Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

Why in the News?

The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has invested about ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs across India as of March 2025. The highest number of investee firms are in Karnataka (151), followed by Maharashtra (144) and Delhi (69).

About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme:

Launch: The SRI Fund was launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package to provide equity funding to MSMEs with growth potential.
Total Corpus: It targets ₹50,000 crore, with ₹10,000 crore from the Government of India and ₹40,000 crore to be raised from private investors.
Structure and Management: The fund is a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with SEBI. The fund uses a two-tier structure:

1. A Mother Fund managed by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL).
2. 60 empanelled Daughter Funds that make direct investments in MSMEs.

Progress: As of March 2025, the SRI Fund has invested ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs.
Package Alignment: It is a component of the ₹20 lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat package, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP.

Key Features Impact:

Funding Type: Offers equity or quasi-equity support to reduce MSMEs’ reliance on debt and strengthen long-term growth.
Sectoral Focus: Prioritises manufacturing, services, and high-growth MSMEs, especially those engaged in innovation, R&D, and exports.
Addressing Credit Gap: Helps bridge India’s ₹30 lakh crore MSME credit gap by complementing credit guarantee schemes with equity-based support.
Revised Eligibility: With the turnover limit raised to ₹500 crore, more companies now qualify for SRI and related MSME support.

[UPSC 2017] The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to:

Options: (a) Developing solar power production in our country* (b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels in our country. (c) Exporting our food products to other countries. (d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country.

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Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

SPICED Scheme

Schemes | 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 Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme.

Back2Basics: Spices Board of India

The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.

About SPICED Scheme and its Features:

Launch: It is launched by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Timeline and Budget: The scheme runs till 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹422.30 crore, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission period.
Objectives: It aims to boost spice exports, improve cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and promote value addition and sustainability.
Funding Support: In 2025–26, about ₹130 crore will be distributed to 45,000 beneficiaries.
Focus Areas: Includes Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of GI-tagged spices, and development of Spice Incubation Centres.
Priority Beneficiaries: Special focus on farmer groups, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, SC/ST communities, SMEs, and exporters from the North-East.
Monitoring: All activities are geo-tagged for transparency and tracking.

Key Facts about Spices Production and Trade:

Global Position: India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices, cultivating 75 of 109 ISO-listed spices.
Major Producing States: Include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and others.
Key Spices: India grows and exports pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, celery, nutmeg, and spice oils.
Top Products by Volume: Chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander account for 76% of production.
Export Leaders: Chili is the top export earner, generating around $1.1 billion annually. Ginger exports are growing at 27% CAGR.
Export Value: In 2023–24, India exported $4.25 billion worth of spices, capturing 12% of the global spice trade.
Export Destinations: India exported to 159 countries. Key markets include China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, and Sri Lanka — together accounting for 70% of exports.

[UPSC 2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

(a) Spices

(b) Fresh fruits

(d) Vegetable oils

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

[pib] 10 Years of 3 Jansuraksha Schemes

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

Why in the News?

The 3 Jansuraksha Schemes— Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) launched by PM Modi on May 9, 2015, have completed 10 years of providing social security coverage to citizens.

About the Jansuraksha Schemes:

	Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)	Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)	Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Type	Accidental Insurance	Life Insurance	Pension Scheme
Eligibility Age	18 to 70 years	18 to 50 years	18 to 40 years (non-taxpayers)
Premium	₹20 per annum	₹436 per annum	Varies by age and pension amount
Coverage/Benefit	₹2 lakh (death/total disability), ₹1 lakh (partial)	₹2 lakh (death due to any cause)	₹1,000–₹5,000 monthly pension after age 60
Policy Term	1 year (June 1 – May 31), renewable	1 year (June 1 – May 31), renewable	Contribution till age 60; pension begins post-60
Premiums Payment	Auto-Debit: Yes (from bank/post office account)	Auto-Debit: Yes (from bank/post office account)	Auto-Debit: Yes (monthly/quarterly/half-yearly options)
Administered By	Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) and other insurers in partnership with participating banks or post offices	Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and other participating life insurers, through tie-ups with banks or post offices	Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), implemented through banks and post offices
Achievements (as of 2025)	51.06 crore enrolments; ₹3,121.02 crore paid for 1,57,155 claims; 23.87 crore female and 17.12 crore PMJDY enrolments	23.63 crore enrolments; ₹18,397.92 crore paid for 9,19,896 claims; 10.66 crore female and 7.08 crore PMJDY enrolments	7.66 crore enrolments; ~47% are women subscribers

[UPSC 2016] Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.

2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme.

3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Start-up Ecosystem In India

[pib] Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

Schemes | 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 Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced the expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).

About Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS):

The CGSS was launched on October 6, 2022, as part of the Startup India Action Plan.
The scheme is designed to provide collateral-free credit to eligible startups through recognized financial institutions.
It offers credit guarantee cover for loans extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks, All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
The guaranteed coverage is available in 2 formats:

1. Transaction-based (for individual borrowers) and
2. Umbrella-based (for Venture Debt Funds).

The scheme helps startups access funding through instruments such as working capital, term loans, and venture debt.
The DPIIT is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the scheme.
The scheme is operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
A Management Committee (MC) and a Risk Evaluation Committee (REC) have been constituted to supervise and review the operations of the scheme.
It aligns with the objective of encouraging innovation, supporting early-stage entrepreneurship, and driving economic self-reliance.

Key Changes in the Expanded CGSS:

Guarantee ceiling increased from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore per borrower.
Guarantee cover enhanced to:
- 85% for loans up to ₹10 crore.
- 75% for loans exceeding ₹10 crore.
Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) reduced from 2% to 1% p.a. for startups in 27 Champion Sectors.
The Champion Sectors are identified under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturing and services.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India:

1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore.

2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.

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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Coal and Mining Sector

[pib] Cabinet approves Revised SHAKTI Policy

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

Why in the News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a proposal under the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyla Transparently in India) Policy to enhance coal availability for Central/State Sector Thermal Power Plants and Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

About the SHAKTI Policy:

The SHAKTI Policy, launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Power, created a transparent mechanism to allocate coal linkages to thermal power plants lacking Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs).
It replaced the earlier nomination-based system with auction-based and tariff-based bidding, enhancing fairness and transparency.
While government-owned plants continue receiving coal through nominations, private power producers must obtain coal via competitive bidding.
The policy aimed to reduce coal imports, promote the domestic coal industry, and improve energy self-sufficiency.
It also intended to revive stressed assets in the power sector, indirectly supporting public sector banks and infrastructure growth.

Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy (2024):

The revised 2024 policy simplifies the system by merging eight criteria into just two windows, enhancing the ease of doing business.
Window-I allocates coal at notified prices to central and state government utilities, their joint ventures, and subsidiaries, including those with PPAs under Section 62 of the Electricity Act.
Window-II permits coal and imported coal-based producers to acquire coal through premium-based auctions for 12 to 25 years, without requiring a PPA.
The policy encourages pithead plants, supports new capacity planning, and allows Imported Coal-Based (ICB) plants to transition to domestic coal, reducing import reliance.
Existing FSA holders can now purchase coal beyond 100% of their Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) during periods of peak demand.
Unrequisitioned surplus electricity can be sold on power exchanges, boosting plant utilization.
The policy imposes no additional financial burden on coal companies.
Beneficiaries include thermal power plants, Coal India, SCCL, railways, state governments, and end consumers.

[UPSC 2023] With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:

1. None of them uses seawater.

2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.

3. None of them is privately owned.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

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Road and Highway Safety – National Road Safety Policy, Good Samaritans, etc.

Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims

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

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially notified the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, which came into force on May 5, 2025.

In 2023, India reported over 4.80 lakh road accidents and 1.72 lakh fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for such a scheme.

About the Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims, 2025:

The scheme provides financial coverage up to ₹1.5 lakh per person, per accident, for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident.
All victims, including those without health insurance, are eligible for treatment under this scheme.
This initiative was introduced following a Supreme Court directive, urging action under Section 162(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The scheme aims to deliver critical care during the “golden hour”, defined under Section 2(12A) as the first hour after a traumatic injury, when prompt treatment can save lives.

Key Features of the Scheme:

Treatment must be provided immediately and is fully covered up to ₹1.5 lakh for up to 7 days from the accident.
Designated hospitals are required to treat victims without delay or demanding any upfront payment.
Non-designated hospitals may only offer initial stabilisation, as defined in the guidelines.
The State Road Safety Council serves as the nodal agency for implementation at the state level.
The Council will work with the National Health Authority (NHA) to onboard hospitals, monitor care, and ensure timely reimbursements.
Additional hospitals may be designated by State Health Agencies, beyond those already listed under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
Hospitals must file payment claims via an online portal, attaching all required documentation.
The State Health Agency will process claims and may approve, partially approve, or reject them, with reasons provided.
A national steering committee, chaired by the MoRTH Secretary and NHA CEO, will oversee the scheme’s implementation and compliance.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following actions:

1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously

2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive.

3. Detection of the tilt of the smart phone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode.

In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required?

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

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Land Reforms

India to showcase SVAMITVA Scheme at World Bank Land Conference

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

Why in the News?

India’s SVAMITVA Scheme will be showcased at the World Bank Land Conference, highlighting its role in land governance reform, climate action, and rural empowerment.

About SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas):

Launched on 24th April 2020 by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the SVAMITVA Scheme aims to provide legal ownership of residential properties in rural areas using drone and geospatial technology.
It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Centre.
It involves the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Revenue Departments at the state level, and the Survey of India as the technical partner.
The scheme issues property cards to rural households, reducing land disputes and enhancing financial inclusion.
These cards serve as legally valid ownership documents (e.g., Gharauni in Uttar Pradesh, Adhikar Abhilekh in Madhya Pradesh), and the scheme aims to formalize property rights in rural India.

Key Features:

Drone-based technology ensures high-resolution mapping of village areas for transparency and accuracy.
Uses Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS) to achieve mapping precision up to 5 cm.
The Gram Manchitra platform helps in village-level development planning, disaster risk mitigation, and infrastructure management.
Aims to unlock land value estimated at USD 1.162 trillion, formalizing property ownership and enabling its use as a financial asset.
Promotes collaboration between central and state governments and aims to reduce litigation and improve rural governance.

[UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.

2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.

3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above 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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Organic Farming – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY), NPOF etc.

Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) to Promote Natural Farming

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

Why in the News?

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has come up with the guidelines for setting up of bio-input resource centres (BRC) under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

What are Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)?

BRCs are part of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), aimed at promoting chemical-free and sustainable agriculture.
BRCs will produce, store, and supply bio-inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, and Neemastra using local livestock by-products and plant-based materials.
Key Functions:

1. Local Production: Ensures availability of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs.
2. Training: Provides training on bio-input preparation and natural farming techniques.
3. Entrepreneurship: Promotes local entrepreneurship, empowering self-help groups (SHGs) and farmers.
4. Affordability: Aims to make sustainable farming practices accessible to small and marginal farmers.

Financial support of Rs 1 lakh per BRC are provided in two tranches of Rs 50,000, though experts raise concerns about its adequacy for infrastructure.

Back2Basics: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

NMNF is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was launched on November 2024 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, promoting chemical-free farming.
Objectives:
- Focus on eco-friendly practices and organic methods.
- Reduce input costs by minimizing chemical usage.
- Restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve climate resilience.
Implementation Strategy:
- Establish 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats.
- Train 1 crore farmers and implement practices on 7.5 lakh hectares.
- Establish 10,000 BRCs for bio-input accessibility.
- Deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis for mobilization.
Financial Outlay: ₹2,481 crore until 2025-26.

[UPSC 2021] How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?

1.Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices, but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2.Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity, but this phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3.Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions, but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions. 4.The practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme

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

Why in the News?

Under the SMILE scheme, the Union Social Justice Ministry has identified only 9,958 beggars across 81 cities, compared to 3.72 lakh recorded in the 2011 Census.

About the SMILE Scheme:

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE scheme in 2022.
It is a Central Sector Scheme to rehabilitate individuals engaged in begging and empower transgender persons.
It focuses on rehabilitation, livelihood opportunities, skill development, and social empowerment for marginalized individuals.
It combines previous programs targeting beggars and transgender persons, providing a more cohesive approach to their empowerment.
Key Components:
- Shelter Homes: Utilizes existing shelter homes managed by state/UT governments; new homes will be established where necessary.
- Livelihood Support: Provides education, documentation, skill development, and economic linkages to help individuals become self-sufficient.
- Target Beneficiaries: Around 60,000 marginalized individuals.
Implementation:
- Pilot project has been launched in 30 cities (Phase 1) and extended to 50 more cities (Phase 2).
- A local survey identifies individuals engaged in begging, aiming to rehabilitate 25 individuals per survey.
- ₹100 crore has been allocated for FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, with ₹14.71 crore spent by December 2024 on identification and rehabilitation.

Issues in Implementation:

Inadequate Shelter Infrastructure: Some regions face a lack of facilities for rehabilitation.
Resistance to Rehabilitation: Some individuals resist rehabilitation due to socio-economic factors or distrust in government schemes.
Funding and Resource Constraints: Ongoing financial investment is required for sustainability.
Sustainability of Rehabilitation: Long-term support is essential for successful reintegration into society.

[UPSC 2016] ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to-

(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood*

(b) abolish the Child Labour

(d) rehabilitate the manual scavengers and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

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Air Pollution

Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme in Gujarat

Schemes | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

A new study highlights the success of Surat’s Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme (PM-ETS), the world’s first market-based system for trading particulate emissions.

The scheme has reduced pollution by 20-30%, providing insights into its potential to improve air quality in industrial areas.

About Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme in Gujarat:

This PM ETS was launched in Surat, Gujarat in 2019.
It is the world’s first pilot project targeting particulate pollution using a market-based emissions trading system.
It is India’s first emissions trading initiative for any pollutant.
The scheme aims to reduce emissions from industries using solid (coal, lignite) and liquid fuels (diesel) by controlling fine particulate matter (PM).
How It Works?
- Cap-and-Trade: Regulators set a cap on total emissions, and industries are issued permits (1 kg of particulate matter per permit).
- Permit Allocation: 80% of permits are given for free; 20% are sold via auctions.
- Market Trading: Permits can be bought or sold to meet emission targets. A ceiling price (Rs 100/kg) and floor price (Rs 5/kg) are set.
- Compliance: Non-compliant industries face fines double the ceiling price for each excess emission.

Successes of PM-ETS:

Reduction in Emissions: Participating plants cut emissions by 20-30% compared to traditional methods.
Improved Compliance: 99% compliance in participating plants.
Cost-Effective: The system allowed industries to choose the most cost-effective methods for compliance.

Limitations of PM-ETS:

Over-reliance on Free Permits: Smaller plants may struggle as the number of free permits decreases.
Supply Chain Limitations: Tightened caps could increase costs for industries not reducing emissions.
Market Manipulation: Concerns over unfair permit trading.
Geographical Constraints: Limited to Surat, restricting broader impact.

[UPSC 2011] Regarding “carbon credits’’, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto protocol.

(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.

(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations environment programs. *

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Type: Schemes

Why in the News?

About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme:

Key Features Impact:

Why in the News?

Back2Basics: Spices Board of India

About SPICED Scheme and its Features:

Key Facts about Spices Production and Trade:

Why in the News?

About the Jansuraksha Schemes:

Why in the News?

About Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS):

Key Changes in the Expanded CGSS:

Why in the News?

About the SHAKTI Policy:

Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy (2024):

Why in the News?

About the Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims, 2025:

Key Features of the Scheme:

Why in the News?

About SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas):

Key Features:

Why in the News?

What are Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)?

Back2Basics: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

Why in the News?

About the SMILE Scheme:

Issues in Implementation:

Why in the News?

About Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme in Gujarat:

Successes of PM-ETS:

Limitations of PM-ETS: