Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to promote job creation, enhance employability, and expand social security—especially in the manufacturing sector.
About Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme:
- Objective: It aims to promote employment generation, enhance employability, and expand social security across all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector.
- Inception: The scheme was first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25 as part of the Prime Minister’s ₹2 lakh crore Employment and Skilling Package, which targets 4.1 crore youth.
- Goal: It seeks to create more than 3.5 crore jobs between 1st August 2025 and 31st July 2027.
Key Features of the ELI Scheme:
- It offers direct financial incentives to both first-time employees and employers to promote formalisation and sustained employment. It has 2 major components:
- Part A – Incentives to First-Time Employees:
- One-month EPF wage (up to ₹15,000) in two instalments.
- First instalment after 6 months of continuous service.
- Second instalment after 12 months and completion of a financial literacy programme.
- Eligibility for employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month.
- Portion of incentive saved in a deposit instrument.
- Benefits to approximately 1.92 crore new employees.
- Part B – Support to Employers:
- Incentives for employers hiring additional employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh/month.
- Amount ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per employee per month, based on wage slabs.
- Employment must be sustained for at least 6 months.
- Manufacturing sector gets incentives for 4 years instead of 2.
- Employers must hire:
- At least 2 additional employees (if workforce < 50).
- At least 5 additional employees (if workforce ≥ 50).
- Payment Mechanism:
- Employees: via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).
- Employers: via PAN-linked 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 Ministry of Agriculture has approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
Back2Basics:
Moong (Green Gram):
- Moong is a high-protein pulse grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also in summer (March–April) and limited Rabi areas.
- It thrives in well-drained loamy to sandy-loam soils with a temperatures of 25–35°C.
- Fits well into crop rotations like Moong–Wheat or Summer Moong–Kharif Moong–Raya due to its short duration (60–75 days).
- Major producers are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and UP.
Urad (Black Gram):
- Urad is grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also as a Rabi crop in southern India, needing a warm, humid climate.
- Prefers well-drained loamy soils, unsuitable for waterlogged or saline areas; ideal temperature is 25–35°C.
- Often sown in rotations with cereals like rice or wheat and widely used in intercropping/mixed cropping systems.
- Key producing states include UP, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
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About Price Support Scheme (PSS):
- Overview: PSS is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), launched in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
- Objective: It ensures procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds, pulses, and cotton when market prices fall below MSP.
- Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation through:
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) (Central nodal agency)
- Food Corporation of India (FCI) (in specific cases)
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- MSPs are announced before each cropping season based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
- If the market price falls below MSP, central and state nodal agencies procure the produce directly from farmers.
- Only crops meeting the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards are procured.
- Procurement continues until market prices stabilise at or above MSP.
-
- All farmers cultivating notified crops are eligible to benefit under PSS.
- They must sell their produce at designated procurement centres, such as APMCs.
- Government employees are typically excluded from the scheme’s benefits.
What is the PM-AASHA Scheme?
- Launch: PM-AASHA, launched in September 2018, is an umbrella scheme by the Government of India designed to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce, specifically for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
- Goal: It complements the government’s policy of setting MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production.
- Components: The scheme aims to translate increased MSPs into actual income gains through three implementation pathways:
-
- Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement at MSP by central agencies like NAFED.
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Farmers receive the difference between MSP and actual selling price directly into their bank accounts; no physical procurement.
- Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS): Pilot scheme allowing private players to procure at MSP to supplement government efforts.
- Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with procurement agencies operating at both central and state levels.
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| [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. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) asked states to add QR codes to Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) rural road boards to boost public monitoring and streamline upkeep via the eMARG platform.
About PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):
- Launch: It was launched on December 25, 2000, by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a Central Sector Scheme to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
- Objective: The scheme helps bridge the rural-urban divide and improves access to markets, healthcare, education, and public services.
- Implementation: It is now a centrally sponsored scheme led by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and supported by state governments.
- Monitoring: Progress is tracked using e-MARG, a digital platform for monitoring road construction and maintenance.
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- Phase I (2000): Focus on connecting unconnected habitations.
- Phase II (2013): Upgrading roads built in Phase I to enhance rural infrastructure.
- Phase III (2019–2025): Consolidation of 1.25 lakh km of rural roads connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets, Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. Cost: ₹80,250 crore (2019-2025). Funding: 60:40 (Centre), 90:10 for North-East and Himalayan States.
- Phase IV (2024–2029): Aims at constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads to provide connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations with a focus on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, tribal areas, and remote regions.
Key Features of PMGSY:
- Rural Connectivity Focus: Targets habitations based on population thresholds (e.g., 500+ in plains, 250+ in hill/NE areas).
- Funding Pattern: Initially 100% central funding; since 2015–16, it follows a 60:40 split (90:10 for NE and Himalayan states).
- Maintenance Period: Contractors are responsible for road upkeep for 5 years post-construction.
- Quality Assurance: Involves routine inspections and geo-tagged photographs to evaluate maintenance performance.
- Economic Impact: Improves rural livelihoods, reduces migration, and enhances access to markets and services.
| [UPSC 2001] Consider the following schemes launched by the Union Government: I. Antyodaya Anna II. Gram Sadak Yojana III. Sarvapriya IV. Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana. Which of these were announced in the year 2000?
Options: (a) I and II* (b) II and IV (c) III and IV (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
The revised plan for the Green India Mission (GIM), released by the Centre on June 17, is an important step forward in India’s fight against climate change.
What are the achievements of the Green India Mission since its launch in 2014?
- Large-scale Afforestation Activities: GIM facilitated tree plantation and afforestation across 11.22 million hectares between 2015–16 and 2020–21. Eg: Afforestation under state schemes in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana helped increase green cover.
- Support to Vulnerable States: Funds were allocated based on ecological vulnerability and restoration potential. Eg: ₹624.71 crore released to 18 states between 2019–24, with ₹575.55 crore utilised.
- Carbon Sequestration Contribution: Contributed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent between 2005–2021. Eg: Forest restoration in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh aided national climate goals.
- Integration with Climate Goals: GIM aligned with India’s international commitment to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Eg: Activities under GIM complement India’s UNFCCC goals on land restoration and carbon capture.
- Livelihood Enhancement through Forest-Based Interventions: Helped improve livelihoods of forest-dependent communities via sustainable forestry practices. Eg: Community plantation models in Odisha created jobs and promoted conservation.
What are the key elements of the revised Green India Mission roadmap?
- Landscape-level restoration: Focus on saturation-based, area-specific restoration in vulnerable landscapes like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves.
- Integration with flagship projects: Syncing with initiatives like the Aravalli Green Wall project (cost: Rs 16,053 crore, coverage: 6.45 mha across 29 districts and 4 states).
- Aravalli protection: Targeting 8 lakh hectares for forest, water system and grassland rejuvenation to curb sandstorm intrusions and pollution in NCR and Punjab.
- Western Ghats focus: Addressing illegal mining and deforestation through afforestation and abandoned mine rehabilitation.
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Why was the Green India Mission’s roadmap revised?
- To Address On-Ground Climate Impacts: The revision was made to respond to changing climate conditions and the increasing urgency of land degradation and desertification. Eg: Inclusion of the Aravalli Green Wall Project to counter desert expansion from the Thar region.
- To Incorporate Feedback from States and Scientific Bodies: The revised plan reflects inputs from implementing states and scientific institutions, ensuring region-specific solutions. Eg: Feedback led to the addition of eco-restoration of abandoned mining areas in the Western Ghats.
- To Focus on Region-Specific Restoration Practices: The update prioritises landscape-specific and ecologically appropriate restoration in vulnerable ecosystems. Eg: Special emphasis on Himalayas, mangroves, and degraded zones for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
What key regions will it now focus on?
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Who is implementing the Green Wall project?
- Central Government Leadership: The Centre (Government of India) is spearheading the initiative, allocating funding and coordinating implementation across states. Eg: The project’s ₹16,053 crore budget and planning is directed by central agencies in collaboration with local authorities.
- Collaboration with States and Scientific Institutions: Implementation involves three states (Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat), one UT (Delhi) and guidance from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), using ecological data to target 12 degradation gaps in the Aravalli range. Eg: WII studies identified dust-prone regions; restoration covers 8 lakh hectares across 29 districts in these states.
How will GIM address land degradation and carbon sequestration?
- Restoration of Degraded and Open Forests: GIM focuses on restoring impaired open forests, which is a cost-effective and high-impact method for carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration. Eg: As per the Forest Survey of India (FSI), restoring 15 million hectares can sequester 1.89 billion tonnes of CO₂.
- Region-Specific Ecological Interventions: The revised roadmap includes landscape-specific afforestation and eco-restoration in vulnerable areas like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves. Eg: Under the Aravalli Green Wall Project, 8 lakh hectares will be restored to combat desertification and reduce dust pollution.
- Expansion of Natural Carbon Sinks: GIM aligns with India’s climate commitment to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030. Eg: By integrating schemes and intensifying plantation efforts, GIM aims to expand forest and tree cover up to 24.7 million hectares, capturing 3.39 billion tonnes of CO₂.
Way forward:
- Integrated Landscape-Based Planning: Adopt a holistic, ecosystem-specific approach by aligning GIM with other environmental programs (e.g., CAMPA, MGNREGS) for coordinated restoration and afforestation efforts.
- Enhanced Monitoring and Community Participation: Use technology (GIS, remote sensing) for real-time progress tracking, while empowering local communities and forest-dependent groups for sustainable upkeep and livelihood generation.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
Linkage: This question directly relates to the core objectives and context of the Green India Mission (GIM). The GIM, launched in 2014, is a crucial component of India’s efforts to combat climate change by increasing forest and tree cover and restoring degraded ecosystems. The revised roadmap for GIM emphasizes not only increasing and restoring forest and green cover but also tackling land degradation and desertification, which are significant environmental issues in India.
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Why in the News?
Union Transport Minister announced a new FASTag-based Annual Pass system for private non-commercial vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans) to ensure smoother travel across National Highways.
What are FASTags?
- FASTag is a contactless toll payment system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll collection at National Highway toll plazas.
- Managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), it was launched in 2014 and became mandatory in 2021 for all four-wheeled vehicles.
- It is a sticker affixed on a vehicle’s windshield, linked to a prepaid wallet or savings account. Toll charges are automatically deducted when the vehicle passes through an electronic toll gate.
- It enhances convenience, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes digital payments across India’s highway network.
- As per the Motor Vehicles Rules, FASTags are mandatory for all new four-wheelers and necessary for renewal of fitness certificates and national permits.
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About the FASTag Annual Pass Scheme:
- Overview: It is a new initiative announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide cost-effective and hassle-free travel for private non-commercial vehicles.
- Implementation: The pass will be effective from August 15, 2025, and is optional, intended for cars, jeeps, and vans (not for commercial vehicles).
- Objectives: The scheme is designed to reduce per-trip costs (as low as ₹15/toll) and provide savings of up to ₹7,000 annually for frequent travelers.
- Benefits: It allows unlimited passage at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas for either:
- One year, or
- 200 toll crossings, whichever is earlier.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Applicable only for non-commercial private vehicles with a valid, active FASTag linked to a registered vehicle number.
- Activation: Can be activated via the Rajmargyatra mobile app or NHAI website with a one-time payment of ₹3,000 for FY 2025–26.
- Validity: Covers 200 trips or one year and then reverts to regular FASTag mode unless renewed.
- Trip Count:
- Point-based plazas: Each pass counts as one trip per crossing.
- Closed toll systems: Entry and exit combined count as one trip.
- Transfer Restrictions: The pass is non-transferable and valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is registered.
- Coverage: Valid only at NH and NE toll plazas managed by the Centre. It does not apply to state highway or local toll plazas.
- Fee Revision: The base fee may be revised annually starting April 1 every year.
- Existing Users: No need for a new FASTag if one is already affixed and active. The pass can be added on top of the existing tag after eligibility verification.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the News?
Reasi is set to become J&K’s second district after Srinagar to implement the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme for marginalised individuals’ dignity and livelihood.
About the SMILE Scheme:
- Launch: It was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at the rehabilitation of beggars and empowerment of transgender persons.
- Core Focus: It promotes rehabilitation, livelihood creation, skill development, and social inclusion for the most marginalised individuals.
- Approach: It merges earlier schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging to provide a cohesive welfare framework.
- Key Features and Components:
-
- Shelter Provision: Uses existing shelter homes run by states/UTs; new homes are set up where needed for secure accommodation.
- Livelihood and Skilling: Offers education, identity documentation, vocational training, and economic linkages to ensure self-reliance.
- Target Group Size: The scheme aims to benefit approximately 60,000 marginalised individuals, especially transgender persons and urban beggars.
- Implementation and Funding:
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- Pilot Launch: The first phase started in 30 cities and later expanded to 50 more cities under Phase 2.
- Survey Mechanism: Local authorities conduct field surveys, with each unit aiming to rehabilitate at least 25 individuals.
- Financial Allocation: A total of ₹100 crore was allocated for 2023–26, with ₹14.71 crore spent by December 2024 on rehabilitation efforts.
| [UPSC 2016] ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:
(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood*
(b) abolish the Child Labour
(c) salvage the marshy lands and wetlands in the coastal areas and cultivate crops in them
(d) rehabilitate the manual scavengers and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood |
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Why in the News?
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) has approved construction of 2.35 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).
About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
- It is a Centrally sponsored housing scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015 with the aim of providing “Housing for All” by ensuring access to pucca (permanent), all-weather houses with basic amenities to all eligible beneficiaries.
- The scheme has two major components:
- PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) for rural areas, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) for urban areas, implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- PMAY follows a targeted and inclusive approach, prioritizing Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), Middle Income Groups (MIG), and other vulnerable sections like SCs, STs, women, transgenders, and minorities.
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About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0:
- PMAY-U 2.0 is the revamped version of PMAY-Urban, launched in 2024, with a renewed target to provide 1 crore additional pucca houses in urban India by 2028.
- It builds on the progress made under the original PMAY-U (2015), under which over 93 lakh houses have been constructed.
- The scheme supports house construction, purchase, and rental housing for eligible urban families under EWS, LIG, and MIG categories.
- The total investment for PMAY-U 2.0 is ₹10 lakh crore, with ₹2.3 lakh crore committed by the Centre as financial assistance or subsidies.
- CSMC (Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee) oversees approvals, with recent approvals including 2.34 lakh houses for nine states.
Key Features of PMAY-U 2.0:
- Four Implementation Verticals:
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- Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC): Support for building houses on owned land.
- Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Houses built with public/private sector collaboration.
- Affordable Rental Housing (ARH): Rental units for migrants, workers, and urban homeless.
- Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS): Interest subsidy on housing loans for EWS, LIG, MIG.
- Target Beneficiaries:
- Families with annual income up to ₹3 lakh (EWS), ₹3–6 lakh (LIG), and ₹6–9 lakh (MIG).
- Must not own a pucca house anywhere in India in the name of any family member.
- Adult earning members are treated as separate households.
- Central Assistance:
- Up to ₹2.5 lakh per housing unit under BLC and AHP.
- Up to ₹1.8 lakh interest subsidy under ISS for home loans up to ₹25 lakh.
- Technology Innovation:
- Support for disaster-resistant, sustainable construction using Technology Innovation Grants (TIG).
- Real-time tracking with geo-tagging, BHUVAN platform, and PMAY-U portal.
- Inclusive Allocation:
- Special allocations for women, SC/ST/OBC, and transgender individuals.
- Focus on gender and social equity in housing distribution.
- Robust Governance and Monitoring:
- Implementation through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Management Information System (MIS) for transparency.
- Coordination with Smart Cities, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat, and other schemes.
| [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 TRAI ordered that public Wi-Fi hotspot operators under PM-WANI programme should not be charged more than twice what a residential broadband user paid for setting up a hotspot.
What is the PM WANI Scheme?
- Overview: PM Modi launched the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) in December 2020.
- Nodal agency: It is an initiative under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- Objective: To democratize internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
- Goals: It takes forward the goal of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP) of creating a robust digital communications infrastructure.
- Implementation: Leverages Public Data Offices (PDOs) established in public spaces like railway stations, banks, post offices, and more. Users can access the internet via Wi-Fi at these locations without requiring a SIM card.
- PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts:
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- Public Data Office (PDO): It establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs.
- App Provider: It displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity.
- Central Registry: This overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
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- To access PM WANI services, users must install the Data PM WANI app on their smartphones.
- Through the app, users can connect to nearby public Wi-Fi PDOs.
- This application facilitates seamless connectivity to PM-WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots, empowering users to access broadband services conveniently.
Role of Public Data Offices (PDOs):
- The PM-WANI scheme includes a provision for establishing Public Data Offices (PDOs) by rural entrepreneurs in remote regions.
- These PDOs procure internet bandwidth from telecom service providers or ISPs to offer Wi-Fi services at minimal charges.
- This model enables individuals to access the internet even in areas with limited or no data connectivity.
[2018] Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?
- Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
- Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
- Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourists.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(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?
The long-awaited Chamundi Hills development project in Karnataka is finally gaining momentum under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme.
About the PRASHAD Scheme:
- Launch: It was launched in 2014–15 by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Core Objective: It aims to revitalize pilgrimage sites and develop spiritual tourism infrastructure across India.
- Scope and Mission: In 2017, PRASHAD was upgraded to a National Mission, integrating features of the HRIDAY scheme to create a unified heritage and spiritual site development model.
- Cultural Focus: The scheme emphasises cultural preservation, community involvement, and promoting both domestic and international spiritual tourism.
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- Executing Agencies: Projects are executed by state-level agencies appointed by the respective state or union territory governments.
- Funding Model: The scheme offers 100% central financial assistance for eligible infrastructure and development components.
- Public-Private Support: It encourages Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to expand sustainability and local ownership.
- Centre-State Collaboration: Implementation is designed to ensure close cooperation between central and state governments while respecting local cultural and religious traditions.
Key Features:
- Infrastructure Development: Roads, drinking water, sanitation, solid waste management, lighting, and public conveniences at pilgrimage sites.
- Connectivity Enhancement: Improved rail, road, and air links to facilitate easier access for pilgrims.
- Pilgrim Facilities: Creation of accommodation, food courts, wayfinding systems, and security measures for safe and hygienic pilgrimages.
- Cultural Conservation: Restoration of temples, monuments, ghats, and sacred lakes; integration of cultural traditions in tourism.
- Community Empowerment: Skill training for locals, development of tourism-linked jobs, and stakeholder participation in project design and operation.
- Sustainability Focus: Use of eco-friendly technologies, green energy, and promotion of responsible tourism to reduce environmental impact.
| [UPSC 2022] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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 Union Finance Ministry has capped spending under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) at 60% of its total annual allocation for the first half of FY 2025-26.
About MGNREGS:
- Legal Foundation: 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 V. 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.
Rationale Behind the Spending Cap:
- Expenditure Control: This cap is part of the Monthly/Quarterly Expenditure Plan to prevent front-loading of funds and mid-year shortages.
- Previous Trends: In earlier years, over 70% of funds were spent by September, creating dues of ₹15,000–25,000 crore.
- Current Status: As of June 2025, 28% of the budget is already used, while ₹19,200 crore in dues remain from FY25.
- Criticism: Experts argue the cap undermines the demand-driven design of the act and may violate the legal right to work.
| [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.
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?
Under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned the creation of District and State-level Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells across 18 States and Union Territories.
About Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA)
- Launch: It was launched in October 2024 by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Mission Goal: The initiative aims to promote holistic development of tribal communities by addressing gaps in infrastructure, livelihoods, education, and health.
- Geographical Reach: The program covers over 63,843 tribal-dominated villages across 30 States/UTs, 2,911 blocks, and 549 districts, benefitting over 5 crore tribal people.
- Funding: The total budget is ₹79,156 crore, with a central share of ₹56,333 crore and a state share of ₹22,823 crore.
- Inspiration: DAJGUA is modelled after the PM-JANMAN Scheme, which focuses specifically on the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
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What are FRA Cells under DAJGUA?
- Overview: FRA Cells are administrative support units created under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA) to assist in implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
- Funding Support: These cells are funded directly by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, marking the first instance of central government financing a structured FRA support mechanism.
- Objective: The core aim of FRA Cells is to help tribal claimants and Gram Sabhas prepare and submit forest rights claims, especially in tribal-dominated districts.
- Goal: FRA Cells aim to reduce delays and rejections in forest rights applications by improving documentation quality and data management.
Key Features of FRA Cells:
- Coverage Scale: As of 2025, a total of 324 district-level and 17 state-level FRA Cells have been approved across 18 States and Union Territories.
- Funding Allocation: Each district-level cell is provided ₹8.67 lakh, and each state-level cell receives ₹25.85 lakh, funded as Grants-in-Aid General by the Centre.
- Operational Functions: FRA Cells assist in document collection, Gram Sabha resolution drafting, conversion of forest villages into revenue villages, land demarcation, digitization, and record uploads to official portals.
- Limitations: FRA Cells do NOT interfere with the decision-making powers of statutory authorities like Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), or District Level Committees (DLCs).
- Leading States: The highest number of FRA Cells have been approved in Madhya Pradesh (55), Chhattisgarh (30), Telangana (29), Maharashtra (26), Assam (25), and Jharkhand (24).
Back2Basics: Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
- Overview: The law is officially called The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
- Objectives: FRA seeks to recognize and vest forest land rights to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) who have traditionally depended on forests but lacked formal land ownership.
- Major Provisions: It provides for:
- Ownership of Minor Forest Produce (MFP)
- Community rights such as grazing and water use
- Habitat rights for PVTGs
- Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights to manage and protect forests
- Institutional Framework: The Act is implemented through a multi-tier system consisting of Gram Sabhas, Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), SDLCs, DLCs, and State Monitoring Committees.
- Significance: FRA provides legal protection from evictions, supports livelihoods, and enhances local forest governance through community participation and legal recognition.
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| [UPSC 2021] At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
Options: (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj (c) Ministry of Rural Development (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs* |
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Why in the News?
In a major achievement for adult education in India, Mizoram and Goa have declared themselves “fully literate” under the ULLAS Scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
What does “Fully Literate” mean under ULLAS?
- As per the Ministry of Education (August 2024):
- A person is literate if they can read, write, and compute with comprehension, including essential life skills.
- A state is considered fully literate if it achieves 95% literacy or more.
- This aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of achieving universal youth and adult literacy by 2030.
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About the ULLAS Scheme:
- Launch: It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2022.
- Vision: It is based on the spirit of ‘Kartvya Bodh’ (DUTY) and is being implemented through volunteerism.
- Official Name: It is formally known as the New India Literacy Programme and is being implemented over a five-year period (2022–2027).
- Core Objective: The scheme aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy to 5 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 years and above.
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- Beyond Basics: In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic, learners are taught critical life skills, such as financial literacy and digital literacy.
- Beneficiary Identification: Individuals are identified through door-to-door surveys conducted by schools and local officials across states and UTs.
- Volunteer Teaching Model: Teaching is provided by volunteers, including school and college students, teacher trainees, and community members.
- Learning Support and Certification:
-
- Learning Materials: The NCERT develops the core content, which is translated and adapted into 22 languages of India by state authorities.
- Digital and Offline Modes: A mobile app supports the learning process, though offline teaching is also included for inclusive access.
- Assessment Process: Learners appear for the Functional Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) — a 150-mark exam in multiple languages.
- Certification: Those who pass the FLNAT are certified by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for achieving basic literacy and numeracy.
Key Achievements on Full Literacy under ULLAS:
- State Declarations:
- Ladakh: First region to be declared fully literate (June 2024)
- Goa: Declared fully literate with 99.72% literacy
- Mizoram: Declared fully literate with 98.2% literacy
- Performance Insights:
- 100% pass rate in Goa and Tamil Nadu
- Over 95% in Punjab, Assam, UP
- Women-majority participation in several states (over 70% in Mizoram, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
- Historical Context: ULLAS Scheme builds on earlier adult literacy programs such as:
- Saakshar Bharat (2009–2018)
- National Literacy Mission (1988–2009)
- National Adult Education Programme (1970s–1980s)
| [UPSC 2004] Consider the following statements: As per 2001 Census:
1. the two States with the lowest sex ratio are Haryana and Punjab. 2. the two States with the lowest population per sq. km of area are Meghalaya and Mizoram. 3. Kerala has both the highest literacy rate and sex ratio.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 3 only* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Social Justice launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme to support and formalize India’s informal sanitation workforce.
About NAMASTE Scheme:
- Launch: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2022.
- Implementing Agencies: It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), with the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) as the executing body.
- Initial Focus and Expansion: Initially aimed at sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs), the scheme was expanded in June 2024 to include waste pickers.
- Core Objective: To promote safety, dignity, skill development, and social inclusion for sanitation workers.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Identification: The scheme aims to enumerate SSWs and waste pickers to formally integrate them into government support systems.
- Skill Training: It provides occupational training to ensure sanitation work is safe and professional.
- Protective Gear: PPE kits are distributed to reduce workers’ health risks.
- Health Coverage: Workers and their families receive Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) health insurance.
- Safety Equipment: Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) are supported with modern safety tools.
- Livelihood Support:
- Encourages mechanized sanitation work.
- Offers capital and interest subsidies for buying equipment.
- Collective Formation: Supports sanitation workers in forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and sanitation enterprises.
- Awareness Campaigns: ULBs and NSKFDC conduct campaigns promoting dignified and safe sanitation practices.
Key Achievements (as of May 29, 2025):
- Enumerated Workers: Over 80,000 sewer and septic tank workers have been identified and validated.
- Health Coverage: 26,447 health cards issued under PM-JAY.
- PPE Distribution: 45,781 PPE kits delivered to frontline workers.
- Safety Kits: 354 Emergency Response Safety Kits provided to sanitation teams.
- Waste Picker Integration: NAMASTE now aims to profile 2.5 lakh waste pickers, offering them ID cards, insurance, skilling, and livelihood assistance.
| [UPSC 2016] Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:
Options: (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers* (d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Interest Subvention (IS) component under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the financial year 2025–26.
About Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):
- Central Sector Scheme: It helps farmers get low-interest short-term loans through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
- Nodal Agencies: The scheme is monitored by RBI and NABARD and implemented through Public Sector Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, and Private Banks.
- Loan Details:
- Borrowing Limit: Farmers can borrow up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest.
- Interest Support: Banks get 1.5% interest support from the government, helping them offer cheaper loans.
- Extra Discount: Farmers who repay on time get a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive, reducing their effective interest rate to 4%.
- For Livestock & Fisheries: Loans up to ₹2 lakh also qualify for this benefit.
- Digital Support: The Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), launched in August 2023, improves transparency and tracking of loan disbursal.
Back2Basics: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
- Launch: Started in 1998 based on the R.V. Gupta Committee’s recommendation.
- Who implements it: Managed by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, and Small Finance Banks.
- Purpose and Uses:
- Gives quick and easy loans for crop expenses, post-harvest needs, and household costs.
- Supports dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other allied activities.
- Offers credit for farming-related business investments.
- Key Features:
- Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh.
- Interest rates as low as 4% with timely repayment (under MISS).
- Loan limit raised to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025–26.
- Uses a revolving credit system — farmers can borrow and repay as needed.
- Flexible repayment is aligned with crop cycles to reduce stress.
- Additional Benefits:
- Includes crop insurance under PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
- Since 2018–19, also covers farmers in animal husbandry and fisheries.
- Helps farmers avoid moneylenders, promoting financial inclusion.
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| [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:
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?
To boost India’s export strength, the government has restored Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme benefits for eligible exports starting June 1, 2025.
Details of the Latest Update:
- RoDTEP benefits have now been restored for Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
- These categories were previously excluded from February 5, 2025, but are now eligible again from June 1, 2025.
- The move ensures a level playing field for all exporters and encourages broad-based export growth.
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About the RoDTEP Scheme:
- Launch: It started on January 1, 2021, as part of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20.
- Objective: It helps exporters get refunds for hidden taxes and duties that are not refunded under other schemes.
- Examples of Hidden Taxes: These include taxes like electricity duty, mandi tax, and fuel charges during transport.
- Why it was introduced: RoDTEP replaced the earlier Merchandise Export Incentive Schemes (MIES) after India lost a case at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
- Global Compliance: The scheme is WTO-compliant, following the rule that exported goods should not carry domestic taxes.
- Administered by: It is managed by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.
Eligibility under RoDTEP:
- Who can apply: All Indian exporters — whether manufacturers or merchant exporters — are eligible.
- Eligible exports: Exports from SEZs, EOUs, and e-commerce platforms are also covered.
- Not Eligible: Re-exported goods are not eligible for benefits.
- Sector Focus: The scheme gives priority to labour-intensive sectors that earlier benefitted from MEIS.
How the refund works:
- Rebate Calculation: The refund is given as a percentage of the export value (Free on Board value).
- Mode of Refund: The benefit comes in the form of e-scrips, which are stored in a digital ledger by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
- Usage of E-Scrips: These e-scrips can be used to pay basic customs duty or be transferred to other importers.
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only* |
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Why in the News?
The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has invested about ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs across India as of March 2025. The highest number of investee firms are in Karnataka (151), followed by Maharashtra (144) and Delhi (69).
About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme:
- Launch: The SRI Fund was launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package to provide equity funding to MSMEs with growth potential.
- Total Corpus: It targets ₹50,000 crore, with ₹10,000 crore from the Government of India and ₹40,000 crore to be raised from private investors.
- Structure and Management: The fund is a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with SEBI. The fund uses a two-tier structure:
-
- A Mother Fund managed by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL).
- 60 empanelled Daughter Funds that make direct investments in MSMEs.
- Progress: As of March 2025, the SRI Fund has invested ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs.
- Package Alignment: It is a component of the ₹20 lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat package, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP.
Key Features Impact:
- Funding Type: Offers equity or quasi-equity support to reduce MSMEs’ reliance on debt and strengthen long-term growth.
- Sectoral Focus: Prioritises manufacturing, services, and high-growth MSMEs, especially those engaged in innovation, R&D, and exports.
- Addressing Credit Gap: Helps bridge India’s ₹30 lakh crore MSME credit gap by complementing credit guarantee schemes with equity-based support.
- Revised Eligibility: With the turnover limit raised to ₹500 crore, more companies now qualify for SRI and related MSME support.
| [UPSC 2017] The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to:
Options: (a) Developing solar power production in our country* (b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels in our country. (c) Exporting our food products to other countries. (d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country. |
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Why in the News?
The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme.
Back2Basics: Spices Board of India
- The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
- The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
- Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
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About SPICED Scheme and its Features:
- Launch: It is launched by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Timeline and Budget: The scheme runs till 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹422.30 crore, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission period.
- Objectives: It aims to boost spice exports, improve cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and promote value addition and sustainability.
- Funding Support: In 2025–26, about ₹130 crore will be distributed to 45,000 beneficiaries.
- Focus Areas: Includes Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of GI-tagged spices, and development of Spice Incubation Centres.
- Priority Beneficiaries: Special focus on farmer groups, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, SC/ST communities, SMEs, and exporters from the North-East.
- Monitoring: All activities are geo-tagged for transparency and tracking.
Key Facts about Spices Production and Trade:
- Global Position: India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices, cultivating 75 of 109 ISO-listed spices.
- Major Producing States: Include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and others.
- Key Spices: India grows and exports pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, celery, nutmeg, and spice oils.
- Top Products by Volume: Chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander account for 76% of production.
- Export Leaders: Chili is the top export earner, generating around $1.1 billion annually. Ginger exports are growing at 27% CAGR.
- Export Value: In 2023–24, India exported $4.25 billion worth of spices, capturing 12% of the global spice trade.
- Export Destinations: India exported to 159 countries. Key markets include China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, and Sri Lanka — together accounting for 70% of exports.
| [UPSC 2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils |
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Why in the News?
The 3 Jansuraksha Schemes— Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) launched by PM Modi on May 9, 2015, have completed 10 years of providing social security coverage to citizens.
About the Jansuraksha Schemes:
|
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) |
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) |
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) |
| Type |
Accidental Insurance |
Life Insurance |
Pension Scheme |
| Eligibility Age |
18 to 70 years |
18 to 50 years |
18 to 40 years (non-taxpayers) |
| Premium |
₹20 per annum |
₹436 per annum |
Varies by age and pension amount |
| Coverage/Benefit |
₹2 lakh (death/total disability), ₹1 lakh (partial) |
₹2 lakh (death due to any cause) |
₹1,000–₹5,000 monthly pension after age 60 |
| Policy Term |
1 year (June 1 – May 31), renewable |
1 year (June 1 – May 31), renewable |
Contribution till age 60; pension begins post-60 |
Premiums Payment
|
Auto-Debit: Yes (from bank/post office account) |
Auto-Debit: Yes (from bank/post office account) |
Auto-Debit: Yes (monthly/quarterly/half-yearly options) |
| Administered By |
Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) and other insurers in partnership with participating banks or post offices |
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and other participating life insurers, through tie-ups with banks or post offices |
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), implemented through banks and post offices |
| Achievements (as of 2025) |
51.06 crore enrolments; ₹3,121.02 crore paid for 1,57,155 claims; 23.87 crore female and 17.12 crore PMJDY enrolments |
23.63 crore enrolments; ₹18,397.92 crore paid for 9,19,896 claims; 10.66 crore female and 7.08 crore PMJDY enrolments |
7.66 crore enrolments; ~47% are women subscribers |
| [UPSC 2016] Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.
2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (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 Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced the expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
About Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS):
- The CGSS was launched on October 6, 2022, as part of the Startup India Action Plan.
- The scheme is designed to provide collateral-free credit to eligible startups through recognized financial institutions.
- It offers credit guarantee cover for loans extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks, All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
- The guaranteed coverage is available in 2 formats:
-
- Transaction-based (for individual borrowers) and
- Umbrella-based (for Venture Debt Funds).
- The scheme helps startups access funding through instruments such as working capital, term loans, and venture debt.
- The DPIIT is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the scheme.
- The scheme is operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
- A Management Committee (MC) and a Risk Evaluation Committee (REC) have been constituted to supervise and review the operations of the scheme.
- It aligns with the objective of encouraging innovation, supporting early-stage entrepreneurship, and driving economic self-reliance.
Key Changes in the Expanded CGSS:
- Guarantee ceiling increased from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore per borrower.
- Guarantee cover enhanced to:
- 85% for loans up to ₹10 crore.
- 75% for loans exceeding ₹10 crore.
- Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) reduced from 2% to 1% p.a. for startups in 27 Champion Sectors.
- The Champion Sectors are identified under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturing and services.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India:
1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore.
2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
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 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a proposal under the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyla Transparently in India) Policy to enhance coal availability for Central/State Sector Thermal Power Plants and Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
About the SHAKTI Policy:
- The SHAKTI Policy, launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Power, created a transparent mechanism to allocate coal linkages to thermal power plants lacking Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs).
- It replaced the earlier nomination-based system with auction-based and tariff-based bidding, enhancing fairness and transparency.
- While government-owned plants continue receiving coal through nominations, private power producers must obtain coal via competitive bidding.
- The policy aimed to reduce coal imports, promote the domestic coal industry, and improve energy self-sufficiency.
- It also intended to revive stressed assets in the power sector, indirectly supporting public sector banks and infrastructure growth.
Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy (2024):
- The revised 2024 policy simplifies the system by merging eight criteria into just two windows, enhancing the ease of doing business.
- Window-I allocates coal at notified prices to central and state government utilities, their joint ventures, and subsidiaries, including those with PPAs under Section 62 of the Electricity Act.
- Window-II permits coal and imported coal-based producers to acquire coal through premium-based auctions for 12 to 25 years, without requiring a PPA.
- The policy encourages pithead plants, supports new capacity planning, and allows Imported Coal-Based (ICB) plants to transition to domestic coal, reducing import reliance.
- Existing FSA holders can now purchase coal beyond 100% of their Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) during periods of peak demand.
- Unrequisitioned surplus electricity can be sold on power exchanges, boosting plant utilization.
- The policy imposes no additional financial burden on coal companies.
- Beneficiaries include thermal power plants, Coal India, SCCL, railways, state governments, and end consumers.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:
1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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