[pib] Project NAKSHA

18 February 2025 | PIB Prelims Only Schemes | Governance

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Project NAKSHA

Why in the News?

Union Minister of Rural Development has inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs).

What is Project NAKSHA?

It is an AI-driven urban land survey and digitization initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, the project aims to modernize urban land records through geospatial mapping, drone technology, and AI.
Launched in February 2025, the initiative will digitize and update land records in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs) in its pilot phase.
Survey of India is the technical partner, conducting aerial mapping and high-resolution imaging to create accurate, tamper-proof property records.
The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) is developing an end-to-end web-GIS platform.
- National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide storage and data security.
- The Survey of India will provide orthorectified imagery for accurate mapping.
Project NAKSHA builds on:

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) for digitizing rural land records.
SVAMITVA Scheme, using drone technology to map village properties.

Budgetary Provisions:

- Pilot phase funding: ₹194 crore, fully financed by the Government of India.
- Overall Phase 1 budget: ₹5,000 crore for nationwide expansion.

Aims and Objectives of Project NAKSHA:

Standardizing urban property ownership details to eliminate land disputes.
Ensuring fraud-proof, legally valid land documentation.
Drone surveys and satellite imagery for precision mapping.
Detecting encroachments, illegal constructions, and land use changes.
Providing spatial data for urban expansion and infrastructure projects.
Digital land records enable seamless property transactions and ownership transfers.

Features and Provisions:

150+ cities covered in the first year, with full urban coverage in five years.
AI-enabled classification to identify disputed, encroached, or illegal land parcels.
Web-GIS Platform for Land Record Management to be developed by MPSEDC, ensuring real-time data access and updates.
States and UTs to conduct field surveys and ground verification.

PYQ:

[2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.

(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

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Government Budgets

[pib] SASCI Scheme

11 February 2025 | Schemes | Economics

Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: SASCI Scheme

Why in the News?

The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects across 23 states, allocating ₹3295.76 crore under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme for the Financial Year 2024-25.

What is the SASCI Scheme?

The SASCI Scheme was launched in FY 2020-21 to support state capital expenditure and drive economic growth.
Initially introduced as a post-COVID recovery measure, it has been expanded in FY 2023-24 with an allocation of ₹1.3 lakh crore.
The scheme funds infrastructure projects, urban reforms, tourism development, and sustainability initiatives.
Structural Mandate: The scheme has eight parts based on states’ share of central taxes:

General Capital Assistance (₹1 lakh crore): Allocated based on states’ share of central taxes.
Vehicle Scrappage & Testing Facilities: Incentives for phasing out old vehicles & setting up automated testing centers.
Urban Planning Reforms: Encourages modern land-use planning & governance improvements.
Urban Finance Reforms: Strengthens municipal revenue models & financial sustainability.
Housing for Police Personnel: Funds residential units for police & their families.
Cultural & Economic Development (Unity Malls): Promotes One District One Product (ODOP), Make in India & local entrepreneurship.
Digital Libraries at Panchayat/Ward Levels: ₹5,000 crore for library infrastructure & digital learning access.
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres: Global-scale branding & infrastructure for major tourism hubs.

Features & Significance:

Boosts capital investment to stimulate demand and job creation.
Encourages reforms in urban governance, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Promotes responsible tourism and global branding of iconic destinations.
Strengthens local industries through One District One Product (ODOP).
Improves public services like policing, water supply, and rural roads.

PYQ:

[2016] Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India?

Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
Loans received from foreign governments
Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

[pib] NITI Aayog launches Swavalambini Initiative

10 February 2025 | PIB Schemes | Governance

Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Swavalambini Initiative

Why in the News?

The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:

It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
Aims and Objectives:
- Empowerment: To inspire and equip young women to become job creators and leaders, thereby contributing to economic development in Northeast India.
- Skill Development: To provide structured training that covers essential business aspects, enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial competencies.
Provisions and Features:
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session introducing 600 female students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): An intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected participants, covering topics such as financial planning, market access, legal compliance, and business networking.
- Mentorship: Six months of dedicated mentorship to assist participants in transforming their business ideas into viable enterprises.
- Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A 5-day training for faculty members to enhance their ability to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs effectively.

PYQ:

[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

GREAT Scheme

7 February 2025 | 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: GREAT Scheme

Why in the News?

As of February 4, 2025, 4 startups have been approved under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ Scheme.

About GREAT Scheme:

The GREAT Scheme is a government initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it provides financial support to startups working in technical textiles.
The scheme focuses on Medical Textiles, Industrial Textiles, and Protective Textiles, fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
It aims to promote entrepreneurship in technical textiles by funding early-stage innovations.

Provisions and Features:

- Financial Support: Startups receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for up to a period of 18 months.
- No Royalty Requirement: Unlike private funding, the government does not take a share of the startup’s profits.
- Upfront Contribution: Startups must deposit 10% of the allocated grant (e.g., ₹5 lakh for a ₹50 lakh grant).
- Sector Focus: Covers Medical, Industrial, and Protective Technical Textiles.
- Budget Allocation: Part of the ₹375 crore funding for FY 2025 under NTTM.

Back2Basics: National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

Launched in 2020 to make India a global leader in technical textiles through research and innovation.
Budget of ₹1,480 crore, focusing on medical, industrial, protective, and geo-textiles.
Supports R&D, skill development, and investment in high-performance textiles for defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Includes Production-Linked Incentives (PLI), PM MITRA Parks, and quality control regulations to boost manufacturing.
Aims to increase India’s technical textiles market to $40-50 billion with 15-20% annual growth.

PYQ:

[2013] Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.

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Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

Union Budget 2025-26 has increased financial support for the PM Surya Ghar scheme

6 February 2025 | Schemes | Economics
Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Why in the News?

The Union Budget 2025 has significantly increased the allocation for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (SGMBY) to ₹20,000 crore, up from ₹11,100 crore in the FY25 Revised Estimates (RE) and ₹6,250 crore in the FY25 Budget Estimates (BE).

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
- It is a flagship initiative launched by Prime Minister on February 15, 2024, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- It aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units per month by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels in 1 crore households across India.
- The scheme has a budget outlay of ₹75,021 crore and is planned for implementation until FY 2026-27.
- The initiative is part of India’s clean energy transition, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
- Key Features:
  - 40% subsidy on installation costs through Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
1. 1. 1 kilowatt: 30,000 rupees
    
    2 kilowatts: 60,000 rupees
    
    3 kilowatts: 48,000 rupees
    
    3 kilowatts or more: 78,000 rupees
- - National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.
  - Two Solar Installation Models:
1. 1. RESCO Model – Third-party ownership, with consumers paying only for electricity used.
    
    Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Model – DISCOMs or state agencies install solar panels for households.
- - Model Solar Village: ₹1 crore incentive for the top-performing village in each district.
  - Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): ₹100 crore fund to encourage private investment in solar energy.
Significance
- Reduces Electricity Bills: Households can save ₹15,000 to ₹1,80,000 annually.
- Boosts Renewable Energy: Helps achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity, bridging the gap from 10.4 GW (as of November 2023).
- Strengthens Energy Security: Expands access to sustainable and decentralized power.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Empowers Rural India: 50% of projects are expected in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, promoting economic growth and electrification.
PYQ:

[2020] India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.
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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme

6 February 2025 | 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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Nuclear Energy

What is the ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’?

6 February 2025 | 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

5 February 2025 | 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)

3 February 2025 | 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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Type: Schemes

Why in the News?

What is Project NAKSHA?

Aims and Objectives of Project NAKSHA:

Features and Provisions:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the SASCI Scheme?

Features & Significance:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About GREAT Scheme:

Back2Basics: National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

Significance

PYQ:

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: