Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme

Prelims Only Schemes | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme
Why in the News?

The Ministry of Culture implements a Central Sector scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’.

What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme?
- The Ministry of Culture launched this scheme in 2003-04.
- It aims to preserve and promote India’s traditional performing arts.
- It provides financial assistance to Gurus (mentors) and Shishyas (students) in music, dance, theatre, and folk arts, ensuring structured training under the age-old mentorship system.
- Aims and Objectives:
  - Preserve and revive rare art forms through direct knowledge transfer.
  - Support traditional artists by providing financial aid for sustainable livelihoods.
  - Encourage young talent by facilitating training under experienced Gurus.
  - Promote classical, folk, and tribal art forms through structured mentorship.
Features and Significance:
- Financial Assistance
  - Guru – ₹7,500/month | Accompanist – ₹3,750/month
  - Shishyas – ₹1,500/month (up to four per Guru)
  - Repertory Grant – Guru: ₹15,000/month | Shishya: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/month
- Eligibility
  - Indian citizens engaged in traditional performing arts.
  - Gurus aged 45-70 years with national-level recognition.
- Implementation & Monitoring
  - Each Guru trains 5-8 Shishyas, focusing on rural and tribal artists.
  - Periodic reviews and expert evaluations ensure proper fund utilization.
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What is the ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’?

Prelims Only Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nuclear Energy Mission

Why in the News?

The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to develop at least 5 indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.

About Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM):

Details

A flagship initiative announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to accelerate India’s nuclear power capacity towards the target of 100 GW by 2047.
It focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), expansion of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), and policy reforms to attract private and foreign investment in nuclear energy.

Key Highlights of the NEM

100 GW Nuclear Target by 2047 as part of India’s clean energy transition.
₹20,000 crore allocated for R&D and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Public-Private Collaboration for setting up Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.
Amendments to Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to allow private sector participation.
Changes to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to attract foreign investment.
Deployment of BSRs (220 MWe) and SMRs (30-300 MWe) to replace coal plants and power remote regions.

Other Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity

Expansion of Nuclear Power Capacity:

Current capacity: 8,180 MW → Target by 2031-32: 22,480 MW.
10 reactors under construction (8,000 MW) across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Approval for 6 x 1208 MW AP1000 reactors (USA collaboration) at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.

Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Reactors:

- Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): 220 MWe PHWRs for industrial decarbonization.
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) at Kalpakkam achieved milestones in 2024.
High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) & Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) under development using India’s thorium reserves.

Recent Developments:

New uranium deposit discovered at Jaduguda Mines (extends mine life by 50+ years).
Operationalization of first two 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS-3 & 4).
NPCIL-NTPC Joint Venture (ASHVINI) launched to build nuclear plants.
Rajasthan Atomic Power Project-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality in 2024.

PYQ:

[2018] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 Words, 15 Marks)

[2011] The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to:

(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons

(b) Increase the speed of neutrons

(d) None of the above

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Digital India Initiatives

Gyan Bharatam Mission

Prelims Only Schemes | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Gyan Bharatam Mission

Why in the News?

The Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the Gyan Bharatam Mission, a comprehensive initiative for surveying, documenting, and conserving India’s manuscript heritage.

What is Gyan Bharatam Mission?

It is a nationwide initiative launched in the Union Budget 2025-26 to survey, document, and conserve India’s manuscript heritage.
The mission aims to cover over one crore manuscripts, ensuring the systematic preservation of ancient texts housed in academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collections.
It is a revival and expansion of the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), which was originally established in 2003 but had limited impact due to inadequate funding and structural challenges.
The mission aligns with India’s broader cultural conservation goals and is expected to create a centralized repository for India’s rich textual and intellectual heritage.

Aims and Objectives:

- Survey and document manuscripts across institutions and private collections.
- Digitize rare texts and create a centralized repository for research and preservation.
- Restore and conserve fragile manuscripts using modern preservation techniques.

Features and Significance:

- Budget Allocation Increased: Funding for NMM raised from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore.
- Digital Preservation: AI-driven archiving, metadata tagging, and translation tools for easy access.

PYQ:

[2023] With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with (2023)

(a) archaeological excavations

(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India

(d) construction of railways in Colonial India

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Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

[pib] National Manufacturing Mission (NMM)

PIB Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: National Manufacturing Mission (NMM)

Why in the News?

The Union Finance Minister, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, announced the launch of the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM) to boost India’s manufacturing sector under the Make in India initiative.

What is the National Manufacturing Mission?

The NMM was announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to boost India’s manufacturing sector under the Make in India initiative.
It covers small, medium, and large industries and aims to strengthen domestic production capabilities, enhance competitiveness, and create jobs.
The mission provides policy support, execution roadmaps, and governance frameworks for both central ministries and state governments.
It promotes Clean Tech manufacturing and focuses on developing an ecosystem for critical industrial components such as solar PV cells, EV batteries, wind turbines, and high-voltage transmission equipment.
Aims and Objectives:
- Boost domestic production to reduce import dependence.
- Enhance MSME sector growth with credit expansion (₹10 crore from ₹5 crore).

Key Features & Significance:

Infrastructure & Industrial Clusters to strengthen supply chains.
National Action Plan for Toys to make India a global toy hub.
New footwear & leather industry scheme to create 22 lakh jobs and boost exports.
National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar to increase farmer incomes through food processing.

Back2Basics: National Manufacturing Policy (NMP)

Launched in 2011 to boost India’s manufacturing sector.
Aims to increase GDP share to 25% and create 100 million jobs in a decade.
Focuses on National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) to attract investment and enhance productivity.
Promotes technology advancement, skill development, and sustainable growth with fiscal & infrastructure incentives.
Key areas: Ease of doing business, labor law reforms, export growth, and global competitiveness.

PYQ:

[2012] What is/are the recent policy initiative(s) of Government of India to promote the growth of manufacturing sector?

1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones

2. Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’

3. Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

Why in the News?

In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister, has introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital textbooks in Indian languages.

What is Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme?

Aims and Objectives:
- It will provide digital textbooks and study resources for students at the school and university levels, promoting regional languages in the education system.
- The scheme aims to bridge the language gap by providing digital textbooks and study materials in multiple Indian languages.
- It ensures that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds can study subjects in their mother tongue, improving comprehension and retention.
It aligns with the NEP 2020 vision to promote multilingualism in education.
It complements the ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) initiative.
- 22,000 books in Indian languages will be developed in the next five years under ASMITA.

Criteria and Provisions:

The scheme will be implemented in schools, colleges, and universities across India.
Institutions affiliated with UGC, AICTE, and other regulatory bodies will be part of the initiative.
The scheme will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities.
Special emphasis on technical education in Indian languages.
The digital books will be available on government-supported e-learning platforms like DIKSHA, e-PG Pathshala, and National Digital Library of India.
AI-based tools will be used to facilitate translations, voice-assisted learning, and personalized study materials.

PYQ:

[2016] ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at:

(a) Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas

(b) Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

(d) Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

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Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

Cabinet approves Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under EBP Programme

Explained Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Mains level: Ethanol Production ;

Why in the News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a revision in the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25.

What is the significance of the Price Revision?

The recent revision of the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is significant for several reasons:

Price Stability and Remuneration: The increase from ₹56.58 to ₹57.97 per litre ensures price stability and provides a more remunerative rate for ethanol suppliers, which is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of ethanol.
Support for Sugarcane Farmers: The separate payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and transportation charges will benefit sugarcane farmers, enhancing their income and encouraging production.
Meeting Blending Targets: The 3% increase in the price is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of ethanol to meet the ambitious blending target of 20% by 2025-26, advancing from the original target of 2030.
Reducing Crude Oil Dependency: This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce India’s dependency on crude oil imports, leading to substantial foreign exchange savings and environmental benefits.

What is Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)?

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a government initiative aimed at promoting the blending of ethanol with petrol to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel option.

OMCs are currently blending up to 20% ethanol with petrol, which helps reduce reliance on imported crude oil and lowers carbon emissions.
Ethanol blending has dramatically increased from 38 crore litres in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to 707 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, achieving an average blending rate of 14.60%.
The programme has resulted in estimated savings of over ₹1,13,007 crore in foreign exchange and has substituted approximately 193 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil over the past decade.

What are other initiatives taken to promote biofuels?

National Policy on Biofuels (2018): This policy aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development by encouraging the production and use of biofuels from various feedstocks such as sugarcane, broken rice, and maise.
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: This initiative focuses on accelerating the development of second-generation (2G) ethanol capacity in India, providing viability gap funding to support the establishment of 2G ethanol projects.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): Launched in September 2023, this alliance aims to accelerate the global adoption of cleaner fuels and support decarbonization goals. It involves collaboration with multiple countries to enhance biofuel deployment.
Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) Initiative: Launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2018, this initiative aims to convert used cooking oil into biofuel, thereby preventing its reuse in food preparation and promoting sustainability.
Biodiesel Production Targets: India has set a biodiesel blending target of 5% by 2030. The government is mobilizing production through policies that support feedstock availability, including used cooking oil and non-edible industrial oils.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Initiatives: The National Biofuel Coordination Committee has established targets for blending SAF in domestic flights, aiming for 1% by 2025 and 5% by 2030.
Ethanol Blending Advancements: The target for ethanol blending has been advanced from 2030 to 2025, with plans to achieve 20% blending. This includes signing long-term off-take agreements with dedicated ethanol plants to ensure a steady supply.

Way forward:

Strengthen Feedstock Supply Chain: Enhance agricultural productivity and diversify feedstock sources including maize and non-food biomass, to ensure a stable and sustainable ethanol supply.
Expand Infrastructure and Investments: Develop ethanol storage, blending, and distribution networks while encouraging private sector participation through financial incentives and policy support.

Prelims PYQ:

[2013] With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of the sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Microfinance Story of India

India approves Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME manufacturers

Explained Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Mobilization Of Resources

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS)

Mains level: Challenges in MSMEs;

Why in the News?

The government approved a Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

What is MCGS-MSME?

The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) is a government initiative aimed at enhancing financial accessibility for micro, small, and medium enterprises in India.

What are the Provisions and Salient Features of MCGS-MSME?

Eligibility and Loan Coverage: The MCGS-MSME is available to MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number, providing loan guarantees of up to Rs 100 crore for purchasing equipment and machinery.
Guarantee Coverage: The scheme offers 60% guarantee coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for loans sanctioned to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs).
Project Cost Requirements: While the guaranteed loan amount is capped at Rs 100 crore, the total project cost can exceed this amount, provided that at least 75% of the project cost is allocated for equipment or machinery.
Repayment Terms: Loans up to Rs 50 crore have a repayment period of up to 8 years, including a moratorium of up to 2 years on principal repayments. For loans above Rs 50 crore, longer repayment schedules may be considered.
Scheme Duration and Fees: The MCGS-MSME will be in effect for four years from the issuance of operational guidelines or until cumulative guarantees of Rs 7 lakh crore are issued. The initial guarantee fee is waived for the first year, followed by a fee of 1.5% per annum for the next three years, and then reduced to 1% per annum thereafter.

What are the other steps taken to ease access to Credit for MSMEs?

In addition to the MCGS-MSME, several other measures have been implemented to facilitate easier access to credit for MSMEs:

Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): This scheme provides collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 crore, offering up to 85% guarantee coverage, thereby reducing lender risk.
Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Program: This initiative involves an investment of Rs 6,000 crore over five years, aimed at enhancing MSME growth and performance.
Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS): An online platform that enables MSMEs to receive faster payments from larger companies, improving cash flow and liquidity.
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS): Introduced during COVID-19, this scheme provided a Rs 3 lakh crore relief package, offering a 100% government-backed guarantee for loans.
Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Norms: These regulations require banks to allocate a portion of their loans specifically for MSMEs, ensuring that they receive necessary financial support.

What are the challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing finance?

Access to Finance: One of the most significant challenges faced by MSMEs is obtaining timely and affordable financing. For example, The Bank of Baroda reported that over 50% of MSMEs in India could not access formal credit.
Lack of Financial Knowledge: Many MSMEs lack awareness of available financial schemes and products, which restricts their ability to access funding. For example, Many business owners remain unaware of the Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun loan schemes.

Way forward:

Enhanced Financial Literacy and Awareness Campaigns: There is a need for targeted outreach programs to educate MSMEs about available financial schemes, including loan products and government initiatives like Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun schemes, to ensure they are aware and can leverage them effectively.
Streamlined Loan Processes and Collateral-Free Options: Simplifying the loan application process and expanding collateral-free loan schemes like CGTMSE, along with improving credit rating systems, will ensure quicker and easier access to funds, especially for smaller MSMEs.

Mains PYQ:

Q Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)

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Rythu Bharosa Scheme

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Rythu Bharosa Scheme

Why in the News?

The Telangana government has started distributing funds under the Rythu Bharosa Scheme, also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).

About the Rythu Bharosa Scheme:

The Rythu Bharosa Scheme, also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS), was launched by the Telangana government in 2018 to provide direct financial assistance to farmers.
It is the first direct investment support scheme in India, where cash is transferred directly to farmers before each crop season to help them with agricultural expenses.
Objective: To reduce financial burden, improve agricultural productivity, and prevent farmers from falling into debt traps due to high input costs.
Provisions:
- Under the scheme, every farmer receives ₹5,000 per acre per crop season, ensuring ₹10,000 per acre annually for two crop seasons.
- The financial assistance is provided before the sowing season, allowing farmers to plan their investments efficiently.
- There is no limit on the size of landholdings, meaning both small and large farmers can benefit.
Criteria:
- The scheme is available only to resident farmers of Telangana who own agricultural land in the state.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers cultivating land with Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) documents are eligible for assistance.
- Tenant farmers, commercial farmers, and those farming under contractual agreements are not eligible to receive benefits under this scheme.
- The funds are disbursed through bank bearer cheques under the supervision of Agriculture Extension Officers to ensure transparent distribution.

PYQ:

[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
Consumption requirements of farm households
Post-harvest expenses
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

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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Pension Reforms

Centre notifies Unified Pension Scheme for Government Staff

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Unified Pension Scheme

Why in the News?

The Finance Ministry has announced the operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for Central Government employees under the National Pension System (NPS), effective from April 1, 2025.

Salient features of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

Effective from April 1, 2025.
Eligibility: Applicable to Central Government employees with at least 10 years of service.
Assured Pension:
- 50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement for employees with 25+ years of service.
- Proportionate benefits for employees with 10–25 years of service.
Assured Minimum Pension: ₹10,000 per month for eligible employees.
Assured Family Pension: 60% of the pension drawn by the employee prior to their death.
Inflation Protection:
- Pensions indexed to inflation.
- Dearness Relief (DR) linked to the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
Government Contribution: Increased to 18.5% of basic pay and DA (up from 14% under NPS).
Employee Contribution: 10% of basic pay and DA (same as NPS).
Lump Sum Payment:
- One-tenth of last drawn pay (including DA) for every six months of completed service, in addition to gratuity.
Choice of Scheme: Employees can choose between UPS and NPS starting from the upcoming financial year, with the choice being final once made.
Beneficiaries: Initially benefits 23 lakh Central Government employees, with potential extension to 90 lakh employees if adopted by state governments.

Differences between UPS, NPS and OPS (Old Pension Scheme)

	Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)	National Pension Scheme (NPS)	Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Pension Amount	50% of average basic pay over last 12 months; proportional for service <25 years.	Market-linked, dependent on contributions and market performance.	50% of last drawn salary, increases with DA hikes.
Family Pension	60% of employee’s pension after their death.	Based on accumulated corpus and annuity plans.	Continued benefits to family after retiree’s death.
Employee Contribution	10% of basic salary.	10% of basic salary.	None; entirely government-funded.
Government Contribution	18.5% of basic salary.	14% of basic salary.	Entire cost borne by the government.
Inflation Indexation	Linked to AICPI-IW.	Not applicable (market-linked returns).	Indexed; pension increases with DA hikes.

PYQ:

[2017] Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

(a) Resident Indian citizens only

(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only

(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments

(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

[pib] Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

PIB Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Why in the News?

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) has completed 10 years on January 22, 2025. As of November 2024, over 4.1 crore SSY accounts have been opened, highlighting the scheme’s success and its role in fostering inclusivity and progress.

About Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

Launched on January 22, 2015, under Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign.
It is a small deposit scheme by the Ministry of Finance for a girl child
Over 4.1 crore accounts opened as of November 2024.
Aims and Objectives:
- To meet the education and marriage expenses of a girl child.
- Promote financial independence and secure futures for girl children.

Criteria and Provisions:

Eligibility: For girl children under 10 years; max 2 accounts per family (exceptions for twins/triplets).
Deposits: Minimum: ₹250; Maximum: ₹1.5 lakh annually; deposits for 15 years.
Withdrawals:
- Partial: Up to 50% after age 18 or completion of 10th standard for education.
- Full: Allowed for marriage (minimum age 18).
Interest Calculation: Monthly on the lowest balance; credited annually.
Premature Closure: Allowed for medical emergencies or death of guardian.
Interest: ate of interest 9.2% Per Annum (wef 1-4-2015), calculated on yearly basis, yearly compounded.
Tax Benefits: Quarterly rates compounded annually; investments and returns are tax-free under Section 80C.

Structural Mandate and Implementation

Managed by guardian till age 18; account matures in 21 years.
Can be opened/transferred at post offices or banks.
Early closure for marriage requires proof of age and marriage documents.

PYQ:

[2014] What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas?

It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages.
It enables the beneficiaries in the rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Type: Schemes

Why in the News?

What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme?

Features and Significance:

Why in the News?

About Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Gyan Bharatam Mission?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the National Manufacturing Mission?

Key Features & Significance:

Back2Basics: National Manufacturing Policy (NMP)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme?

Criteria and Provisions:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the significance of the Price Revision?

What is Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)?

What are other initiatives taken to promote biofuels?

Way forward:

Prelims PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is MCGS-MSME?

What are the Provisions and Salient Features of MCGS-MSME?

What are the other steps taken to ease access to Credit for MSMEs?

What are the challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing finance?

Way forward:

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Rythu Bharosa Scheme:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Salient features of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

Differences between UPS, NPS and OPS (Old Pension Scheme)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

Criteria and Provisions:

Structural Mandate and Implementation

PYQ: