💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Schemes

  • [pib] REACHOUT Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Indian student team, supported by the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach) scheme, achieved remarkable success at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.

    What is the REACHOUT Scheme?

    • It is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the broader PRITHVI (PRITHvi Vigyan) program. 
    • The scheme aims to enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and outreach activities.

    About the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)

    • The IESO was established in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada.
    • The competition focuses on promoting interest in earth system sciences, particularly in addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and natural disasters.

    India’s Participation:

    • India has participated in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore.
    • The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a national-level prelude to the IESO, held across schools in India.
    • Top-performing students from INESO represent India at the IESO, with support from MoES and the Geological Society of India.

    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

  • Jiyo Parsi Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Minister for Minority Affairs has launched a dedicated portal for Jiyo Parsi Scheme.

    What is the Jiyo Parsi Scheme?

    • It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2013-14 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
    • It aims to arrest the population decline of the Parsis, a minority community in India.
    • It focuses on stabilizing and increasing the Parsi population through scientific protocols and structured interventions.
    • Features of the Scheme:
      • Financial support for infertility treatments and related medical care in empanelled hospitals.
      • Assistance for childcare and support for elderly Parsis.
      • Programs to raise awareness and encourage participation within the Parsi community.
    • Target Groups:
      • Parsi married couples of childbearing age needing assistance.
      • Young adults and adolescents in the Parsi community for disease detection, with parental/legal guardian consent.

    Significance of the scheme:

    • This scheme has successfully facilitated the birth of over 400 Parsi children.
    • It preserves the cultural heritage and identity of the Parsi community.
    • It ensures the long-term sustainability of the community in India.
    • It demonstrates government commitment to supporting minority communities and promoting diversity.

    PYQ:

    [2011] In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages it is entitled to?

    1. It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
    2. The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha.
    3. It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • [pib] Operational Guidelines for Implementation of ‘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

  • [pib] 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.

  • [pib] CIL ASHIS Scheme

    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

  • [pib] Update on 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

  • What is the Sovereign Gold Bond 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 Circular on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.