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

Type: Schemes

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

    [pib] Operational Guidelines for Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Model Solar Village

    Why in the news?

    • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
      • The centre recently allocated ₹800 crore for the same.

    About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

    Description
    Purpose To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.
    Deadline Extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
    Announcement Initially announced in an Interim Budget 2024-25 speech by the Finance Minister.
    Target Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
    Implementation Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats are incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems.
    Financial Support
    Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units) Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity Subsidy Support
    0-150 1-2 kW ₹ 30,000  to ₹ 60,000
    150-300 2-3 kW ₹ 60,000  to ₹ 78,000
    > 300 Above 3 kW ₹ 78,000

     

    Features of the ‘Model Solar Village’ Initiative:

    Details
    Comprehensive Solarization
    • Solarize all households and public areas with home lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights.
    • Seeks to create one Model Solar Village per district.
    Implementing Agency State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) or another entity nominated by the State/UT Government will implement the scheme.
    24×7 Solar-Powered Village Develop villages powered entirely by solar energy, promoting self-reliance in meeting energy needs.
    Central Financial Assistance (CFA)
    • ₹1 crore grant per village based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Implementing Agency.
    • The total financial allocation for this initiative is ₹800 crore.
    Eligibility Criteria
    • Revenue village with a population over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states).
    • Based on installed renewable energy capacity, overseen by the District Level Committee (DLC) 6 months after the declaration.
    Fund Disbursement 40% on the award of works, 40% after completion, 20% after 6 months of operation.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:

    1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.

    2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    [pib] Nandini Sahakar Yojana

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Nandini Sahakar Yojana

    Why in the News?

    • The Minister of Cooperation has provided some information about the Nandini Sahakar Yojana.
      • NCDC has cumulatively disbursed financial assistance amounting to Rs. 6426.36 crore for the development of cooperative societies exclusively promoted by women across the country.

    About Nandini Sahakar Yojana

    • The Nandini Sahakar Scheme was initiated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 2010.
    • It is a women-focused framework providing financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding, and capacity development.
    • The scheme aims to assist women cooperatives in undertaking business model-based activities under the purview of NCDC.

    Features of the Scheme

    • Any cooperative society with at least 50% women as primary members and a minimum of three months in operation is eligible to apply.
    • Assistance is provided in the form of credit linkage for infrastructure term loans and working capital, along with subsidies or interest subvention from other government schemes.
    • There is no minimum or maximum limit on financial assistance for projects by women cooperatives.
    • NCDC offers a 2% interest subvention on its rate of interest on term loans for new and innovative activities.
    • A 1% interest subvention is provided on term loans for all other activities, resulting in lower borrowing costs for women cooperatives.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: Issues & Development

    [pib] CIL ASHIS Scheme

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: CIL ASHIS Scheme; CSR Initiatives

    Why in the News?

    Coal India Limited (CIL) has launched a CSR initiative named CIL ASHIS to provide scholarships to children who lost their parents to COVID-19 and were unable to continue their studies.

    What is CIL ASHIS Scheme?

    • The CIL ASHIS Scheme, launched by Coal India Limited (CIL), stands for Ayushman Shiksha Sahayata.
    • The scheme aims to provide financial support for the education of children who lost their parents to COVID-19, ensuring they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams.

    Features of the CIL ASHIS Scheme

    • Each eligible child receives a scholarship worth ₹45,000 per year.
    • The scholarship is provided for a period of 4 years.
    • The scheme targets 1,645 children who have been identified as needing assistance.
    • Compassionate Appointment for:
      • Dependents of CIL employees who lost their lives while in service.
      • Beneficiaries need to apply for compassionate appointments through CIL’s established procedures.

    PYQ:

    [2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:

    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    [pib] Update on Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Features of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

    Why in the News?

    • An Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA) strategy was launched to ensure quality Antenatal Care (ANC) for pregnant women.
      • The strategy focuses on individual tracking of high-risk pregnancies (HRP) and provision of additional PMSMA sessions beyond the 9th of every month.

    About High-Risk Pregnancy: 

    • A high-risk pregnancy involves greater risk of health complications for the mother, the foetus, or both, due to pre-existing medical conditions, conditions that develop during pregnancy, or foetal issues.
    • Common Factors:
      • Maternal Health Conditions: Pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, HIV, kidney disease, or conditions arising during pregnancy like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
      • Obstetric Factors: Previous caesarean section, history of preterm labor, multiple pregnancies, and congenital malformations.

    About Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

    Details
    About An initiative to provide quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women.
    Launch  October 2016
    Target Group All pregnant women, especially those in their second and third trimesters.
    Frequency Services provided on the 9th of every month at government health facilities.
    Objective Ensure safe motherhood by providing comprehensive and quality antenatal care universally.
    Key Functions
    • General Check-Up: Physical and clinical examinations by medical professionals.
    • Laboratory Investigations: Routine blood tests, urine tests, and other necessary laboratory investigations.
    • Ultrasound: Ultrasound examination to monitor foetal growth and development.
    • Counseling: Nutritional and lifestyle counseling to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
    • High-Risk Identification: Screening and identification of high-risk pregnancies and appropriate referrals for specialized care.
    Key Features
    • Free of Cost: All services under PMSMA are provided free of cost.
    • Fixed Day ANC Services: Antenatal care services are provided on a fixed day every month.
    • Lab Investigations: Basic investigations like Hb, urine albumin, RBS, malaria test, VDRL test, blood grouping, CBC, ESR, and USG.
    • Public-Private Partnership: Encourages participation of private sector healthcare providers in providing ANC services.
    • Incentives: Incentives for healthcare providers who participate in the program.
    Categorization of Pregnant Women 
    • Green Sticker – for women with no risk factor detected
    • Red Sticker – for women with high risk pregnancy
    • Blue Sticker – for women with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
    • Yellow Sticker – pregnancy with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, STIs
    Benefits
    • Improved Maternal Health: Regular and comprehensive ANC helps in early detection and management of complications, improving maternal health outcomes.
    • Reduced Mortality Rates: Timely and quality care reduces maternal and infant mortality rates.
    • Health Education: Provides health education and counseling to pregnant women, promoting better health practices.
    • High-Risk Management: Identifies and manages high-risk pregnancies effectively, ensuring specialized care for those who need it.

    PYQ:

    [2024]  With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:

    1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.

    2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Gold Monetisation Scheme

    What is the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SGB Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Recent reports suggest that the government might reduce or discontinue the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme due to its high cost.

    Decline in Popularity of SGB:

    • This speculation follows the Union budget’s decision to slash customs duties on gold and silver from 15% to 6%.
    • The reduction in customs duties is expected to decrease demand for SGBs, which has already led to a 2-5% drop in their prices on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

    About Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

    Details
    Launch 2015
    Nature
    • Government securities denominated in grams of gold.
    • Issued by RBI.
    Objective Reduce dependence on gold imports and shift savings from physical gold to paper form.
    Eligibility Resident in India, including individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
    Denomination and Tenor
    • Denominated in multiples of grams of gold, with a basic unit of 1 gram.
    • Tenor of 8 years with an exit option from the 5th year on interest payment dates.
    Investment Limits
    • Minimum: 1 gram of gold.
    • Maximum: 4 kg for individuals and HUFs,
      • 20 kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal year.
    Benefits
    • Quantity of gold protected, receiving market price at redemption.
    • Eliminates storage risks and costs.
    • Assured market value at maturity and periodic interest.
    • Free from making charges and purity issues.
    • Held in RBI books or demat form, eliminating scrip loss risk.
    Add-ons
    • Can be used as collateral for loans.
    • Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio set equal to ordinary gold loans.

     

    PYQ: 

    [2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

    1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy
    2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
    3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    https://indianexpress.com/article/business/commodities/gold-customs-duty-may-take-some-shine-off-sovereign-gold-bonds-9485686/

  • RBI Notifications

    RBI Circular on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), IFSC.

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has broadened the regulations governing remittances to International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The RBI’s circular authorizes “authorised persons” to facilitate remittances for all permissible purposes under LRS to IFSCs.

    About Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

    • LRS is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999, regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
    • The scheme was introduced by the RBI in 2004 to facilitate outward remittances from India.
    • LRS allows resident individuals, including minors, to remit a specified amount of money abroad each financial year (April – March).
    • Currently, individuals are allowed to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year under LRS.
    • Funds remitted under LRS can be used for permissible current or capital account transactions, or a combination of both.
    • Permissible Uses:
      • Expenses related to travel (private or for business).
      • Medical treatment abroad.
      • Payment of fees for education abroad.
      • Gifts and donations.
      • Maintenance of close relatives.
      • Investment in shares, debt instruments, and immovable properties overseas.
    • Accounts: Individuals can open and maintain foreign currency accounts with banks outside India for transactions permitted under LRS.
    • Exclusions: LRS is NOT available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, etc.

    Prohibited Transactions:

    • Remittances for activities prohibited under Schedule-I of FEMA, such as purchase of lottery tickets, sweepstakes, proscribed magazines, etc.
    • Trading in foreign exchange abroad.
    • Remittances to countries identified as non-cooperative by the FATF.
    • Remittances to individuals/entities identified as posing a terrorism risk by the RBI.

    Significance of the move

    • The RBI’s decision reinforces GIFT IFSC’s position as a prominent international financial services hub.
    • By broadening the scope of LRS, GIFT IFSC aims to attract more diverse investments and transactions, contributing to the growth of India’s financial sector.
  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    [pib] GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: GAINS Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Ministry has launched the “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)” of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.

    About GAINS 2024

    • GAINS aims to address challenges in shipyards and promote technology development through startups nurtured in the country.
    • It aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
      • Objective: To seek solutions for shipyard-related problems and promote technological advancements.
      • Target Audience: MSMEs and Start-Ups encouraged to develop innovative solutions.

    Significance of the Scheme

    • GAINS aims to strengthen maritime security and air defence through technological advancements.
    • It leverages MSMEs and Start-Ups to achieve self-reliance in ship design and construction.

    Various defence production indigenisation initiatives in India:

    • ADITI Scheme (2024): The scheme targets the development of approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe.
    • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Requires 50% indigenous content in procurement contracts.
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists: Mandates domestic procurement for nearly 5,000 items.
    • Srijan Indigenisation Portal (2020): Lists over 34,000 items for indigenisation.
    • Domestic Procurement Budget: Increased from 40% (₹52,000 crore) in 2020-21 to 75% (₹99,223 crore) in 2023-24.

    Innovations and R&D support:

    • iDEX Initiative (2018): Involves MSMEs, start-ups, and academia in defence innovation.
    • iDEX Prime (2022): Provides grants up to ₹10 crore for high-end solutions.
    • Technology Development Fund (TDF): Funding increased from ₹10 crore to ₹50 crore per project.
  • Foreign Policy Watch- India-Central Asia

    [pib] Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (NFlES)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NFlES Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).

    Do you know?

    • Central sector schemes: They are 100% funded by the Union government and implemented by the Central Government machinery. It covers subjects from Union List (central subjects).
    • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): It has a certain percentage of the funding borne by the States and the implementation is by the State Governments.It covers subjects from Concurrent List (shared subjects).
      • States have some flexibility to modify schemes to suit local needs within central guidelines.

    About National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFlES)

    • The Central Sector Scheme NFIES aims to strengthen national forensic infrastructure, expand NFSU’s reach, and establish CFSLs to meet growing forensic demands.
    • It aligns with India’s goals of enhancing forensic capabilities and securing robust criminal justice outcomes.

    Key Components of NFlES:

    • Campuses of NFSU: Establishing campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across India.
    • Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs): Setting up new CFSLs nationwide.
      • Delhi Campus Enhancement: Upgrading infrastructure at the Delhi Campus of NFSU.
      • Financial outlay: Rs. 2254.43 crore for 2024-25 to 2028-29, funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Objectives:  
      • Enhancing the criminal justice system with timely and scientific forensic examinations.
      • Addressing the increased workload due to new criminal laws requiring forensic investigation for serious offences.
      • Mitigating the shortage of trained forensic professionals in Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs).

    Impact and Benefits

    • Improved Efficiency: Ensuring high-quality forensic examinations for efficient criminal justice processes.
    • Technology Integration: Leveraging advancements to handle evolving crime methods effectively.
    • Capacity Building: Training more forensic professionals to reduce case backlogs and support a high conviction rate exceeding 90%.

    PYQ:

    [2017] ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to:

    (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

    (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.

    (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.

    (d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.

  • Direct Benefits Transfers

    PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-KISAN, Rythu Bandhu Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister will release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), amounting to over ₹20,000 crore, for 92.6 million beneficiary farmers across the country.

    About the PM-KISAN Scheme

    • The PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
    • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
    • Launched: In February 2019.
    • Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
      • This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
    • Beneficiaries:
      • Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
      • Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectare as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
      • The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.

    Do you know?

    The PM-KISAN scheme was first conceived and implemented by the government of Telangana as the Rythu Bandhu scheme.

    Rythu Bandhu Scheme

    • It is also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
    • It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
    • Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
    • There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
    • So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
    • This investment is made twice a year, once for the kharif harvest and once for the Rabi harvest.
    • It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.

    Impact of the Scheme

    • Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
    • Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
    • Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
    • Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
    • Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.

    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, 4 and 5

  • Direct Benefits Transfers

    PM-KISAN Scheme: Boosting Farmer Welfare

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-KISAN Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister has approved the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan scheme. This move will benefit 9.3 crore farmers, amounting to a distribution of approximately Rs 20,000 crore.

    About the PM-KISAN Scheme

    • The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
    • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
    • Launched: In February 2019.
    • Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
      • This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
    • Beneficiaries:
      • Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
      • Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectares as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
      • The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.

    Significance for Farmers

    • Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
    • Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
    • Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
    • Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
    • Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.

    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, 4 and 5