💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Type: Schemes

  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme Versions 1.0 vs 2.0 Comparison

    PLI 1.0

    PLI 2.0

    Launch Year March 2020 May 2023
    Objective Promote domestic manufacturing, reduce imports, create jobs Enhance IT hardware manufacturing, increase global competitiveness
    Budget ₹7,350 crore (for IT hardware) ₹17,000 crore (for IT hardware)
    Duration 4 years 6 years
    Incentive Structure 1% – 4% of incremental sales over the base year ~5% of incremental sales over six years
    Sectors Covered
    • Initially focused on 3 sectors: Mobile manufacturing, electrical components, and medical devices.
    • Later expanded to 14 sectors, including: Specified electronic components, critical key starting materials (pharma), auto components, pharma drugs, specialty steel, telecom and networking, electronics/technology products, white goods (ACs, LEDs), food products, textiles (MMF/technical textiles), high-efficiency solar PV modules, advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, drones
    Primarily IT hardware (laptops, tablets, servers, PCs)
    Component Incentives No additional incentives for specific components Additional incentives for local component manufacturing (e.g., memory modules, SSDs)
    Expected Investment ₹2,500 crore (estimated) ₹2,430 crore (estimated)
    Employment Generation Not specified in detail 75,000 direct jobs, up to 2 lakh indirect jobs
    Production and Export Targets Not explicitly stated ₹3.35 lakh crore production; $12-17 billion exports by 2025-26
    Eligibility and Caps Domestic companies with minimum investment of ₹20 crore Global, hybrid, and domestic companies with caps (₹4,500 crore for global, ₹2,250 crore for hybrid, ₹500 crore for domestic)

     

  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    [pib] UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UJALA scheme

    Why in the News?

    The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, launched on January 5, 2015 has completed a decade of remarkable success.

    About UJALA Scheme:

    Launch Details
    • Launched on 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi.
    • Originally called the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP).
    • Aims to promote energy-efficient LED appliances in households.
    • Recognized as the world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting initiative.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power.
    • Competitive bidding ensures reduced prices for LED appliances.
    • LED appliances distributed via DISCOMs and designated centers.
    • Real-time e-procurement and transparency audits ensure accountability.
    Significant Features
    • Affordability: LED prices significantly lower than market rates (e.g., ₹70 per bulb, ₹220 per tube light).
    • Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent lamps (ICLs) and 50% less than CFLs.
    • Cost Savings: Reduced electricity bills and lower annual ownership costs.
    • Market Transformation: Sale of over 407 crore LED bulbs in India.
    • Environmental Impact: Reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with India’s climate goals.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?

    1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
    2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer lifespan than LED lamps.
    3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Indian Navy Updates

    What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Coastal Security Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.

    What is the Coastal Security Scheme?

    • CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
    • It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.

    Implementation Phases

    • Phase I (2005–2011)
      • Budget: ₹646 crore
      • Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
    • Phase II (2011–2020)
      • Budget: ₹1,579.91 crore
      • Added 131 coastal police stations, 60 jetties, 10 marine operational centers, 225 boats, 131 four-wheelers, and 242 motorcycles.

    Key Features

    • Infrastructure Development: Construction of coastal police stations, jetties, outposts, barracks, and marine operation centers.
    • Marine Patrolling: Deployment of interceptor boats for rapid response and improved surveillance.
    • Manpower & Training: Specialized marine police personnel trained at the National Academy of Coastal Policing (Gujarat).
    • Technological Integration: Collaboration with the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) for real-time monitoring and swift threat detection.

    Current Status

    • Phase III Plans:
      • Upgraded Boats & Equipment: Introducing larger, more stable vessels and better maintenance.
      • More Manpower: Focused recruitment and specialized training for marine police.
      • Infrastructure Expansion: Building new jetties and operational centers, backed by adequate funding.
      • Insurance Coverage: Proposals to protect marine police personnel operating in high-risk conditions.
  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Matsya Seva Kendras

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Matsya Seva Kendras

    Why in the News?

    India’s fisheries sector, contributing to the livelihoods of over 3 crore fishers and producing a record 175 lakh tons of fish in 2022-23, is being strengthened through initiatives like Matsya Seva Kendras.

    About Matsya Seva Kendra (MSK)

    • MSKs are one-stop centers established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to support fishers and fish farmers.
    • They provide a wide range of technical, advisory, and capacity-building services aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector and ensuring sustainable practices.
    • Role of MSKs:
      • Offer water, soil, and microbial analysis to address disease management and improve aquaculture productivity.
      • Conduct capacity-building programs for fishers, focusing on sustainable practices and advanced aquaculture techniques.
      • Empower women and weaker sections with 60% financial assistance for setting up MSKs.
      • Mobilize start-ups, cooperatives, and fish farmer producer organizations to share best practices.
      • Promote regenerative and conservation practices to tackle challenges posed by climate change.

    About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samapada Yojana (PMMSY):

    • The scheme aims to bring about a Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of India’s fisheries sector.
    • It was launched as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package with an investment of ₹20,050 crore, the highest-ever allocation for the fisheries sector.
    • It is implemented across all States and Union Territories from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
    • It provides insurance coverage, financial assistance, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers.
    • It is implemented as an umbrella scheme with two components:
      • Central Sector Scheme: Entirely funded by the Central Government.
      • Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Cost shared between the Centre and States/UTs.

    How Do Sagar Mitras Support Fishers?

    • Sagar Mitras act as a vital link between the government and sea-borne fishers, facilitating access to information and resources in coastal regions.
    • Role of Sagar Mitras:
      • Collect data on marine catch, price trends, and market requirements.
      • Provide updates on local regulations, weather conditions, and potential fishing zones.
      • Educate fishers on hygienic fish handling, sustainable fishing techniques, and compliance with regulatory measures.
      • Act as a key contact during emergencies, offering information on natural calamities and safety protocols.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Defining the Blue Revolution, explain the problems and strategies of fisheries in India. 

  • Land Reforms

    Govt to issue over 5.8 million SVAMITVA Property Cards

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SVAMITVA Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Over 58 lakh property cards will be issued to owners in approximately 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs through a virtual event addressed by PM Modi under the SVAMITVA Scheme.

    About SVAMITVA Scheme:

    Details
    About
    • Full Form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
    • Launched on 24th April 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
    • Objective: Provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India, issuing Record of Rights to households in inhabited rural areas (village abadi areas).
    • Central Sector Scheme: Fully funded by the Central Government, implemented in collaboration with States/UTs and the Survey of India.

    Primary Goals:
    1. Demarcation of inhabited areas using drone technology.
    2. Creation of property cards (Record of Rights).
    3. Formalizing ownership to reduce disputes and enable financial asset use.

    Structural Mandate Implementing Agencies:

    • Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the national level.
    • State Revenue Department/Land Records Department at the state level.
    • Survey of India (as the technology partner).

    Coverage:

    • The scheme is being implemented in phases from 2020-2024.
    • Initially covered 6.62 lakh villages in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, including a few border villages of Punjab and Rajasthan.
    • West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland, and Meghalaya have not joined the scheme yet.
    • Nomenclature: Title Deed in Haryana, Rural Property Ownership Records (RPOR) in Karnataka, Adhikar Abhilekh in Madhya Pradesh, Sannad in Maharashtra, Svamitva Abhilekh in Uttarakhand, and Gharauni in Uttar Pradesh.
    Key Features and Significance
    • Use of Drone Survey Technology: Drones capture high-resolution images for accurate mapping of village abadi lands.
    • Issuance of Property Cards: Known by various names (e.g., ‘Gharauni’ in UP). Serves as legal proof of ownership.
    • Phased Implementation (2020–2024): Began in select states (UP, Haryana, Maharashtra, MP, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, plus border villages in Punjab/Rajasthan), expanding nationwide.
    • Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS): Network stations for precise drone-based surveys in pilot-phase states.
    • Stakeholder Collaboration: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue/Land Records Depts, Survey of India, etc.
    Progress Made So Far
    • Drone Surveys & Mapping: 92% of targeted drone mapping completed across 3.17 lakh villages; full targets likely by 2026.
    • Issuance of Property Cards: Over 2.19 crore property cards finalized; latest distribution covered 58 lakh cards in 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs.
    • Phased Rollout: Successful pilots led to larger-scale implementation.
    • Collaborative Efforts: Coordination among Panchayati Raj Ministry, Survey of India, and state-level agencies; financial support from the Centre.
    • Recognition of Success: Regarded as a landmark initiative for minimizing litigation, enhancing rural governance, and clarifying property rights.

     

    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.

    (c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.

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

  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan

    Why in the News?

    Since its launch, PM-AASHA has significantly benefitted farmers, contributing to the procurement of 195.39 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of agricultural commodities, valued at ₹1,07,433.73 crore, from over 99 lakh farmers.

    Procurement Details:

    • In the Rabi 2023-24 season, 6.41 LMT of pulses, valued at ₹4,820 crore, were procured from 2.75 lakh farmers. This included:
      • 2.49 LMT of Masoor
      • 43,000 metric tonnes of Chana
      • LMT of Moong
    • In addition, 12.19 LMT of oilseeds, valued at ₹6,900 crore, were procured from 5.29 lakh farmers.
    • In the ongoing Kharif season, the government has procured 5.62 LMT of Soyabean, valued at ₹2,700 crore, benefiting 2.42 lakh farmers.

    About the PM-AASHA Scheme

    Details Launched in 2018, PM-AASHA is an umbrella scheme encompassing various components to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Ensuring fair prices for farmers by providing price support when market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
    • Stabilize the prices of essential commodities, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
    • Addressing price fluctuations and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for crops like pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Type: Central Sector Scheme (Fully funded by the Centre).
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
    • Fund Allocation: Rs. 35,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (up to 2025-26).
    • Central Nodal Agencies (CNA):
      • Guarantees to lender banks for extending cash credit facilities to agencies like NAFED (National Agricultural Co-operative Marketing Federation of India Limited) and NCCF (National Co-operative Consumer’s Federation of India Limited) for MSP procurement.
      • Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) will procure pulses at market price from pre-registered farmers on eSamridhi Portal of NAFED and eSamyukti Portal of NCCF when prices exceed MSP.

    Key Components:

    • Price Support Scheme (PSS):
    • The PSS is the core component of PM-AASHA, operating through state governments to procure notified commodities at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) levels.
    • It provides financial relief to farmers when market prices fall below MSP, offering remunerative prices and promoting investment in agriculture.
    • The government fixes the MSP for 24 crops at 1.5 times the Cost of Production (CoP) to ensure a fair income for farmers.
    • Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS):
    • Under PDPS, farmers are provided direct payments if the market prices of oilseeds fall below the MSP.
    • It helps bridge the gap between MSP and market prices, ensuring that farmers still get a fair return.
    • Market Intervention Scheme (MIS):
    • The MIS provides financial assistance to states for price stabilization of perishable agricultural commodities like Tomato, Onion, and Potato, which are not covered under MSP.
    • This scheme helps manage price volatility and benefits both farmers and consumers by stabilizing prices.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:

    (a) Digital security infrastructure

    (b) Food security infrastructure

    (c) Health care and education infrastructure

    (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    [pib] Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Program

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Program

    Why in the News?

    The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) has facilitated a collaboration between the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Trois Infotech on the development of “Face Recognition Using Drone” technology.

    About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):

    Details
    • Launched on October 1, 2022 under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Ministry of Telecommunications.
    • Supports indigenous telecom technologies, especially for rural communication needs.

    About USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) 

    • USOF was established in April 2002 under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act 2003.
    • Objective: To provide financial support for telecom services in rural and remote areas that are commercially unviable.
    • A non-lapsable fund, with the levy amount credited for continuous use.
    • Operates as an attached office of the Department of Telecom, headed by an administrator appointed by the Central Government.
    • Initially focused on providing basic telecom services in rural areas at affordable prices.
    • Expanded scope to include mobile services, broadband connectivity, and infrastructure development in rural and remote areas.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Encourage Innovation: Create synergies across stakeholders (startups, R&D, academia) and focus on rural-specific telecom solutions.
    • Bridge the Digital Divide: Provide affordable telecom solutions for rural areas and enhance connectivity.
    • Intellectual Property Creation: Support R&D projects contributing to patentable technologies.
    Key Features and Structural Mandate Funding Mechanism:

    • Grants for Indian startups, research institutes, academia, and telecom companies for R&D on rural telecom solutions.
    • Managed by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) with USOF as the administering body.

    Features:

    • Incentives for Startups: Provides financial incentives for telecom R&D projects from prototype to commercialization.
    • Collaborative Framework: Promotes collaboration between stakeholders such as startups, telecom companies, universities, and R&D centers.
    • PoC and Pilot Support: Encourages proof of concept testing and pilots to validate technological solutions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?

    1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
    2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
    3. Finance Commission
    4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
    5. NITI Aayog

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 1, 3 and 4
    (c) 3, 4 and 5
    (d) 2 and 5

  • Pension Reforms

    Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

    Why in the News?

    The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour has recommended increasing the minimum pension of ₹1,000 paid by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).

    About the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS):

    Details
    • Introduced in 1995 by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    • Provides pension benefits to employees in the organized sector.
    Aims and Objectives
    • To provide pension benefits to employees in the organized sector.
    • Ensures financial security for employees post-retirement or in case of disability or death.
    Features and Significance
    • Employee and Employer Contribution: Both contribute 12% of the salary towards the EPF.
    • Employer’s Contribution: 8.33% of the employer’s contribution goes towards the pension fund.
    • Union Government Contribution: 1.16% of the employee’s basic salary is contributed to the pension fund.
    • Pension Fund Setup: The fund is created by allocating 8.33% of the employer’s contribution from the EPF corpus.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation Supreme Court in November 2022, the court upheld the Employees’ Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014, extending the deadline for opting for the new scheme by 4 months.

    • Pre-Amendment Scheme: Pensionable salary was based on the average salary of the last 12 months prior to exiting the pension fund.
    • Post-Amendment Scheme (2014): Pensionable salary based on average salary of the last 60 months (5 years).
    Eligibility Criteria
    • Applies to employees whose basic salary exceeds ₹15,000 per month.
    • Employees who are members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and meet the contribution requirements are eligible for the scheme.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage.

    2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment.

    3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.

    Which of the above statements are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    [pib] Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, AB-NHPM

    Why in the News?

    • In February 2018, the Centre had launched the initiative to establish 1,50,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), formerly known as Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), by December 2022.
      • As of 31st July 2024, 1,73,881 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been set up and are fully operational, exceeding the original target.

    About the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs):

    Details
    • Launched to provide comprehensive health services covering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for all age groups.
      • First AAM was launched in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh on April 18th, 2018.
    • In FY 2018-19, over 17,000 AAMs were operationalized, surpassing the target of 15,000.
      • Currently, there are 1.6 lakh such centres across India.
    • National Health Policy of 2017 envisioned AAMs as the cornerstone of India’s health system.
      • In 2023, the Union Health Ministry renamed AB-HWCs as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with the tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.
    Aims and Objectives
    • To provide universal, free-of-cost, and accessible primary healthcare services to both rural and urban populations.
    Features and Significance
    • Services provided include preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
    • AAMs offer a comprehensive 12-package set of services.
    • Sub-Health Centres (SHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHC) are being transformed to offer broader healthcare services.
    Structural Mandate Implemented via 2 Components:

    1. Comprehensive Primary Health Care: The mission plans to establish 1,50,000 AAMs in rural and urban areas to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services.
    2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): The scheme provides a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakh per year to more than 10 crore vulnerable families for secondary and tertiary care.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

    1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
    2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
    3. It has seamless portability across the country.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

    [pib] Projects under PM-DevINE Scheme

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-DevINE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Development of North-East Region has provided progress update regarding various projects under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme.

    About the PM-DevINE Scheme:

    Details PM-DevINE is a Central Sector scheme introduced under the Union Budget 2022-23, aiming to drive development in the North Eastern Region (NER) through infrastructure and social projects.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Infrastructure Development: Enhance connectivity and accessibility in NER, aligned with PM GatiShakti.
    • Social Development: Address critical issues and improve residents’ quality of life.
    • Livelihood Opportunities: Focus on creating opportunities for youth and women.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Nodal Agency: Ministry of Development of North-East Region.
    • Approval: Cabinet approved on 12th October 2022.
    • Central Funding: 100% central funding for projects.
    • Outlay: Rs. 6600 crore for FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26.
    • Project Sanctions: 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore sanctioned as of November 2024.
    State-wise Project Analysis
    • Sikkim: Passenger Ropeway System (completed), Skywalk Project (13% completed).
    • Mizoram: Bamboo Link Roads (28% completed).
    • Nagaland: Special Development Projects (30% completed).
    • Assam: School Transformations (55% completed), IT Park Construction (23% completed).
    • Manipur: Infrastructure for Manipur Technical University (25% completed).
    • Tripura: Solar Micro Grid (30% completed), Skill Development Centre (work started).