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Type: Schemes

  • Pension Reforms

    Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has approved the Unified Pension Scheme, starting Apr 2025, with NPS employees allowed to switch till Sept 30, 2025.

    About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):

    • Launch & Applicability: Announced in August 2024; implemented from 1 April 2025. Applicable to central govt employees who joined service after 1 January 2004 (those under NPS).
    • Nature: Hybrid pension system combining features of the assured benefit of OPS and the contributory model of NPS.
    • Assured Pension: 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months before retirement, with minimum 25 years of service.
    • Minimum Pension: ₹10,000/month assured after 10 years of service.
    • Family Pension: 60% of pension last drawn, payable to spouse on retiree’s death.
    • Contributions: Employee contributes 10% of basic pay + Dearness Allowances (DA); govt contributes 10% + an additional 8.5% towards a pooled corpus.
    • Lump Sum at Retirement: 1/10th of last pay + DA for every completed six months of service, in addition to gratuity.
    • Inflation Indexation: DA-linked relief on pensions, tied to CPI-IW.
    • Flexibility: Employees may choose between NPS and UPS, but once shifted, re-entry into UPS is not allowed.

    Difference between OPS, NPS and UPS:

    Old Pension Scheme (OPS) National Pension System (NPS) Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
    Type Defined Benefit Defined Contribution (market-linked) Hybrid (Defined + Contribution)
    Employee Contribution None 10% of Basic + DA 10% of Basic + DA
    Govt Contribution Entire burden on govt 14% of Basic + DA 10% + 8.5% pooled corpus
    Assured Pension 50% of last drawn pay + DA None; depends on market returns 50% of avg. basic pay (last 12 months)
    Minimum Pension Not fixed, but effectively higher None ₹10,000 after 10 years’ service
    Family Pension 50% of pension last drawn Depends on accumulated corpus 60% of pension last drawn
    Lump Sum Commutation of up to 40% pension (reduces monthly pension) 60% withdrawal of accumulated corpus at retirement Lump sum = 1/10th of last pay + DA for every 6 months of service; pension unaffected
    Indexation (DA link) Full DA linked Market-driven returns; no DA link DA-linked inflation relief
    Fiscal Burden High, unfunded Lower, market-based Moderate (partially funded + assured)

     

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

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

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

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

    Which of the above statements are correct?

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

     

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

    PLI Scheme for White Goods

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has announced reopening of the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, following the strong response and success of earlier rounds.

    Note: White goods refer to large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, so named because they were traditionally white.

    About the PLI Scheme for White Goods:

    • Objective: To create a complete component ecosystem for ACs and LED lights, integrating India into global supply chains and boosting domestic manufacturing.
    • Approval: Cleared by the Union Cabinet in April 2021; implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
    • Duration: Implemented over seven years (FY 2021–22 to FY 2028–29) with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore.
    • Incentives: Provides 4–6% incentive on incremental turnover (over base year 2019–20) for both domestic sales and exports, applicable for five years to eligible companies.
    • Eligibility:
      • Applicant must be a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
      • Eligibility depends on achieving threshold levels of incremental sales and investments.
      • Entities availing benefits under any other PLI scheme for the same products are not eligible.
    • Beneficiaries So Far: 83 companies with committed investment of ₹10,406 crore have been approved under the scheme, covering AC and LED components across the entire value chain.
    • Employment and Exports: Expected to create jobs, expand exports, and enhance self-reliance in components that were earlier imported.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    Statement I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.
    Statement II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct *

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    [pib] Gyan Bharatam Mission

    Schemes | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage.

    About Gyan Bharatam Mission:

    • Launch: A national initiative by the Ministry of Culture to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
    • Scheme Type: Approved as a Central Sector Scheme (2024–31) with an outlay of ₹482.85 crore.
    • Background: Builds on the National Mission for Manuscripts (2003), which documented 44.07 lakh manuscripts in the Kriti Sampada repository.
    • Vision: Integrates tradition with modern technology (AI, cloud systems, digital archives) to safeguard manuscripts as living knowledge resources.
    • Philosophy: Linked to PM’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, positioning India as Vishwa Guru by combining heritage with innovation.

    Key Features:

    • Identification & Documentation: Establishment of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) for systematic registration across India.
    • Conservation & Restoration: Strengthening Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) for preventive and curative preservation using scientific techniques.
    • Digitisation & Repository: Large-scale digitisation with AI-based Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), microfilming, and creation of a National Digital Repository accessible worldwide.
    • Youth & Public Engagement: Programs like Gyan-Setu AI Innovation Challenge to involve youth, start-ups, and researchers in heritage innovation.
    [UPSC 2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register?

    Options: (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka (b) Mahabharata (c) Ramayana (d) Rig Veda*

     

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

    [pib] Incentive Scheme to Promote Critical Mineral Recycling

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

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to promote recycling of critical minerals from secondary sources such as e-waste and battery scrap.

    About Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme:

    • Launch: Approved under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
    • Outlay: ₹1,500 crore over 6 years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31).
    • Objective: Build domestic recycling capacity for critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, rare earths) from secondary sources.
    • Rationale: Provides a near-term solution to supply chain challenges as mining projects require long lead times.
    • Targets:
      • 270 kilotonnes annual recycling capacity.
      • 40 kilotonnes minerals yield per year.
      • ₹8,000 crore investment mobilised.
      • ~70,000 jobs created.

    Key Features:

    • Beneficiaries: Large recyclers, small/new recyclers, start-ups; one-third funds reserved for small/new entrants.
    • Feedstock Sources: E-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, catalytic converters, other industrial scrap.
    • Coverage: Support for new units, as well as expansion, modernisation, and diversification of existing plants.
    • Capex Subsidy: 20% subsidy on plant & machinery for timely commissioning; reduced rates for delays.
    • Opex Subsidy: Tied to incremental sales over FY 2025–26 base year.
      • 40% subsidy released in FY 2026–27.
      • 60% subsidy released in FY 2030–31.
    • Incentive Caps:
      • Large entities: ₹50 crore cap (₹10 crore max for opex).
      • Small entities: ₹25 crore cap (₹5 crore max for opex).
    • Eligibility Restriction: Only for firms engaged in actual mineral extraction, not just intermediate “black mass” processing.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:

    I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.

    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.

    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only* (d) I, II and III

     

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  • MGNREGA Scheme

    20 Years of MGNREGS

    Schemes | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    On the 20th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, concerns were raised over chronic underfunding of the scheme during the past decade.

    About MGNREGS:

    • Overview: MGNREGS is a rights-based Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched under the MGNREGA Act of 2005 to ensure the Right to Work for rural households.
    • Origins:
      • The idea of employment guarantee in India began with Maharashtra’s pilot, Employment Guarantee Scheme (MEGS), in 1965 under the Vasantrao Naik government.
      • At the national level, the idea was first proposed in 1991 by then PM P. V. Narasimha Rao and later enacted in 2005.
    • Employment Guarantee: It provides 100 days of wage employment per year to any adult willing to do unskilled manual labour in rural India.
    • Legal Obligation: It is the first law in India that imposes a legal duty on the government to provide employment and compensate for non-compliance.
    • Development Goal: The scheme aims to promote livelihood security, inclusive growth, and rural development.

    Key Features:

    • Statutory Right: Employment under MGNREGS is a legal entitlement, not just a welfare scheme.
    • Eligibility: Any rural adult aged 18 or above can apply and must be offered work within 15 days.
    • Proximity and Wages: Work must be provided within 5 km of the applicant’s residence with minimum wage, and delays attract compensation.
    • Unemployment Allowance: If work is not provided on time, the state must pay an allowance.
    • Demand-Driven Model: The scheme is worker-initiated, requiring the government to respond to demand.
    • Transparency and Audits: Regular social audits and online updates ensure accountability in job cards, muster rolls, and fund use.
    • Local Implementation: It is decentralised, led by Gram Panchayats, with support from block and state officials, and centrally funded.
    • Women’s Inclusion: At least one-third of beneficiaries must be women, enhancing gender equity.
    • Sustainable Assets: Projects focus on durable rural infrastructure like ponds, roads, canals, and plantations.
    [UPSC 2006] Consider the following statements in respect of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005:

    1. The Act provides 100 days of employment to households as a fundamental right.

    2. Women are given priority such that half of the employment seekers are women.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    [pib] Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

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

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently organized a national workshop on the e-SAKSHI web portal and mobile app for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

    About MPLADS:

    • Overview: A Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, to empower MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on durable community assets addressing local needs.
    • Administration: Initially under the Ministry of Rural Development; Since 1994, managed by MoSPI.
    • Implementation:
      • State-level nodal department supervises implementation.
      • District authorities sanction projects, release funds, and ensure execution.
    • Funding:
      • Each MP gets ₹5 crore per year (since 2011–12).
      • Disbursed by MoSPI in two instalments of ₹2.5 crore each to district authorities.
      • Funds are non-lapsable i.e. carried forward if unutilized.
    • Targeted Allocation: Minimum 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs.
    • Special Provisions:
      • Up to ₹25 lakh annually can be spent outside constituency/state for national unity projects.
      • Up to ₹1 crore can be allocated nationwide during severe natural calamities.
    • Eligible Projects:
      • Durable community assets (e.g., libraries, community halls, ambulances, sports infrastructure, sanitation).
      • MPLADS funds can be converged with MGNREGS or integrated with Khelo India for asset creation.
      • Support allowed on lands of registered societies/trusts (3+ years old) engaged in welfare work.
      • Prohibited for societies/trusts where the MP/family are office-bearers.
    • Transparency Measures:
      • Plaque with MP’s name and project details must be installed at project sites.
      • Project details listed in district offices, MPLADS website, and accessible via RTI.
    • Monitoring & Audit:
      • District authorities inspect at least 10% of projects annually.
      • Funds audited by statutory auditors.
      • Regular review meetings at state and central levels.
    • e-SAKSHI platform: Enables MPs to digitally recommend, monitor, and track MPLADS projects, improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in fund utilization.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?

    1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.

    2. A specified portion of each MP’s ‘fund must benefit SC/ST populations.

    3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.

    4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only*

     

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  • Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

    In news: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

    Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court intervened after Tamil Nadu faced ₹3,000+ crore reimbursements to private schools for economically disadvantaged students’ admissions, as the Centre declined to share costs under Samagra Shiksha.

    About Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:

    • Launch & Integration: Started in 2018 (by then Ministry of HRD), integrating Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) into one holistic programme.
    • Benchmark Feature: Treats schooling as a continuous system from pre-primary to Class XII (ages 4–18), removing silos.
    • Funding Pattern: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with Centre–State sharing (60:40, 90:10 for NE/hilly states), implemented via a single State Implementation Society (SIS).
    • Policy Alignment: Aligned with NEP 2020 and UN SDG-4 (quality education).
    • Coverage: 1.16 million schools, 156+ million students, 5.7 million teachers across government & aided institutions.
    • Upgraded Phase: Samagra Shiksha 2.0 (2021–26) with focus on digital education, vocational training, FLN, and inclusion.

    Key Features of the Scheme:

    • Unified Structure: One umbrella for pre-primary to Class XII, ensuring coherent planning.
    • Teachers & Technology:
      • Continuous teacher training via SCERTs, DIETs, NISHTHA, SWAYAM.
      • Digital initiatives: DIKSHA, Operation Digital Board, ICT labs, smart classrooms, AI-based learning tools.
    • Foundational Literacy & Numeracy: NIPUN Bharat Mission (ages 3–9) for universal reading & numeracy.
    • Vocational & Skill Education: Subjects like coding, robotics, financial literacy, AI with 1000+ training centres (from Class VI).
    • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Uniforms, textbooks, transport allowance directly credited via IT platforms.
    • Holistic Development: Integration of sports, physical education, self-defence, soft skills under Khelo India.
    • Funding Scale: Allocation crossed ₹41,000 crore (2025); nationwide coverage till March 2026 under Samagra Shiksha 2.0.
    [UPSC 2017] What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?

    Options: (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.

    (b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. *

    (c) Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological Power.

    (d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health-care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

     

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  • Microfinance Story of India

    PM SVANidhi Scheme extended until 2030

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.

    About PM SVANidhi Scheme:

    • Launch: June 1, 2020, as Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
    • Purpose: To provide affordable credit to street vendors hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and help them restart/expand their businesses.
    • Target Group: Urban street vendors in statutory towns and peri-urban/rural areas.
    • Extension: Restructured and extended up to March 31, 2030.
    • Beneficiaries: 1.15 crore vendors, including 50 lakh new ones.

    Key Features:

    • Collateral-free Loans (incremental):
      • 1st tranche: ₹15,000 (earlier ₹10,000).
      • 2nd tranche: ₹25,000 (earlier ₹20,000).
      • 3rd tranche: ₹50,000.
    • Digital Empowerment:
      • Timely 2nd loan repayment → eligibility for UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card (for emergent business/personal needs).
      • Digital cashback incentives up to ₹1,600 on retail & wholesale transactions.
    • Capacity Building:
      • Training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, and marketing.
      • Food safety & hygiene training for street food vendors (with FSSAI partnership).
    • Implementation:
      • Jointly by MoHUA & Department of Financial Services (DFS).
      • DFS facilitates loans & credit cards through banks/financial institutions.
    • Wider Goals:
      • Promote financial inclusion & digital adoption.
      • Enable vendors’ business expansion & sustainable growth.
      • Contribute to inclusive urban economic development.
    [UPSC 2011] Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-income groups. This includes both the consumers and the self-employed. The service/services rendered under microfinance is/are:

    1. Credit facilities 2. Savings facilities 3. Insurance facilities 4. Fund Transfer facilities

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

     

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    23% of PM Jan Dhan accounts inoperative

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Why in the news?

    The Government informed Parliament that 23% of the 56.04 crore PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts are inoperative.

    About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

    • Launch: Introduced in 2014 as the world’s largest financial inclusion mission.
    • Objective: To provide banking to the unbanked, insurance to the unsecured, and credit to the unfunded.
    • Accounts: Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts with zero balance, minimal paperwork, and e-KYC facility.
    • Benefits: RuPay debit card with accident insurance, overdraft, micro-insurance, and pension coverage.

    Key Features:

    • Access: Universal banking through branches and Business Correspondents.
    • Overdraft: Up to ₹10,000 for eligible account holders.
    • Insurance: Accident cover of ₹1 lakh (₹2 lakh for new accounts post-2018); life cover of ₹30,000 for accounts opened between August 2014–January 2015.
    • Interoperability: Enabled via RuPay cards and Aadhaar-linked platforms.
    • Post-2018 Expansion: Coverage extended to all unbanked adults, overdraft limit enhanced, and eligibility age increased from 60 to 65 years.
    • Direct Benefit Transfers: Strengthened subsidy delivery through the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile).

    Do you know?

    As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines (2009), an account is considered dormant if no transaction occurs for over two years.

     

    [UPSC 2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for

    Options:

    (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates

    (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas

    (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country*

    (d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

     

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

    Government approves MERITE Scheme 

    Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme for implementation in 275 technical institutions across India.

    About MERITE Scheme:

    • Objective: Enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligned with National Education Policy 2020.
    • Funding: Central Sector Scheme with ₹4,200 crore outlay (2025–26 to 2029–30), including ₹2,100 crore as World Bank loan.
    • Beneficiaries: About 7.5 lakh students; aims to boost institutional capacity in technical education.
    • Collaborations: Works with Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Board of Accreditation for implementation support.

    Key Features:

    • Institutional Coverage: Includes National Institutes of Technology, State Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, and Affiliating Technical Universities.
    • Fund Transfer: Direct funding from a Central Nodal Agency to institutions.
    • Academic Focus: Multidisciplinary programs, updated curriculum, faculty training.
    • Gender Inclusion: Special programs for women faculty and reducing gender disparity.
    • Skill Alignment: Launch of labour market-oriented courses and blended learning models.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.

    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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