).
- Incentive per employee/month:
-
- ₹1,000 (wages ≤ ₹10,000)
- ₹2,000 (₹10,001–₹20,000)
- ₹3,000 (₹20,001–₹1 lakh)
- Manufacturing sector: Extended benefits for 3rd & 4th years.
- Payment Mechanism
- To employees: Direct Benefit Transfer via Aadhaar-based system.
- To employers: Paid to PAN-linked bank accounts.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary
3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years
4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters
Options: (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 2 only (d) 1,2 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the PRATIBHA Setu initiative to channel the potential of civil service aspirants who reach the interview stage but do not make the final merit list.
About PRATIBHA Setu:
- Meaning: Stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
- Purpose: Connects candidates who cleared the interview stage of Union Public Service Commission exams but didn’t make the final merit list with verified employers.
- Launch: Rolled out during CSE Examination 2023 results; evolved from the Public Disclosure Scheme (2018).
- Objective: Utilizes the Union Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process to support alternate career pathways for high-performing aspirants.
- Talent Pool:
- Scale: Over 10,000 high-performing candidates available for recruitment.
- Merit-Based: Offers employers access to a pre-tested, well-evaluated talent group.
Key Features:
- Eligibility:
-
- Included: Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Medical Services, etc.
- Excluded: National Defence Academy, Naval Academy, and certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations.
- Access for Recruiters: Organizations register using Corporate Identification Number through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
-
- Platform Tools:
-
- Functions: Dashboard for shortlisting, wish-listing, and making selections or rejections.
- Data Access: Employers can view candidates’ educational profiles and contact details in digital format.
Impact:
- Candidate Benefit: Opens alternate career paths for deserving UPSC aspirants.
- Employer Advantage: Enables transparent and efficient hiring from India’s top talent.
- Wider Utility: Extends the relevance of the UPSC selection process beyond final appointments.
| [UPSC 2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?
Options: (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy* |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving rural livelihoods.
About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)
- Objective: Aims to transform agriculture in 100 low-performing districts by addressing productivity gaps.
- Inspiration: Modelled on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme; first scheme focused solely on agriculture and allied sectors.
- Launch: Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 and approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
- Approach: Driven by convergence of schemes, collaboration across stakeholders, and healthy competition among districts.
Key Features:
- Scheme Integration: Merges 36 schemes from 11 ministries into one unified framework.
- Budget & Duration: ₹24,000 crore annual outlay for six years (starting 2025–26).
- District Selection:
- 100 districts with low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit access
- At least one district from each state/UT
- Focus Areas:
- Boosting productivity
- Promoting crop diversification and sustainability
- Improving irrigation and water efficiency
- Expanding post-harvest storage
- Enhancing credit access
- Performance Monitoring: Monthly ranking on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) via centralized dashboard.
- Support Mechanism: NITI Aayog to provide capacity-building and reviews.
- Expert Note: Credit-based selection criteria may require refinement.
Implementation:
- District Planning: Each district to prepare an Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
- Plan Approval: Handled by District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the Collector and including progressive farmers.
- National Alignment:
- Agricultural self-sufficiency
- Soil and water conservation
- Promotion of organic/natural farming
- Governance: Committees at district, state, and national levels to guide execution.
- Monitoring: Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) to conduct field visits and track progress.
- Technical Support: Agricultural universities to serve as knowledge partners.
- Expected Outcomes: Boost farm income, create local livelihoods, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat through enhanced agri-productivity.
| [UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini truck
3. Consumption requirements of farm households
4. Post-harvest expenses
5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(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 Union Ministry of Power has launched a new national scheme — Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE).
About ADEETIE Scheme:
- Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Power through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
- Objective: It aims to promote energy efficiency in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to cut energy consumption, reduce emissions, and enhance competitiveness.
- Background: It builds upon successful state-level pilots, such as decarbonisation projects in Andhra Pradesh’s MSME clusters.
- Climate Alignment: It supports India’s climate goals, including 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2070.
- Budget Allocation: The scheme has a dedicated budget of ₹1,000 crore, with a focus on MSMEs, EXCLUDING large enterprises.
Key Features of ADEETIE Scheme:
- Interest Subsidy Support: MSMEs adopting energy-efficient tech will receive interest subsidies on loans:
- 5% for small enterprises
- 3% for medium enterprises
- Digital Portal Utility: The platform acts as a one-stop portal for financing, project development, and knowledge sharing on energy-efficient solutions.
- Supported Technologies: It promotes adoption of cutting-edge clean technologies, including:
- Automation and digital control systems
- Combustion control systems for boilers
- Methane capture technology
- Air-dyeing in textiles
- Collaboration: It fosters industry partnerships through MoUs with major MSME associations.
- Legal Backing: It aligns with the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which enables carbon markets and mandates clean energy usage.
| [UPSC 2016] On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?
1. Ceiling fans
2. Electric geysers
3. Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.
About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:
- Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
- Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
- Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
- Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
- Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
- Corridor Coverage:
-
- Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab) — fully operational.
- Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP) — 93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
- Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
- Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.
Key Features of the DFC:
- Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
- Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
- Cargo Type by Corridor:
-
- Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
- Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
- Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
- Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
- Future Expansion Plans:
-
- East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
- East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
- North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
- Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
| [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?
Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam |
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Why in the News?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage engineering students as digital ambassadors for promoting telecom literacy, digital safety, and citizen engagement.
What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme?
- Launching Body: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
- Primary Aim: To engage student volunteers as “Sanchar Mitras” or digital ambassadors to spread awareness about telecom-related issues.
- Purpose:
- Bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.
- Promote safe and informed use of telecom services.
- Encourage public participation in India’s digital transformation.
- Implementation Status:
- Piloted in select institutions.
- Now being scaled up for nationwide rollout.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Target Audience: It primarily targets students from engineering and technical backgrounds such as telecommunications, computer science, electronics, and cybersecurity.
- Selection of Volunteers: Students will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras in consultation with DoT field units and educational institutions.
- Training Modules: Volunteers will be trained to conduct grassroots campaigns on cyber fraud prevention, EMF radiation concerns, and responsible digital behavior.
- Training Institutions: Training will be delivered by the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and the Media Wing of the DoT.
- Core Pillars: The scheme is structured around three key pillars: Connect, Educate, and Innovate.
- Tech Awareness Promotion: Sanchar Mitras will promote awareness on emerging telecom technologies like 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
- Community Outreach: Students will engage with communities, NGOs, and schools to foster a culture of informed digital citizenship.
- Strategic Alignment: It aligns with India’s strength in the “Four Ds”: Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery.
| [UPSC 2010] Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?
Options: (a) EDGE (b) LTE (c) DSL* (d) Both EDGE and LTE |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched E-Truck Incentive Scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative.
What is E-Truck Incentive Scheme?
- Overview: It is a dedicated scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks under the broader PM E-DRIVE initiative.
- First-of-its-Kind Support: This is the first direct government support specifically for electric trucks to promote clean, efficient, and sustainable freight mobility.
- Target Vehicle Categories: It targets N2 and N3 category trucks, as per Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR):
- N2: GVW above 3.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes
- N3: GVW above 12 tonnes up to 55 tonnes
- Incentive for Articulated Vehicles: For articulated vehicles, the incentive applies only to the puller tractor of the N3 category, not the trailer.
- Warranty Requirements:
- Battery: 5 years or 5 lakh km, whichever comes first
- Motor & Vehicle: 5 years or 2.5 lakh km
- Incentive Details:
- Based on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
- Maximum support capped at ₹9.6 lakh per e-truck
- Incentives are given as upfront discounts, reimbursed to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through the PM E-DRIVE portal
- Deployment Goal: It aims to support the deployment of 5,600 electric trucks across India.
- 1,100 trucks reserved for Delhi, with ₹100 crore allocated due to high pollution levels
- Mandatory Scrappage Clause: To qualify, applicants must scrap an old diesel truck via scrappage centres approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Sectoral Impact: It is expected to benefit sectors like steel, ports, cement, and logistics by reducing fuel costs and improving air quality.
About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
- Overview: It stands for Prime Minister’s Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement, launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in September 2024.
- Long-Term Goal: To to foster an EV ecosystem, reduce carbon emissions, and help India achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- Budget Allocation: It has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore for two years, aimed at accelerating India’s electric mobility transition.
- Scope and Coverage: It supports multiple vehicle categories: Two-wheelers; Three-wheelers; Electric trucks; Electric buses and Electric ambulances.
- Demand Incentive: It provides direct demand incentives to buyers through OEMs, lowering the upfront cost of EVs.
- Category-wise Allocation:
- ₹3,679 crore: For two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, and trucks
- ₹500 crore: Specifically for electric ambulance procurement
- ₹4,391 crore: To procure 14,028 electric buses in 9 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad)
- Charging Infrastructure: ₹2,000 crore allocated to build 72,300 public charging stations nationwide, including:
- Fast chargers for four-wheelers, buses, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers
- Digital E-Voucher System:
- Incentives claimed through Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers
- Signed digitally by both buyer and dealer for transparency
- Vehicle Scrappage Mandate: Scrapping of old vehicles is mandatory to claim certain incentives, especially for electric trucks, promoting fleet modernization.
|
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following types of vehicles:
I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles
How many of the above are considered as alternative (powertrain) vehicles?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The Union Coal and Mines Minister launched operational guidelines for the Aspirational DMF Programme to align DMF initiatives with the goals of the Aspirational District and Block Programmes.
Back2Basics: District Mineral Foundation (DMF)
- Establishment: DMF is a non-profit trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
- Main Objective: Its primary purpose is to work in the interest of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations, as determined by the respective state governments.
- Funding Source: It is funded through contributions made by holders of mining leases for major and minor minerals, with the exact amount prescribed by central or state government rules.
- Governance: The operation, governance, and functioning of the DMF fall under the jurisdiction of the state government, which defines its composition and implementation mechanisms.
- Decentralized Utilization: DMF funds are collected and utilized at the district level, enabling decentralized and locally relevant developmental interventions.
|
What is the Aspirational DMF Programme?
- Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Coal and Mines to align DMF planning and implementation with national development priorities.
- Convergence with National Programs: It seeks to converge DMF activities with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) for maximum social impact.
- Operational Framework: It ensures that DMF funds are used to improve socio-economic indicators in the most underserved districts and blocks.
- Collaboration: The programme encourages collaboration among central, state, and local authorities, improving the effectiveness and accountability of DMF investments.
Back2Basics: Aspirational District/Block Programme
Aspirational District Programme (ADP):
- Launch: It was launched in January 2018 by the Government of India to uplift 117 underdeveloped districts across the country.
- Key Principles: It is based on the principles of Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition, aiming to transform districts through coordinated efforts.
- Positive Labeling: The word “Aspirational” was deliberately chosen to avoid labels like “backward” and to promote positive transformation and development-oriented thinking.
- Selection Criteria: Districts were selected by NITI Aayog using a composite index based on 49 indicators across 5 sectors:
- Health and Nutrition (30%)
- Education (30%)
- Agriculture and Water Resources (20%)
- Financial Inclusion and Skill Development (10%)
- Basic Infrastructure (10%)
- Real-Time Tracking: The ADP focuses on real-time data tracking, public disclosure of rankings, and building administrative capacity at the district level.
- People’s Movement: The programme has become a Jan Andolan (people’s movement), actively involving citizens, NGOs, and local administration.
Aspirational Block Programme (ABP):
- Overview: It was introduced in the Union Budget 2022–23 as an extension of the ADP to the block level.
- Rural Focus: It is aimed at ensuring that development reaches deep into rural areas, particularly those not fully covered under ADP.
- Coverage: Initially, the programme covers 500 blocks across 31 states and Union Territories, with room for states to expand the list.
- Geographical Concentration: A significant number of these blocks are concentrated in six states:
- Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks)
- Bihar (61 blocks)
- Madhya Pradesh (42 blocks)
- Jharkhand (34 blocks)
- Odisha (29 blocks)
- West Bengal (29 blocks)
- Focus Areas: It focuses on improving indicators similar to ADP, with emphasis on health, education, livelihoods, and basic infrastructure.
- Collaborative Governance: Like ADP, it promotes convergence of schemes, competitive spirit among blocks, and collaborative governance at all levels.
|
| [UPSC 2012] Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of ‘Inclusive Governance’?
1. Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking 2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts 3. Increasing the government spending on public health 4. Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
Close to 600 tribal students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have cleared IIT-JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET.
What are Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)?
- Overview: EMRS are a central government initiative launched in 1997–98 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
- Core Objective: To ensure access to free, holistic education for ST children from Class VI to XII, particularly in remote and tribal-dominated areas.
- Bridging the Gap: These schools are intended to bring ST students at par with the general population by offering academic, cultural, and skill-based education.
- Implementing Agency: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been tasked with implementing and managing EMRS across the country.
- Expansion Target: EMRS are being established in every block with more than 50 percent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal residents, with a target of setting up 728 schools by 2026.
- Staff Recruitment: Recruitment for teaching and non-teaching positions in EMRS is centralized under NESTS, which aims to fill over 38,000 posts to strengthen institutional capacity.
Key Features of EMRS:
- Residential Setup: EMRS schools are fully residential and co-educational, catering to students from Class VI to Class XII with free education, boarding, and lodging.
- Student Capacity: Each EMRS school can accommodate 480 students, with equal representation of boys and girls.
- CBSE Affiliation: The schools follow the CBSE curriculum to maintain consistency with national education standards and facilitate competitive academic performance.
- Infrastructure: Infrastructure includes classrooms, science and computer laboratories, libraries, hostels for boys and girls, staff quarters, and sports facilities.
- Cultural Preservation: EMRS institutions are designed not only for academic excellence but also to preserve and promote tribal culture, local art, and languages.
- Skill and Sports Focus: Special emphasis is placed on skill development and sports training, with 20% seats reserved under the sports quota for deserving ST students.
- Inclusive Policy: Up to 10% of total seats in each school can be allotted to non-ST students, enhancing diversity while maintaining tribal focus.
- Free Services: Education, food, accommodation, and all related services are provided free of cost to ensure no economic barrier for tribal children.
Also in news: TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) Initiative:
- NESTS and UNICEF India have launched the TALASH Initiative, focusing on the holistic development of tribal students in EMRSs.
- It promotes self-awareness, emotional resilience, life skills, and career clarity, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.
- It includes psychometric tests (inspired by NCERT’s Tamanna), career cards, life skills modules, and e-learning for teachers.
- Over 1.38 lakh students across 28 States and 8 UTs will benefit, with full EMRS coverage targeted by 2025.
|
| [UPSC 2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?
1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5* |
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