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Type: Schemes

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

    [pib] Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana

    Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Features of Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana

    Why in the News?

    Within just three weeks of its launch, over 10 lakh senior citizens have enrolled for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.

    Note: Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PM-VVY) is a pension scheme and insurance policy for senior citizens in India. One must not get confused with Ayushman-VVY.

    About Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana:

    Details
    Features and Provisions • Cashless health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
    • Beneficiaries receive an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, which grants them access to free treatment in empaneled hospitals across India.
    • Coverage includes medical consultations, treatments, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, and complex procedures such as angioplasty.
    Structural Mandate • Administered under the PM-JAY framework, ensuring structured implementation and integration with India’s health insurance network.
    • Implemented across empaneled hospitals in both urban and rural areas, ensuring nationwide reach.
    • Centralized digital system tracks treatments, patient details, and expenses for transparency and accountability.
    • Specifically designed for senior citizens, addressing their unique healthcare needs.
    Aims and Objectives • Universal healthcare for senior citizens, ensuring access to essential medical treatments without financial strain.
    • Seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for elderly citizens and their families.
    • Encourages preventive care and early medical intervention to address age-related health conditions.
    Eligibility Criteria • Open to all Indian citizens aged 70 and above.
    • There are NO income/ family size restrictions, making it accessible to all senior citizens, regardless of their economic status.
    • Beneficiaries must be Indian citizens.
    • Seniors need to register under PM-JAY to receive the AVV Card and avail of the benefits.

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme named PM Vidyalaxmi to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education.

    About the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:

    Details
    Objective To provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions.
    Eligible Students Students gaining admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), including government and private institutions.
    Annual Family Income Criteria Up to ₹8 lakh for students who do not qualify for other government scholarships or interest subsidies.
    Eligibility Based on NIRF Rankings • Top 100 institutions in overall, category-specific, and domain-specific NIRF lists.
    • State government-run institutions ranked 101-200.
    • All Central government-governed institutions.
    Loan Amounts • Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee.
    • For loans up to ₹10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period.
    Target Beneficiaries Approximately 1 lakh students each year, with preference for students in technical or professional courses from government institutions.
    Financial Outlay ₹3,600 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
    Expected Impact Benefit for 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during the scheme’s duration.
    Application Process Applications can be submitted via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits.
    Payment Processing Interest support payments through e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets.
    Significance Aims to enhance access to higher education for meritorious students, reducing financial barriers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:

    (a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
    (b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
    (c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
    (d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

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  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    Namo Drone Didi Scheme

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Namo Drone Didi Scheme and its features

    Why in the News?

    The Govt. has released the Operational Guidelines for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.

    About Namo Drone Didi Scheme:

    Details
    About
    • Central Sector Scheme for the period of 2024 to 2026.
    • To provide drones to 14,500 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rental agricultural services (applying liquid fertilizers and pesticides)
    Total Funding Rs. 1,261 crore allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    Financial Assistance
    • 80% of the cost (up to ₹8 lakh per drone), with remaining 20% to be financed through loans.
    • Loans available under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with 3% interest subvention; SHGs can also access loans from other Rural Development programs
    Training  
    • 15 days mandatory training for drone pilots.
    • Additional training for drone assistants in repairs and maintenance.
    Training Providers Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
    Implementing Agency
    • Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) responsible for coordinating with State Departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs.
    • They will procure drones through a transparent process, with ownership placed with the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs or the SHGs themselves.
    Operational Limits Drones must operate within visual line of sight (vLOS) and below 400 feet (120 meters) AGL.
    Expected Outcomes
    • Each SHG is expected to cover approximately 2,000-2,500 acres annually;
    • IT-based Management Information System (MIS) – Drone Portal for tracking drone usage, fund disbursement, and monitoring service delivery

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following activities:

    1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
    2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
    3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis.

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Microfinance Story of India

    [pib] Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

    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: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

    mudra

    Why in the News?

    • The Centre has doubled the limit of Mudra loan amount under the PMMY to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh under a new ‘Tarun Plus’ category to promote entrepreneurship in the country.
      • This higher loan limit is available to entrepreneurs who have previously taken and successfully repaid loans under the existing ‘Tarun’ category.

    About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY):

    Details
    Launch  Launched on April 8, 2015, by Prime Minister.
    Objective
    • To provide financial assistance and support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs through collateral-free loans.
    • Non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs are individuals or entities that operate small-scale businesses outside the corporate and agricultural sectors. 
    • These include self-employed workers, small retail shops, artisans, repair services, and other informal sector businesses, often with limited capital and workforce.
    Recent Update Loan limit increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under the new Tarun Plus category, announced in July 2024.
    Loan Categories • Shishu: Loans up to Rs 50,000
    • Kishore: Loans between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh
    • Tarun: Loans between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh
    • Tarun Plus: Loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh
    Loan Performance (2023-24) • 66.8 million Loans sanctioned totaling Rs 5.4 trillion.
    • Over 487.8 million loans worth Rs 29.79 trillion sanctioned since launch.
    NPA Statistics • NPA of public sector banks under Mudra loans decreased to 3.4% in FY24, down from 4.77% in 2020-21.
    • Gross NPA for scheduled commercial banks at 2.8% as of March 2024.
    Target Beneficiaries Aims to empower women, minorities, and marginalized communities by facilitating easy access to credit.
    Technological Intervention
    • MUDRA Card: An innovative credit product that offers an overdraft facility and can be used like a debit card for transactions.
    • MUDRA MITRA App: A mobile application providing information about MUDRA and its schemes, guiding loan seekers to approach banks for availing loans.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:

    (a) Bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system.

    (b) Providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops.

    (c) Providing pension to old and destitute persons.

    (d) Funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation.

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    [pib] PM-YASASVI Scheme

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-YASASVI Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

    About PM-YASASVI Scheme  

    Details
    Launch Year 2021-22
    Purpose To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
    Eligibility Criteria • Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
    • Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
    • Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes.
    Benefits • Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
    • Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
    • Hostel facilities for OBC students
    • Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities.
    Scholarship Amounts • Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
    • Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually
    Selection Criteria • Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
    Application Process • Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
    Significance Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits.

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

    [pib] Government extends SAMARTH Scheme till March 2026

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SAMARTH Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector), which aims to teach 300,000 people in textile-related skills, has been extended for two years (FY 2024–25 and 2025–26).

    Achievements of the SAMARTH Scheme:

    • So far, 3.27 lakh candidates have been trained under the Samarth Scheme, with 2.6 lakh (79.5%) of them gaining employment.
    • There is a strong focus on women’s employment, with 2.89 lakh (88.3%) women trained so far.

    What is ‘SAMARTH’ Scheme?

    Details
    Name Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector)
    Nodal Ministry Ministry of Textiles
    Approval Approved by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs as a continuation of the Integrated Skill Development Scheme for the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP)
    Implementing Agency Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
    Objectives • Provide demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling programs
    • Incentivize industry efforts to create jobs in organized textile and related sectors
    • Promote skilling and skill upgradation in traditional sectors
    Scope Covers the entire textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving
    Special Provisions Includes upskilling and reskilling programs to improve productivity of existing workers in the apparel and garmenting segments
    Target Beneficiaries Handicraft artisans and individuals seeking employment in the textile sector
    Implementing Agencies • Textile Industry
    • Institutions/Organizations of the Ministry of Textiles/State Governments with training infrastructure
    • Reputed training institutions/NGOs/Trusts/Companies with placement tie-ups

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
    2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Rural Distress, Farmer Suicides, Drought Measures

    Farmers to receive aid under Rythu Bharosa

    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?

    After the completion of the loan waiver, the Telangana government will provide Rythu Bharosa assistance to support farmers further.

    About the Rythu Bharosa Scheme:

    Details
    Scheme Name Rythu Bharosa Scheme (Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme – FISS)
    Launch Year 2018-19 Kharif season (Telangana Govt’s Navratna Scheme)
    Objective To support the initial investment needs of farmers by providing financial aid for agriculture and horticulture crops.
    Benefits ₹5,000 per acre per season as a grant for input purchases, with no cap on the number of acres owned by farmers.
    Eligibility
    • Farmers must be residents of Telangana.
    • Must own agricultural land.
    • Small and marginal farmers are eligible.
    • Farmers cultivating land with Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) document (mainly from Scheduled Tribe communities).
    Ineligible Farmers
    • Commercial farmers.
    • Farmers working on a rental contract or tenant farmers.

    Significance of the move

    • Financial Relief for Farmers: By waiving loans of up to ₹2 lakh per farmer, the scheme provides significant financial relief, helping farmers manage their debt and invest in future agricultural activities.
    • Boost to Agricultural Sector: The waiver will enable farmers to focus on improving productivity and crop yields without the burden of debt, potentially boosting the state’s agricultural output.
    • Reduction in Farmer Distress: This move will alleviate distress among farmers, especially those affected by unpredictable weather and fluctuating crop prices, reducing the risk of farm-related suicides and financial instability.

    PYQ:

    [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 trucks
    3. Consumption requirements of farm households
    4. Post-harvest expenses
    5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    [pib] Cabinet approves PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-RKVY, KY

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare into two umbrella schemes:

    • Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) – A cafeteria scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
    • Krishonnati Yojana (KY) – Focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

    About PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):

    Details
    Objective To promote sustainable agriculture and improve agricultural productivity.
    Total Proposed Expenditure Rs 1,01,321.61 crore (combined with Krishonnati Yojana).
    Central Share (DA&FW) Rs 57,074.72 crore under PM-RKVY.
    Key Initiatives under PM-RKVY
    • Soil Health Management
    • Rainfed Area Development
    • Agro Forestry
    • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
    • Agricultural Mechanization (including Crop Residue Management)
    • Per Drop More Crop
    • Crop Diversification Programme
    • RKVY DPR Component
    • Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
    Key Focus Sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, water conservation, crop diversification, organic farming, and agricultural mechanization.
    Flexibility for States Increased flexibility for state governments to reallocate funds based on unique requirements of the states.
    Implementation Method Funds allocated to states, with state governments developing Comprehensive Strategic Documents addressing crop production, climate resilience, and value chains.
    Benefits Avoid duplication, ensure convergence, and streamline the approval process for quicker implementation of Annual Action Plans (AAP).

     

    Schemes merged into Krishonnati Yojana (KY):

    • National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
    • National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
    • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
    • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
    • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
    • National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
    • Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following pairs:

    Programme/Project Ministry
    1. Drought – Prone Areas Programme Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
    2. Desert Development Programme Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
    3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas Ministry of rural development

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) Only 1 and 2

    (b) Only 3

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None of these

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Bio-RIDE Scheme

    Schemes | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bio-RIDE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the “Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme” to support cutting-edge research and development in biotechnology.

    About Bio-RIDE Scheme

    Details
    Objective To support cutting-edge research, bio-entrepreneurship, and bio-manufacturing in biotechnology.
    Total Outlay ₹9,197 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
    Components
    • Merges Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D) and Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED).
    • Introduces Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry as new components.
    Key Aims
    • Fostering Innovation: Promote bio-entrepreneurship and strengthen India’s position in biotechnology.
    • Bridging Gaps: Accelerate research and product development.
    Implementation Focus
    • Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: Seed funding, incubation, mentorship for startups.
    • Advancing Innovation: Grants for research in synthetic biology, bio-pharma, and bio-plastics.
    Focus Areas
    • Extramural Funding for research in agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability.
    • Nurturing human resources in biotechnology.
    Industry-Academia Collaboration Synergies between academic institutions and industry to accelerate commercialization of bio-based products.
    Significance
    • Enhances bio-innovation and supports sustainable development.
    • Contributes to achieving green goals and global leadership in biotechnology.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

    (a) Department of Science and Technology

    (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment

    (c) NITI Aayog

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

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  • Rural Infrastructure Schemes

    Pradhan Mantri-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the “Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan” with a total outlay of ₹79,156 crore (₹56,333 crore as central share and ₹22,823 crore as state share).

    About Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

    Details
    Objective Improve socio-economic conditions of tribal communities through scheme convergence.
    Outlay ₹79,156 crore (₹56,333 crore central; ₹22,823 crore state share).
    Coverage 63,000 villages; 5 crore people in 549 districts across 30 States/UTs.
    Focus Areas Housing, healthcare, education, skill development, livelihoods, infrastructure.
    Implementation 25 interventions by 17 ministries; monitored via PM Gati Shakti Portal.
    Social Component
    • Pucca houses (PMAY), water supply (Jal Jeevan Mission), road and mobile connectivity, education, healthcare.
    • Increase GER, build tribal hostels, reduce IMR & MMR through Mobile Medical Units.
    Economic Push Tribal Home Stays, Sickle Cell Disease management (Centers of Competence), 100 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) for tribal product marketing.
    Sustainable Livelihood Support 22 Lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders for forest rights and sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, and allied activities.
    Special Initiatives Tribal Home Stays, SCD management, and establishment of Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMC).
    Eligibility Tribal-majority villages: 500+ population (plains), 250+ (NE & Hill States), 100+ (LWE districts based on Census 2011).

     

    PYQ:

    [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?​

    (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.​

    (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj​

    (c) Ministry of Rural Development​

    (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs​

    [2017] What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

    [2016] Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.

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