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

Type: Schemes

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

    Setubandha Scholar Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division at Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme.

    About the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme:

    • Objective: Acts as a bridge between traditional Gurukul learning and modern research, enabling the mainstreaming of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education.
    • Target Group: Students trained under Gurus or in Gurukul systems for a minimum of 5 years.
    • Focus: Encourages postgraduate and doctoral research across disciplines rooted in IKS.
    • Institutions Involved: Provides access to mentorship and research facilities at top institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

    Key Features:

    • Financial Support:
      • Postgraduate Scholars: Up to ₹1 lakh.
      • PhD Candidates: Up to ₹2 lakh.
      • Monthly Scholarships: Starting from ₹40,000.
    • Eligibility:
      • Age limit: Below 32 years.
      • Minimum 5 years of Gurukul-based learning.
      • No formal degree required—classical knowledge proficiency is the key criterion.
    • Scope of Research:
      • Supports 18 disciplines rooted in IKS, including:
        • Vedic philosophy, Jyotisha, Ayurveda, Rasa Shastra
        • Vastu Shastra, Dandaniti (political science), Indian arts and education
        • Traditional law, linguistics, agriculture, and astronomy
    • Broader Impact:
      • Fosters integration of ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
      • Recognizes and rewards excellence in traditional systems of knowledge.
  • Railway Reforms

    Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

    Why in the News?

    PM recently stated that 77 stations in Tamil Nadu are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), positioning the state as a hub for railway transformation.

    About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

    • Launch: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.
    • Goal: Modernise and develop railway stations through phased, long-term upgrades.
    • Master Plans: Each station gets a tailored roadmap for future improvements.
    • Focus Areas: Multimodal integration, seamless passenger movement, and upgraded amenities.
    • National Significance: Integral to India’s infrastructure push under the Viksit Bharat vision.

    Key Features of ABSS:

    • Passenger Comfort: Larger waiting halls, clean toilets, executive lounges, lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, and business-meeting zones.
    • Accessibility & Connectivity: Expanded circulating areas, barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, and smooth links to other transport modes.
    • Aesthetic Upgrades: Modern façades, clear signage, landscaping, and consistently clean premises.
    • Technology & Information: Digital displays, real-time train info, and self-service e-ticketing kiosks.
    • Sustainability: Energy-efficient systems, green-building elements, and water-conservation measures.
    • Customised Development: Station facilities scaled to local footfall and needs—no one-size-fits-all approach.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

    Which of the statements given above are not correct?

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

     

  • Judicial Reforms

    Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana

    Why in the News?

    The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched the ‘Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana’, aimed at improving legal aid for defence personnel and their families.

    Back2Basics: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

    • Established under: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (in force from 1995)
    • Mandate: Ensure free, competent legal aid to the socially and economically disadvantaged
    • Leadership:
      • Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of India
      • Executive Chairman: Senior Supreme Court Judge
    • Core Functions:
      • Legal literacy campaigns
      • Lok Adalats for amicable dispute resolution
      • Legal aid in civil and criminal matters
      • Outreach in rural and vulnerable communities

    About Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana:

    • Launched by: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
    • Objective: Provide legal assistance to defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families.
    • Key Features:
      • Legal Clinics: Set up at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendra Sainik Boards
      • Welfare–Legal Integration: Sainik Boards become legal service hubs
      • Paralegal Volunteers: Defence families encouraged to participate, enhancing local legal access
    • Legal Assistance includes:
      • Land and property disputes
      • Matrimonial and family matters
      • Service-related entitlements
      • Utility/civil grievances (e.g., billing disputes)
      • Support for personnel in remote/conflict zones

    Free Legal Aid in India:

    • Constitutional Backing
      • Article 21 (FR): Access to justice as part of the right to life
      • Article 39A (DPSP): Legal aid and equal justice, added via 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
    • Legal Framework:
      • Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Four-tier system—National, State, District, Taluka
      • Section 341, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Legal aid for indigent accused persons
    • Eligibility Criteria:
      • Women and children
      • Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
      • Persons with disabilities
      • Industrial workmen
      • Victims of disasters (natural or human-made)
      • Persons in custody or shelter homes
      • Economically weak (annual income:
        • Below ₹1 lakh generally
        • Below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases)
    [UPSC 2020] In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?

    1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs 1,00,000

    2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs 2,00,000

    3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000

    4. All Senior Citizens

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    [pib] PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)

    Why in the News?

    The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme has been officially launched as the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), effective from 1st August 2025.

    About PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY):

    • Objective: Promote formal employment and inclusive job creation.
    • Outlay: ₹99,446 crore (Aug 2025 – July 2027).
    • Aim:  3.5 crore new jobs, including 1.92 crore first-time entrants into the workforce.
    • Focus: Expanding EPFO coverage and supporting Viksit Bharat vision.
    • Sectoral Coverage: Open to all sectors, with special focus on manufacturing for long-term growth.

    PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)

    Key Features:

    1. Incentives for Employees
      • Eligible: First-time EPFO-registered workers earning ≤ ₹1 lakh/month.
      • Benefit: 1-month EPF wage (max ₹15,000) in two parts — after 6 and 12 months.
      • Condition: Completion of a financial literacy programme; Part of the amount is locked in a savings scheme.
    1. Incentives for Employers
      • Applies to: New hires with salary ≤ ₹1 lakh/month.
      • Minimum hires: 2 (if firm <50 employees), 5 (if ≥50).
    • Incentive per employee/month:
      • ₹1,000 (wages ≤ ₹10,000)
      • ₹2,000 (₹10,001–₹20,000)
      • ₹3,000 (₹20,001–₹1 lakh)
    • Manufacturing sector: Extended benefits for 3rd & 4th years.
    1. Payment Mechanism
    • To employees: Direct Benefit Transfer via Aadhaar-based system.
    • To employers: Paid to PAN-linked bank accounts.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years

    2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary

    3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years

    4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters

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

     

  • Civil Services Reforms

    [pib] PRATIBHA Setu Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the PRATIBHA Setu initiative to channel the potential of civil service aspirants who reach the interview stage but do not make the final merit list.

    About PRATIBHA Setu:

    • Meaning: Stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
    • Purpose: Connects candidates who cleared the interview stage of Union Public Service Commission exams but didn’t make the final merit list with verified employers.
    • Launch: Rolled out during CSE Examination 2023 results; evolved from the Public Disclosure Scheme (2018).
    • Objective: Utilizes the Union Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process to support alternate career pathways for high-performing aspirants.
    • Talent Pool:
      • Scale: Over 10,000 high-performing candidates available for recruitment.
      • Merit-Based: Offers employers access to a pre-tested, well-evaluated talent group.

    Key Features:

    • Eligibility:
      • Included: Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Medical Services, etc.
      • Excluded: National Defence Academy, Naval Academy, and certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations.
    • Access for Recruiters: Organizations register using Corporate Identification Number through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
    • Platform Tools:
      • Functions: Dashboard for shortlisting, wish-listing, and making selections or rejections.
      • Data Access: Employers can view candidates’ educational profiles and contact details in digital format.

    Impact:

    • Candidate Benefit: Opens alternate career paths for deserving UPSC aspirants.
    • Employer Advantage: Enables transparent and efficient hiring from India’s top talent.
    • Wider Utility: Extends the relevance of the UPSC selection process beyond final appointments.
    [UPSC 2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

    Options: (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy*

     

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

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving rural livelihoods.

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

    About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

    • Objective: Aims to transform agriculture in 100 low-performing districts by addressing productivity gaps.
    • Inspiration: Modelled on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme; first scheme focused solely on agriculture and allied sectors.
    • Launch: Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 and approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
    • Approach: Driven by convergence of schemes, collaboration across stakeholders, and healthy competition among districts.

    Key Features:

    • Scheme Integration: Merges 36 schemes from 11 ministries into one unified framework.
    • Budget & Duration: ₹24,000 crore annual outlay for six years (starting 2025–26).
    • District Selection:
      • 100 districts with low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit access
      • At least one district from each state/UT
    • Focus Areas:
      • Boosting productivity
      • Promoting crop diversification and sustainability
      • Improving irrigation and water efficiency
      • Expanding post-harvest storage
      • Enhancing credit access
    • Performance Monitoring: Monthly ranking on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) via centralized dashboard.
    • Support Mechanism: NITI Aayog to provide capacity-building and reviews.
    • Expert Note: Credit-based selection criteria may require refinement.

    Implementation:

    • District Planning: Each district to prepare an Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
    • Plan Approval: Handled by District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the Collector and including progressive farmers.
    • National Alignment:
      • Agricultural self-sufficiency
      • Soil and water conservation
      • Promotion of organic/natural farming
    • Governance: Committees at district, state, and national levels to guide execution.
    • Monitoring: Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) to conduct field visits and track progress.
    • Technical Support: Agricultural universities to serve as knowledge partners.
    • Expected Outcomes: Boost farm income, create local livelihoods, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat through enhanced agri-productivity.
    [UPSC 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 truck

    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

     

  • Policy Wise: India’s Power Sector

    ADEETIE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power has launched a new national scheme — Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE).

    About ADEETIE Scheme:

    • Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Power through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
    • Objective: It aims to promote energy efficiency in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to cut energy consumption, reduce emissions, and enhance competitiveness.
    • Background: It builds upon successful state-level pilots, such as decarbonisation projects in Andhra Pradesh’s MSME clusters.
    • Climate Alignment: It supports India’s climate goals, including 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2070.
    • Budget Allocation: The scheme has a dedicated budget of ₹1,000 crore, with a focus on MSMEs, EXCLUDING large enterprises.

    Key Features of ADEETIE Scheme:

    • Interest Subsidy Support: MSMEs adopting energy-efficient tech will receive interest subsidies on loans:
      • 5% for small enterprises
      • 3% for medium enterprises
    • Digital Portal Utility: The platform acts as a one-stop portal for financing, project development, and knowledge sharing on energy-efficient solutions.
    • Supported Technologies: It promotes adoption of cutting-edge clean technologies, including:
      • Automation and digital control systems
      • Combustion control systems for boilers
      • Methane capture technology
      • Air-dyeing in textiles
    • Collaboration: It fosters industry partnerships through MoUs with major MSME associations.
    • Legal Backing: It aligns with the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which enables carbon markets and mandates clean energy usage.
    [UPSC 2016] On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

    1. Ceiling fans

    2. Electric geysers

    3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project  

    Why in the News?

    India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.

    About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:

    • Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
    • Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
    • Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
    • Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
    • Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
    • Corridor Coverage:
      1. Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab)fully operational.
      2. Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP)93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
    • Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
    • Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.

    Key Features of the DFC:

    • Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
    • Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
    • Cargo Type by Corridor:
      1. Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
      2. Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
    • Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
    • Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
    • Future Expansion Plans:
      1. East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
      2. East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
      3. North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
    • Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
    [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?

    Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam

     

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

    [pib] Sanchar Mitra Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage engineering students as digital ambassadors for promoting telecom literacy, digital safety, and citizen engagement.

    What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme?

    • Launching Body: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
    • Primary Aim: To engage student volunteers as “Sanchar Mitras” or digital ambassadors to spread awareness about telecom-related issues.
    • Purpose:
      • Bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.
      • Promote safe and informed use of telecom services.
      • Encourage public participation in India’s digital transformation.
    • Implementation Status:
      • Piloted in select institutions.
      • Now being scaled up for nationwide rollout.

    Key Features and Highlights:

    • Target Audience: It primarily targets students from engineering and technical backgrounds such as telecommunications, computer science, electronics, and cybersecurity.
    • Selection of Volunteers: Students will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras in consultation with DoT field units and educational institutions.
    • Training Modules: Volunteers will be trained to conduct grassroots campaigns on cyber fraud prevention, EMF radiation concerns, and responsible digital behavior.
    • Training Institutions: Training will be delivered by the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and the Media Wing of the DoT.
    • Core Pillars: The scheme is structured around three key pillars: Connect, Educate, and Innovate.
    • Tech Awareness Promotion: Sanchar Mitras will promote awareness on emerging telecom technologies like 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
    • Community Outreach: Students will engage with communities, NGOs, and schools to foster a culture of informed digital citizenship.
    • Strategic Alignment: It aligns with India’s strength in the “Four Ds”: Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery.
    [UPSC 2010] Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?

    Options: (a) EDGE (b) LTE (c) DSL* (d) Both EDGE and LTE

     

  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    [pib] E-Truck Incentive Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched E-Truck Incentive Scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative.

    What is E-Truck Incentive Scheme?

    • Overview: It is a dedicated scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks under the broader PM E-DRIVE initiative.
    • First-of-its-Kind Support: This is the first direct government support specifically for electric trucks to promote clean, efficient, and sustainable freight mobility.
    • Target Vehicle Categories: It targets N2 and N3 category trucks, as per Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR):
      • N2: GVW above 3.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes
      • N3: GVW above 12 tonnes up to 55 tonnes
    • Incentive for Articulated Vehicles: For articulated vehicles, the incentive applies only to the puller tractor of the N3 category, not the trailer.
    • Warranty Requirements:
      • Battery: 5 years or 5 lakh km, whichever comes first
      • Motor & Vehicle: 5 years or 2.5 lakh km
    • Incentive Details:
      • Based on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
      • Maximum support capped at ₹9.6 lakh per e-truck
      • Incentives are given as upfront discounts, reimbursed to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through the PM E-DRIVE portal
    • Deployment Goal: It aims to support the deployment of 5,600 electric trucks across India.
      • 1,100 trucks reserved for Delhi, with ₹100 crore allocated due to high pollution levels
    • Mandatory Scrappage Clause: To qualify, applicants must scrap an old diesel truck via scrappage centres approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
    • Sectoral Impact: It is expected to benefit sectors like steel, ports, cement, and logistics by reducing fuel costs and improving air quality.

    About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:

    • Overview: It stands for Prime Minister’s Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement, launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in September 2024.
    • Long-Term Goal: To to foster an EV ecosystem, reduce carbon emissions, and help India achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
    • Budget Allocation: It has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore for two years, aimed at accelerating India’s electric mobility transition.
    • Scope and Coverage: It supports multiple vehicle categories: Two-wheelers; Three-wheelers; Electric trucks; Electric buses and Electric ambulances.
    • Demand Incentive: It provides direct demand incentives to buyers through OEMs, lowering the upfront cost of EVs.
    • Category-wise Allocation:
      • 3,679 crore: For two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, and trucks
      • 500 crore: Specifically for electric ambulance procurement
      • 4,391 crore: To procure 14,028 electric buses in 9 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad)
    • Charging Infrastructure: ₹2,000 crore allocated to build 72,300 public charging stations nationwide, including:
      • Fast chargers for four-wheelers, buses, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers
    • Digital E-Voucher System:
      • Incentives claimed through Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers
      • Signed digitally by both buyer and dealer for transparency
    • Vehicle Scrappage Mandate: Scrapping of old vehicles is mandatory to claim certain incentives, especially for electric trucks, promoting fleet modernization.

     

    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following types of vehicles:

    I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles

    How many of the above are considered as alternative (powertrain) vehicles?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None