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Monthly DNA
The Mukhyamantri Gramin Solar Street Light Yojana is a scheme that aims to provide street lights in villages and cities in Bihar. The scheme is expected to be completed by March 2023 but not implemented in some areas till now.
06 February, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
Wings India 2024 is a civil aviation event that took place at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, India. This event is organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI, and FICCI. The event celebrated India's status as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market.
03 February, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
Prime Minister inaugurated aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing’s largest investment facility outside the USA in Bengaluru recently. It aims to be a cornerstone for partnership with the vibrant startup, private and government ecosystem in the country. PM will also launch the Boeing Sukanya Program that aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country’s growing aviation sector.
02 February, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
Recently, the meeting for review of progress of Atal Bhujal Yojna was held at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Atal Bhujal Yojna Atal Bhujal Yojana is a central sector scheme which was launched in 2019. Duration: Period of 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25), Increased by 2 years in May, 2023. Objective: The major objective of the Scheme is to improve the management of groundwater resources in select water stressed areas in identified states. The scheme is being taken up in 8220 water stressed Gram Panchayats of seven states: Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Scheme components : It has two major components: Institutional Strengthening and Capacity…
02 February, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
On the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, PM interacted with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum at GIFT city in Gujarat recently. The Global Fintech Forum is a space for shareholders, customers, and participants to share experiences and experiment.
29 January, 2024
Government policies and interventions
Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 restructed scheme & web portal launched recently. The award is to acknowledge, recognize and reward the extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts/ Organizations of the Central and State Governments. The Award Scheme restructured to recognize the performance of the District Collectors through targeted individual beneficiaries and implementation with a saturation approach. The PM’s Awards, 2023 will consist of Trophy, Scroll and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakh to the awarded District/organization.
25 January, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently released “The Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test (DART) Book” & Food Safety on Wheels (FSW). DART booklet is a compilation of common quick tests for detection of food adulterants by the citizens themselves so as to induce awareness among the consumers about food safety. A mobile food testing van called Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) was launched to reach remote areas and conduct training and awareness activities & to promote awareness campaigns.
24 January, 2024
Government policies and interventions
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare inaugurates the country’s 1st Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, 'PRASADAM,' in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The street will serve traditional dishes made of coarse grains like rajgira, sanwa, kuttu, ragi, dal-baffle, and more.
21 January, 2024
Government policies and interventions
The Himachal Pradesh government made 2 major decisions recently. All government offices have been prohibited from purchasing petrol or diesel vehicles since January 1. Simultaneously, under another scheme, people will be paid Rs 20,000 per month if they donate 3 bighas of land for the construction of a solar power plant. These decisions have been taken to make Himachal Pradesh a clean and green energy state by March 31, 2026.
15 January, 2024
Government policies and interventions
Prerana is a week-long residential program for 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) of class IX to XII, aimed at empowering them with leadership qualities. Ministry – Ministry of Education. Prerana program will run from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in one of the oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar, in Gujarat. The curriculum of Prerana School has been prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar and is rooted in 9 value-based themes.
12 January, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
Defence Minister recently inaugurated the Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, the 1st all-girls Sainik School, at Vrindavan in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Sainik Schools are residential schools that provide public school education with a military bias. They are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and are supported by Central and State funding.
04 January, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially declared ‘Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH)' as an 'unlawful association' for the next 5 years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu Wa Kashmir is a separatist political party in Jammu and Kashmir, India founded by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
01 January, 2024
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Indian Navy participated in the Beypore International Water Fest 2023 organised by Kerala recently. INS Kabra, high-speed offshore patrol vessel of the Southern Naval Command was deployed at Beypore as part of this event. The festival is considered India's largest water festival and highlights Kozhikode as the country's main center for adventure water sports.
31 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
MANF is to provide 5- year fellowships in the form of financial assistance to students from 6 notified minority communities to pursue M. Phil and Ph.D. 6 notified communities - Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Muslim, Parsi and Sikh, notified by the Central Government. The program is funded and formulated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
31 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Defence Ministry recently has extended the rules for maternity, child care and child adoption leaves for women soldiers, sailors and air warriors in the tri-services. It will entitle women soldiers, sailors and air warriors to the same maternity, childcare and child adoption leaves as female officers in the three services.
30 December, 2023
Government policies and interventions
The Ministry of Textiles launched “Paat-Mitro”, a mobile application, developed by Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) during ‘Jute Symposium’ recently. The app is to support jute farmers and provides information about agronomy and Minimum Support Prices, as well as the latest agricultural practices. It also includes information about jute category standards and Jute-ICARE (Jute- Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise).
27 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Aim – It is a single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development projects in India. Ministry - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
27 December, 2023
Government policies and interventions
It is a centrally sponsored scheme aims to address critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research. The mission's goal is to help communities become self-sufficient in managing health crises and pandemics. It is the largest Pan-India scheme for public health infrastructure since 2005. It is launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in addition to the National Health Mission.
26 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is a Central Sector Scheme established under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. Launched by - Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Implemented by - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED). The scheme aims to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops, in line with the Operation Flood (White Revolution). It also aims to ensure that these crops are available throughout the year without price volatility.
26 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is a centrally sponsored scheme aims to address critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research. The mission's goal is to help communities become self-sufficient in managing health crises and pandemics. It is the largest Pan-India scheme for public health infrastructure since 2005. It is launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in addition to the National Health Mission.
24 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is a Central Sector Scheme established under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. Launched by - Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Implemented by - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED). The scheme aims to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops, in line with the Operation Flood (White Revolution). It also aims to ensure that these crops are available throughout the year without price volatility.
24 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
PM inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat recently. It is world’s largest and modern centre for international diamond and jewellery business and is part of the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City. It will be a global centre for trading of both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewellery.
23 December, 2023
Government policies and interventions
NAMAM programme is recently being implemented in 2 taluks of Karnataka and Uttarakhand and is expected to be completed within 3 years. It is a collaborative intiative of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) & Bengaluru and the Ashraya Hastha Trust (AHT). NAMAN is a rural mental health program that aims to provide preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care to the entire population of the target taluks.
23 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Naya Savera scheme, also known as the Free Coaching and Allied scheme, was a program that provided special coaching to students from 6 minority communities. 6 minority communities - Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi.
20 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
WISE-KIRAN is a program from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The scheme's goal is to increase women's participation in science and technology (S&T) and achieve gender parity.
18 December, 2023
Government policies and interventions
Aim - To improve the nutritional status of mothers and children under five years of age, at the last mile. Launched by - India Nutrition Collaborative in partnership with the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. India ranked 111 of the 125 in the Global Hunger Index 2023.
11 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has launched 4E Wave Movement recently. It is a Student-Led National Movement for Energy Conservation in Jammu & Kashmir. Aim -To promote sustainable practices and instil a sense of responsibility in individuals and communities to save energy.
10 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Announced by - Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with Google Cloud India, Antler in India, Paytm, Protean and Startup India. Aim- To tackle diverse challenges in digital commerce, promoting industry innovation to develop practical solutions in this space.
10 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Operation Jeevan Raksha To protect the lives of passengers, who had accidently fallen while deboarding or boarding. Operation Yatri Suraksha To improve the security of passengers traveling by Indian Railways. Operation NARCOS It is pan-India drive against smuggling of Narcotics through Rail. Operation Uplabdh To curb the illegal sale of railway tickets. Operation Sanraksha To enhance the safety of passengers. Operation Seva To assist those who (elderly citizens, women, physically disabled and sick/injured persons) in need in their travel. Operation Satark To stop the transportation of illegal items through railway networks. Operation AAHT To curb Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts.
07 December, 2023
Government policies and interventions
It is a women only court that address individual cases and also raise awareness about social schemes. Though it does not hold any legal status, has its primary focus on reconciliation, grievance redressal and creating awareness of rights and entitlements. It is an initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti.
07 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) bagged the “ISSA Vision Zero 2023” Award in the recently held 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Sydney, Australia. “Vision Zero” is a transformational approach for prevention of accidents at work places integrating the 3 dimensions of safety, health and well-being at all levels of work. International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the principal international institution bringing together social security agencies and organizations of the world. Aim - To promote dynamic social security as the social dimension in a globalizing world by supporting excellence in social security administration.
05 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Prime Minister recently attended the ‘Navy Day 2023’ celebrations at Maharastra. The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 every year to commemorate "Operation Trident," the Navy's audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War.
05 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Nepal makes history as the 1st Southeast Asian Nation to formally register same-sex marriage after it was legalized by the Supreme Court of Nepal.
03 December, 2023
Laws
After introducing the Bharati script V. Srinivasa Chakravarthy, a professor in IIT Madras has developed a script for persons with visual impairment named as Sparsh Bharati. This ‘Indian Braille’ can be used across Indian languages. Bharati is a simple and unified script which can be used to write most major Indian languages. It is designed using simplest shapes, often borrowing simple characters from various Indian languages/scripts and English.
03 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is a Central Sector scheme to provide drones to 15,000 women's Self Help Groups (SHGs), which will be trained to give it on rent for spraying pesticides and fertilisers. Duration - 2024-25 to 2025-2026. Recently PM has renamed it as ‘Namo Drone Didi'.
02 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
For the 1st time, Kerala is organizing Transplant Games, a competitive sporting event for organ transplant recipients and donors. It is to showcase the success of organ transplantation in improving the quality of life and spread the message of organ donation. The World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) is a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom with representation from more than 70 countries. The WTGF organizes the World Transplant Games (WTG), which are international multi-sport events that take place every two years.
02 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Ministry of Jal Shakti to Organize ‘Jal Itihas Utsav’ at Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli, Delhi recently. Aim - To raise public consciousness about safeguarding water heritage sites, creating a sense of ownership among the masses as well as promote tourism and restoration of such heritage structures.
01 December, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is India’s premium Cotton in the world cotton Trade. It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton Corporation of India, Trade Bodies & Industry. The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) has been designated as the implementing agency for Traceability, Certification and Branding of "KASTURI Cotton India". India is the 2nd largest cotton producer and the largest consumer of cotton in the world.
30 November, 2023
Government policies and interventions
Ministry of Education has recently launched the 3rd phase of Yuva Sangam under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat campaign. Under the programme, the students within the age group of 18 to 30 will get multi-dimensional exposure in 5 broad areas. Paryatan (tourism), Parampara (traditions), Pragati (development), Prodyogik (technology) and Paraspar sampark (people-to-people connect) in the host States. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) is a government initiative that promotes cultural exchange and national integration between India's states and union territories.
26 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Union Government has decided to rename the existing Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’ The new tag line will be Arogyam Parmam Dhanam. National Health Policy, 2017 envisioned the Health and Wellness Centres.
26 November, 2023
Government policies and interventions
The Union Minister of AYUSH has recently participated in the Yoga and Ayurveda in Neurosciences, Therapeutics and Research Approaches (YANTRA) conference, 2023 recently. YANTRA, 2023 is an international conference on Integrative Medicine with a theme on models of integration in healthcare. It was held at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in association with Jignasa, which provides a common platform to address all aspects related to AYUSH systems.
26 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Yuva Tourism Club is a program launched by the Ministry of Tourism as part of the India@75 campaign. The program's goal is to develop young ambassadors for Indian tourism. The program is "of the youth, by the youth, for the youth".
23 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is an annual forum organized by United Service Institution of India in collaboration of International Committee of the Red Cross and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping Operations. The 2023 forum will be organized in New Delhi with focus on the importance of adhering to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles in complex peacekeeping situations. United Service Institution of India –It is the country's oldest think-tank established in 1870 for research and debate on national security and military affairs.
22 November, 2023
Laws
Union Minister for Cooperation has recently launched the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand of National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL). 6 products under the 'Bharat Organics' brand were tur dal, chana dal, sugar, rajma, basmati rice, and Sonamasoori rice. About 50% of profits from the sale of organic products through NCOL will be transferred directly to member farmers.
20 November, 2023
Government policies and interventions
Aim - To encourage Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country to voluntarily submit key data through a user-friendly data entry form on the portal Initiative of - Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Ministry through Digital India Corporation will provide handholding support to ULBs in the data submission process.
09 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
It is a scheme to provide employment to the people of West Bengal on the lines of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It is a 100-day job scheme like MGNREGA.
03 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Prime Minister will address the Officer Trainees of the 98th Common Foundation Course at the culmination of Aarambh 5.0. Aarambh was launched in 2019 by bringing together all trainees of the All-India Civil Services and Group-A Central Services. The course provides a first-hand introduction to the ideas, challenges and responsibilities of governance in a large and diverse country, the release said. The 5th edition of Aarambh is being held on the theme of 'Harnessing the power of disruption'.
01 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Prime Minister launched MY Bharat platform for youth of the country at Kartavya Path on the National Unity Day (October 31). It aims to facilitate youth development and youth-led development. It is a 'Phygital Platform' (physical + digital) comprising physical activity along with an opportunity to connect digitally. Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), an autonomous body, will benefit the youth in the age group of 15-29 years.
01 November, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Historical Evolution of the OBC Reservation Status in India? The journey began with the establishment of the Kalelkar Commission in 1953, which marked the first instance of recognizing backward classes beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) on a national level. In 1980, the Mandal Commission Report estimated that the OBC population constituted 52% and identified 1,257 communities as backward. To address the inequity, it suggested an increase in the existing quotas (which were previously applicable only to SC/ST) from 22.5% to 49.5%, extending the reservation to include OBCs. Following these recommendations, the central government implemented the reservation policy, reserving 27% of seats in union civil posts and services for OBCs under Article…
01 November, 2023
Government policies and interventions
PM Suraksha Bima Yojana A goal has been established by public sector banks (PSBs) for the sale of the two most important government insurance programmes, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), in fiscal year (FY) 24. Other financial inclusion programmes like Mudra Yojana and StandUp India Scheme also have goals that they have established. Progress Currently, there are around 8.3 crore and 23.9 crore beneficiaries of PMJJBY and PMSBY, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, there have been 15.99 crore enrollments under PMJJBY and 33.78 crores under PMSBY since the programmes start…
17 April, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Jan Aushadhi Diwas On the "5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas," the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare also opened a "NaMo Day Care Center" and signalled the departure of four NaMo Mobile Healthcare Units. Highlight Janaushadhi Diwas, with the subject "Jan Aushadhi-Jan Upyogi," had been held from March 1 to March 7, 2022. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) will mark the 4th Jan Aushadhi Diwas by planning a week of festivities across the nation in all States and UTs. This will raise awareness of the value…
30 March, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
SWAYATT Initiative A celebration of "SWAYATT," a campaign to promote "Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions" (SWAYATT) on the Government E-Marketplace (GeM) in New Delhi, was recently organised. SWAYATT Initiative: What is It? Under the direction of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the programme was started in February 2019. It brings together the important players in the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem at the national procurement platform that is Government e-Marketplace. Result Thus Far: Enhanced Commercial Opportunities On the GeM platform, more over 8.5 lakh Micro and Small Businesses (MSEs) have registered, and they have received over 68 lakh orders…
07 March, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Mission Shakti Mission Shakti is a comprehensive program for the safety, security, and empowerment of women, and the Supreme Court has requested further detail information from the government regarding it. This follows worries expressed on a potential scarcity of protection officers to deal with domestic abuse cases. About Mission Shakti: Mission Shakti is a program in mission mode that aims to improve interventions for women's empowerment, safety, and security. By tackling challenges affecting women across the life cycle continuum and transforming them into equal partners in nation-building through convergence and citizen-ownership, it aims to fulfil the government's commitment to women-led…
04 March, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Sagar Parikrama Program Phase III The Department of Fisheries in Surat, Gujarat's Hazira Port, recently launched the third phase of the Sagar Parikrama Program. More On the News: Sagar Parikrama is an initiative by the Government of India in the water across the coastal belt displaying unity with the fisherfolk, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholders as a spirit of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Through various fisheries schemes and programs being implemented by the Government of India, such as PMMSY, the objectives are to resolve the concerns of the fishermen and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment while focusing…
21 February, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
PM KUSUM SCHEME By March 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will have installed 30,000 MW of solar power capacity in rural India under (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam UtthamMahabhiyan)PM KUSUM. About PM KUSUM: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced the PM KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam UtthanMahabhiyan) Scheme in 2019. Its goal was for the nation to install solar pumps, grid-connected solar power plants, and other renewable energy sources. One of the biggest programs in the world to give clean energy to more than 3.5 million farmers by the Indian government's…
08 February, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) for the Government e-Marketplace reaches Rs. 1.5 lakh crores. The government's dedication to "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" has been effectively supported by GeM. About GeM: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a very audacious move by the government to change how government ministries and departments, public sector undertakings, and other top autonomous organizations of the Central Government acquire products and services. The GeM is a website that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India developed in 2016 to make it easier for different government agencies and organizations to purchase products and…
06 February, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Recently, the Ambala Railway Division's 15 railway stations were chosen to be developed as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was introduced by the Union Ministry of Railways in December 2022 with the goal of modernizing over 1,000 minor stations during the ensuing years. The plan calls for the continuing growth of stations with a long-term outlook. The plan's objective is to create master plans for railroad stations and implement them gradually to improve the facilities. Longer platforms, ballastless rails, space for rooftop plazas, and 5G connectivity are important aspects of…
02 February, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 2nd phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 (18-28 Jan), organised in Basti (UP). The first phase was organised from 10-16 Dec 2022. The Khel Mahakumbh features both indoor and outdoor sporting events, such as chess, carrom, badminton, table tennis, wrestling, kabaddi, football, hockey, volleyball, handball, and more. The Khel Mahakumbh also hosts a number of other competitions, such as those for painting, rangoli making, and essay writing. Significance of the event: Such events will give India's longstanding sporting supremacy a new lease on life. Over 200 Members of…
21 January, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Online Gaming Draft Rules The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently suggested a change to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to include online gaming. Regarding Draft Rules: According to the proposed regulations, online gaming organizations will not be permitted to place bets on the results of games. Mandatory know-your-customer (KYC) criteria for verification. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, have been amended by the proposed rules. These guidelines were created to protect consumers from any potential harm from skill-based games. Online games must register with…
04 January, 2023
Government policies and interventions
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) The new integrated food security system, which will provide free food grains to Antodaya Anna Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) recipients, will be implemented on January 1, 2023. The Union government has dubbed its new free foodgrain scheme, established under the National Food Security Act of 2013, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The integrated system is expected to reinforce the provisions of the NFSA, 2013 in terms of foodgrain access, affordability, and availability for the poor. What exactly is PM-GKAY? PMGKAY is a component of the Pradhan Mantri…
12 January, 2023
Government Schemes & Programmes
Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan Scheme The Ministry of Minority Affairs has renamed the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) Scheme as the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme. What are the Scheme's Key Elements? It is a central-sector programme that concentrates on the leadership, entrepreneurship, and skill-building needs of the nation's minority and artisan communities. This integrated programme brings together five former programmes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, including Seekho aur Kamao. This programme for minorities aims to improve the skills of minority youth in a variety of modern and traditional skills depending on their…
22 December, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
India's pension system as per Global Pension Index The Indian pension system was recently ranked 41st out of 44 countries in the Global Pension Index. About the Global Pension Index: A ranking system for pension plans around the globe is done by the Mercer CFA Institute and is known as the Global Pension Index. What is tracked by this index? The index acknowledges that comparing pension systems around the world is neither simple nor straightforward. Population requirements, economic growth, government revenue, regulatory maturity, and the growth of the private market are all different. Three factors are used to rank countries…
22 December, 2022
Government policies and interventions
Vocational Education to the youth Under the auspices of the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme, the Department of School Education and Literacy is carrying out the endeavor to vocationalize school education. Aim of the scheme: The programme aims to combine general academic instruction with vocational education in all secondary and senior secondary schools, It will also improve the students' employability and entrepreneurial skills, it will also expose them to the workplace, and increase student awareness of various career options so they can make a decision in line with their aptitude, competence, and aspirations. Steps taken by the government: The Samagra…
19 December, 2022
Government policies and interventions
Project Unnati The Union Rural Development Ministry wishes to tie the labour budget for the upcoming fiscal year to the results of the States under the Unnati initiative. About Initiative Unnati The Unnati project is a skill-upgrading initiative established in 2020 with the goal of enhancing the beneficiaries of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA's skill base and enhancing their quality of life. The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana (DDU-GKY), the Rural Self Training Institute (RSETI), and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra are three well-known training programmes that are used to prepare the chosen individuals for the initiative. The goal of this…
30 November, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
World Toilet Day Every year on November 19th, World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable sanitation in keeping people healthy. " Making the Invisible Visible" is the theme for 2022. What is the significance of World Toilet Day? Since 2013, World Toilet Day has been observed annually. Aim: It is about taking action to address the global sanitation crisis and achieve SDG 6: sanitation and water for all by 2030. This year's theme delves into how poor sanitation systems spread human waste into rivers, lakes, and soil, polluting underground water resources. India's Strategy and…
19 November, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Eat Right Station Certification Bhopal Railway Station was recently awarded a 4-star 'Eat Right Station' certification for providing passengers with high-quality, nutritious food. The 4-star rating indicates that the station is fully compliant in providing safe and sanitary food to passengers. What is the 'Eat Right Station' Certification? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) awards the 'Eat Right Station' certification to railway stations that set standards in providing safe and wholesome food to passengers. Following the completion of an FSSAI-appointed third-party audit with ratings ranging from 1 to 5, the station is awarded a certificate. The certification…
17 November, 2022
Government policies and interventions
Sparsh Initiative The Defence Accounts Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Baroda and HDFC Bank, to onboard them as Service Centres under the System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH) initiative, across more than 14,000 branches throughout India. About SPARSH It is a web-based system for processing the pension claims and crediting the pension directly into the bank accounts of defence pensioners without any external intermediary. It has been designed to give Defence Pensioners a transparent view of their pension account, through an online portal which captures and maintains a complete history of events and entitlements…
24 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
International Year of Millets 2023 In preparation for the International Year of Millets in 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has planned a number of pre-launch activities and initiatives to raise awareness and encourage involvement in the nation about the illustrious but long-forgotten golden grains. Numerous initiatives were introduced, including "India's Wealth, Millets for Health," the Millet Startup Innovation Challenge, the Mighty Millets Quiz, a contest for logos and catchphrases, etc. ??????? Describe IYM. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supported India's request to mark an International Year of Millets in 2023 in 2018, and the United Nations…
24 September, 2022
Government policies and interventions
INSPIRE AWARD The INSPIRE Awards - MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) 9th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) recently began. The INSPIRE Award is for innovation in science pursuit of inspired research. About: It is being carried out by DST (Department of Science and Technology) in conjunction with National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF), an independent DST agency, and is in line with the "Start-up India" initiative. In accordance with this, pupils are invited from all public and private schools nationwide, regardless of the educational boards (national and state). They would receive financial assistance of Rs…
20 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Scheme Image Source - Janataserishta A recent initiative by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to give families in metropolitan areas 100 days of employment is modelled after the MGNREGA. About Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Scheme Providing work that is available on demand for 100 days per year to help poor and needy families who live in cities. Areas covered Environmental protection, water conservation, heritage preservation, garden upkeep, encroachment removal, removal of unlawful sign boards, hoardings, banners, and sanitation projects will all be carried out. Eligibility Under this initiative, at least 50 persons will be provided employment…
10 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Poshan Maah 2022 Every year, September is observed as Rashtriya Poshan Maah, or National Nutrition Month, throughout the nation. Key themes of Poshan Maah 2022: The month's events will be focused on important issues including gender-sensitive, water conservation, and management, traditional food for women and children in tribal areas, and Mahila and Swasthya, Bachcha and Shiksha - Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. Message Distribution: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is taking advantage of this opportunity to heavily promote vital messages to all target beneficiaries on healthy eating behaviours and practices. Building Convergences: The Ministry is also actively examining how to…
08 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology Image Source - Gktoday Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST), a new I-STEM (Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map) project, was just introduced. Major Points Women's Empowerment: The WEST initiative will support women with STEM backgrounds and give them the tools they need to participate in the ecosystem of science, technology, and innovation. Offering a separate platform to women who are scientifically inclined: Through the WEST initiative, I-STEM will offer a separate platform to women who are scientifically inclined and wish to pursue careers as researchers, scientists, or technologists in cutting-edge fields…
08 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana Image Source - pmmodiyojana On National Teachers' Day, the Prime Minister unveiled a new program called PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India). PM-SHRI Scheme It is a brand-new program that is sponsored by the government and will highlight the elements of the National Education Policy, 2020. A centrally sponsored scheme is one where the union government and the states/union territories are expected to split the implementation costs 60:40. The Center's contribution may reach 90% in Northeastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and UTs without legislatures. For instance, the PM…
07 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
SPARK Program The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) recently developed the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) for Ayurveda students enrolled in accredited Ayurveda colleges in an innovative effort to assist the research endeavors of the nation's brightest young brains. About SPARK Program Initiative By Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). Aim SPARK aims to support the research ideas of young undergraduate students enrolled in Ayurveda Colleges across India. Application process The application process for SPARK will be completely online. Interested candidates will be required to submit their research proposals through the SPARK Portal.…
05 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Scheme Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme trained over 3 lakh women, according to information provided to Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Education. Image Source - Affairscloud About PMKVY The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the government's flagship program, is operated under the Skill India Mission, which was introduced by the government in 2015. By 2022, it hopes to have trained more than 40 crore individuals in India in various disciplines. It strives to provide Indian youngsters with vocational training and certification for a better standard of living and social…
05 September, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign Image Source - India Science The Clean Coast Safe Sea Campaign, also known as Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar, began on the Indian Coasts. About Clean Coast Safe Sea Campaign A 75-day citizen-led initiative is being run to collectively improve ocean health. A cleanliness initiative called "Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar/Clean Coast Safe Sea" will be carried out along the whole coastline of India in collaboration with other charitable groups and the local community. Involved ministries Along with numerous departments of the centre and state governments, non-governmental organisations, and educational institutions, this campaign will involve…
Jan Dhan Yojana Achievements Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Achievements so far Image Source - saran division The National Mission for Financial Inclusion known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) recently concluded eight years of successful operation. Since its commencement, more than 46.25 crore beneficiaries have deposited money through PMJDY, totalling Rs. 1,73,954 crores. What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? The Pradhan Mantri The National Mission for Financial Inclusion is known as Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). It guarantees cheap access to financial services such as banking, savings, deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, and pension. The cornerstone of…
30 August, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
PARAKH The establishment of a national regulator called PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) by the Union government is intended to create a benchmark framework for evaluating secondary and higher secondary pupils. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 includes PARAKH. Image Source - Youtube About parakh The National Achievement Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Surveys are two examples of periodic learning outcome examinations that will be administered by the planned regulator, which will also serve as a constituent unit of the NCERT. Leading assessment professionals with in-depth knowledge of the educational systems in India and…
01 September, 2022
Government policies and interventions
Standard Operating Procedures for Pharmaceutical Marketing The Dolo-650 tablet manufacturers have been charged by the Central Board for Direct Taxes (CBDT) with spending Rs 1,000 crore on gifts for doctors who prescribe the medication. Background: The dispute arose after income-tax raids on Bengaluru-based pharmaceutical company Micro Labs, which produces the well-known paracetamol brand Dolo-650. Problem: It appears that drugmakers' marketing is driven by gift-giving, including free meals, drug samples, and promotional goods. This is a marketing strategy that is well-established in the sector. Supreme Court case: A petition asking for guidance from the Centre to give UCPMP a legislative foundation…
24 August, 2022
Government policies and interventions
NAMASTE Project for manual scavengers The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is currently getting ready to conduct a statewide survey to count all people involved in dangerous sewer and septic tank cleaning, a practice that has resulted in at least 351 fatalities since 2017. About NAMASTE Project The National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem of the Union government includes an enumeration effort that will shortly be carried out throughout 500 AMRUT cities (NAMASTE). The Self-Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), which was established in 2007, will eventually be merged with it and replaced. It will…
15 August, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
SMILE-75 Initiative To address the enduring issue of destitution and beggary, the Government of India has developed the comprehensive SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme. As part of the "SMILE-75" Initiative, 75 Municipal Corporations (MC) will provide thorough rehabilitation for beggars in the spirit of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. MCs will cover several comprehensive welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging. About the SMILE 75-Initiative Aim: Municipal Corporations will provide a range of comprehensive welfare measures for people who are involved in begging in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders,…
13 August, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Mid-day Meal Scheme There is recent proof that children who receive eggs as part of midday meals have a considerable boost in their growth, according to a study commissioned by the Karnataka government. Image source - Inshitsonindia About the recent study While the request to include additional districts in the scope of the mid-day meal or PM Poshan program is still pending, eggs are now supplied under this program in seven Karnataka districts. More than 4,500 children in two districts were included. Gain: When compared to their counterparts who weren't offered eggs, girls in Class 8 gained up to 71%…
12 August, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act Recently, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act which was passed by the Parliament, came into force. More About the Act The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 from the colonial era is replaced by the new law. The new law permits investigators to gather specific identifiable information about prisoners and other people for the purpose of identifying them and conducting criminal investigations. Legal authorization for data collection: The new law gives the police the authority to gather physical and biological samples from suspects and criminal defendants alike. It empowers police to collect: Fingerprints Palm print and footprints…
08 August, 2022
Laws
FLAG CODE OF INDIA 2022 The Flag Code of India is a set of laws, practices, instructions and conventions concerning the use, display, and hoisting of the Indian national flag in the country. The Flag Code of India was brought into effect on January 26, 2002. Before 2002, the display of the national flag was governed by provisions of The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. About Flag Code Quite recently, the Indian government amended some of its provisions of the Flag Code 2002. The Flag Code…
26 July, 2022
Government policies and interventions
INDIA INNOVATION INDEX 2021 It was the third edition of the Innovation Index Report by the Niti Aayog. Karnataka has topped again in the ‘Major States’ category, Manipur is leading the ‘North East and Hill States’ category, and Chandigarh is the top performer in the ‘Union Territories and City States’ category. About Innovation index The India Innovation Index is a comprehensive tool for the evaluation and development of the country’s innovation ecosystem which ranks the states and the union territories on their innovation performance to build healthy competition amongst them. This index has been developed in the line with the…
21 July, 2022
Government policies and interventions
MISSION BUNIYAD The Government of Delhi has said that under Mission Buniyaad, held between April and June, students of government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi schools have shown 20%-30% improvement in literacy and numeracy skills. The government is also planning to expand the scheme. About Mission Buniyaad The mission, originally launched in 2018, had an aim to ensure that students of classes 3 to 8 studying in government or MCD schools were able to fluently read letters and solve basic mathematical problems. It mainly focuses on improving the learning skills of children studying in state and municipal-run schools. It was…
21 July, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) aims at upliftment of dairy farmers making dairying more remunerative. About RGM Rashtriya Gokul Mission comprises two components namely: 1: the national program for bovine breeding 2: the national mission for bovine productivity The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The aim of the scheme is the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic up-gradation of the bovine population, and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines It is also a step toward enhancing the farmer's income The objective of the scheme To enhance the…
20 July, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
RANDOMISED CONTROL TRIAL Economist and Nobel laureate Michael R Kremer has said that for a diverse populous country like India Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) must be carried out at multiple sites for better analysis of schemes and to see differences across the various states. RCT was heavily discussed after Kremer and fellow economists Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo won the 2019 Nobel Prize winner in the area of Economics. They had made use of RCT for their research on poverty. WHAT Is RCT? It is an experimental form of impact evaluation in which the population receiving the program is chosen at…
19 July, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
APPROVED FUEL FOR NCR: CAQM Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed National Capital Region (NCR) states to adopt a standard list of approved fuels to reduce air pollution. The standard list of fuels approved by the CAQM includes petrol, diesel, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, Liquified Petroleum Gas, and electricity. The majority of industries shifted to cleaner fuels such as PNG (Piped Natural gas) and biomass and many other industrial sectors such as food processing, distilleries, and chemicals are already in the process of shifting to cleaner fuels. Shifting to cleaner fuels such as biomass and PNG in the…
14 July, 2022
Government policies and interventions
MISSION VATSALYA The Women and Child Development Ministry released guidelines to access central funds and benefits under Mission Vatsalya. About Mission Vatsalya It is the main scheme for child protection services in the country. The goal of Mission Vatsalya is to secure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in the nation. It promotes family-based non-institutional care of children in difficult circumstances based on the principle of institutionalism of children as a measure of last resort. The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in collaboration with the State Governments and the Union Territories, with a fund-sharing pattern…
09 July, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Lancet Study On Road Safety and India’s Road Safety Measures The Lancet study highlights the urgency of implementing a safe system approach that can effectively address road injury death by 2030 and the number of lives that can be saved through intervention in road safety risk factors. The report uses mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease 2017. This is the first-time country-wise reports are presented based on four parameters drunk- driving, helmet use, speeding, seat -belt use. HIGHLIGHT OF THE REPORT Steps taken to check vehicle speed on road in India could alone have the biggest impact on…
30 June, 2022
Government policies and interventions
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA The eighth International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21 June 2022 across the world. The Theme for 2022 was ‘Yoga for Humanity. The idea of the International Day of Yoga was given by India during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in 2014. The United nation proclaimed 21st June as the International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution in December 2014. The first Yoga Day was celebrated in 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi which created two Guinness World Records. It was the world's largest yoga session…
21 June, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
NATIONAL AIR SPORTS POLICY 2022 The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched National Air Sports Policy to promote sports events like aerobatics, hot-air ballooning, and paragliding. POTENTIAL OF AIR SPORTS ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA. The air sports ecosystem in India has the potential to generate over 1 lakh direct jobs and generate annual revenue of Rs 10,000 crore. Besides the economic benefits, the sector is also expected to boost tourism, travel, infrastructure, and employment, especially in the hilly areas. The main aim is to promote the sector by providing a safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable air sports ecosystem. The idea…
20 June, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
The Situation of Government Jobs PM has ordered, million central government posts to be filled in a mission mode over the next one and a half years. The Current Picture of Employment in India The unemployment rate is defined as the percentage of unemployed persons in the labor force. Suffered by demonetization, pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns, now the Indian economy has started showing some signs of revival. The annual report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey for July 2020 to June 2021 showed that the unemployment rate decreased to 4.2% from 4.8% in 2019-20. The unemployment rate was higher for…
18 June, 2022
Government policies and interventions
AGNIPATH SCHEME FOR ARMED FORCES Huge protests have been observed throughout the country to roll back the Agnipath scheme AGNIPATH SCHEME It recruits the soldier for short term and long term on an ‘All-India All-Class’ basis. It aims to reduce the salaries and pension and divert resources for the modernization of the military. Those between the age of 17.5 and 21 are eligible for this. The person who gets selected will be known as Agniveers. The recruitment process will be repeated every six months. After 4 years of services, Agniveers will be eligible to apply for permanent enrolment in the…
18 June, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
PM Poshan Scheme to replace Mid Day Meal Scheme PM Poshan (Erstwhile Mid-Day Meal) Scheme Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister POSHAN scheme or PM-POSHAN for providing one hot cooked meal in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme will replace the existing national programme for mid-day meals in schools or Mid-day Meal Scheme (launched in 1995). It has been launched for an initial period of five years (2021-22 to 2025-26) Ministry: Ministry of Education. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The Objective of MDM is to increase enrollment, retention and attendance and improve nutritional levels among students from Class 1 to 8th in Govt, Govt…
02 February, 2022
Government Schemes & Programmes
Draft National Air Sports Policy 2022 India has the potential to be among the leading nations in the world of air sports. It has a large geographical expanse, diverse topography and fair weather conditions. It has a large population, especially the youth. It has a growing culture for adventure sports and aviation. Other than the direct revenue from air sports activities, the multiplier benefits in terms of growth of travel, tourism, infrastructure and local employment, especially in hilly areas of the country, are several times greater. The creation of air sports hubs across the country will also bring in air…
03 January, 2022
Government policies and interventions
NWIC (National Water Informatics Center) to maintain comprehensive water resources data. Under Ministry of Jal Shakti - Headed by Joint Secretary Level Officer. Data will come through India - WRIS (Water Resource Information System). It is a component of the National Hydrology Project (NHP) and in consonance with National Water Mission. National Hydrology Project, Ministry of Water Resources. It is a Central Sector Scheme. At State, Dist & Village access. Hydro-meteorological data will be stored and analysed on a real-time basis for efficient water management, management, NWIC etc. 1st International Conference under NHP on the theme "Sustainable Water Management" at Mohali organised by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as Indian School of Business, Mohali.…
03 August, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Analysis of Jal Jeevan Mission Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a milestone of providing tap water supply to every household in 1 lakh villages across India, in a short period of 23 months. At the launch of this ambitious programme, out of 18.94 Crore rural households in country, only 3.23 Crore (17%) had tap water connections. Despite Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown disruptions, Jal Jeevan Mission provided 4.49 Crore tap water connections during 23 months and has also made 50 thousand Gram Panchayats ‘Har Ghar Jal’ by providing tap water supply to every household in these panchayats. Today tap water supply…
29 December, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Continuation of National AYUSH Mission India possesses an unmatched heritage represented by its traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Unani and also Homeopathy (ASU&H) which are a treasure house of knowledge for preventive, promotive and curative healthcare. The positive features of the Indian systems of medicine namely their diversity and flexibility; accessibility; affordability, broad acceptance by a large section of the general public; comparatively lesser cost and growing economic value, have great potential to make them providers of healthcare that the large sections of our people need. The government of India is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme…
19 July, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
YUVA- Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education today launched YUVA- Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors, an Author Mentorship programme to train young and budding authors (below 30 years of age) in order to promote reading, writing and book culture in the country, and project India and Indian writings globally. The launch of YUVA (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors) is in tune with PM’s vision to encourage young writers to write about India's freedom struggle. It was during Mann ki Baat on 31 January 2021, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi…
29 May, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
TRIFED and NITI AAYOG to partner for implementing the Van Dhan initiative in Tribal Clusters of all Aspirational districts of India Keeping in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister's call for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” aligned to the slogan of “Be Vocal for Local Buy Tribal”, towards realizing the goal of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, TRIFED will now be partnering with NITI Aayog to implement the Van Dhan Yojana in the districts that have been identified as aspirational districts by NITI Aayog. These include districts in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,…
24 May, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Jal Jeevan Mission UPSC JJM is a flagship programme of the Union Government being implemented in partnership with the States with the objective to provide tap water connection in every rural household by 2024. The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting. The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission. The Mission was launched on August 15, 2019. Under Jal Jeevan Mission, in 2021-22,…
29 October, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for IT Hardware Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his visionary initiatives like the “Digital India” and “Make in India” programmes, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in electronics manufacturing in the last five years. The National Policy on Electronics 2019 envisions positioning India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) by focusing on size and scale, promoting exports and enhancing domestic value addition by creating an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally. National Policy on Electronics, 2019 Mission and Objective The Policy envisions positioning…
02 July, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Digital India Programme About Digital India Programme India is amongst the top 2 countries globally, just behind China on many dimensions of digital adoption. By 2022, India’s digital economy is likely to cross $1 trillion. The vision of Digital India Programme Digital infrastructure as Utility to Every Citizen Governance and services on demand Digital empowerment of citizens Objectives of Digital India Programme To prepare India for a knowledge future. For being transformative that is to realize IT (Indian Talent) + IT (Information Technology) = IT (India Tomorrow). Making technology central to enabling change. On being an Umbrella Programme – covering…
07 December, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Jal Jeevan Mission - A Detailed Overview Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a flagship programme of the Union Government being implemented in partnership with the States with the objective to provide tap water connection in every rural household by 2024. The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting. The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission. The Mission was launched on August 15,…
19 December, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen – Phase 2 About Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) SBM (1st phase) was a nationwide campaign in India for the period 2014 to 2019 that aims to clean up the street, roads and infrastructure of cities towns, urban and rural cities and area in India. The objectives of Swachh Bharat include eliminating open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets and establishing an accountable mechanism for monitoring toilet use. Run by the Government of India, the mission aims to achieve an "open-defecation free" (ODF) India by 2 October 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma…
08 June, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
DAC nod for building 6 conventional submarines What is Defense Acquisition Council? The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard. The Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the Council. It was formed, after the Group of Ministers' recommendations on 'Reforming the National Security System', in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999). What is the news? The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the issuance of a Request For Proposal…
05 June, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) It was started in the 10th five-year plan in 2005. It works under the Ministry of Rural Development. Funding: Centrally Sponsored with the pattern 90:10. Providing provides a legal guarantee of at least 100 days of unskilled manual work in rural areas. Any member > 18 years (Adult members) of a rural household, willing to do unskilled manual work, may apply to the local Gram Panchayat (which will issue a Job Card). Minimum 14 days of Employment. If Employment is not given within 15 days, then daily unemployment allowance is given by States. Wages are to be given according to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. Minimum Wages is increased to 202 Rs. (early 175 Rs.)…
27 June, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Ordinance-Uttar Pradesh UPSC GS-PAPER-2 GOVERNANCE – Article -21 & 25 related issue Context: Highly important to study secularism. UP Government initiated the war against LOVE JIHAD which many groups of people considered the dilution of fundamental rights and freedom of conscience. Article 21 is in the debate which permits the RIGHT TO MARRIAGE. The Uttar Pradesh government has recently passed an ordinance to deal with unlawful religious conversions, which are in opposition of various judgements of the Supreme Court. What it is? UP Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Ordinance, 2020: Violation of the provisions of the law would invite…
27 June, 2021
State related legislation
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 A new Model Tenancy Act has been approved by the Union cabinet on June 2, 2021. The main trigger for this is the 1.1 crore vacant houses that were found to be locked and empty in the 2011 census. Chances are that this number must have risen in the past 10 years. This model law now has to be accepted and adopted by all the states and Union territories which will notify the law according to their state’s requirements. The new tenancy law is a model Act created by the Union and each state and Union…
03 June, 2021
Laws
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) It was started in the 10th five-year plan in 2005. It works under the Ministry of Rural Development. Funding: Centrally Sponsored with the pattern 90:10. Providing provides a legal guarantee of at least 100 days of unskilled manual work in rural areas. Any member > 18 years (Adult members) of a rural household, willing to do unskilled manual work, may apply to the local Gram Panchayat (which will issue a Job Card). Minimum 14 days of Employment. If Employment is not given within 15 days, then daily unemployment allowance is given by States. Wages are to be given according to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. Minimum Wages is increased to 202 Rs. (early 175 Rs.)…
03 June, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
U.P. ranked best under Smart Cities Mission Uttar Pradesh was ranked the best State, and Indore and Surat were jointly named the best cities by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry for their work under the Smart Cities Mission. Ministry announced that Uttar Pradesh had been ranked one, Madhya Pradesh was second and Tamil Nadu third in the India Smart Cities Awards 2020. Smart City Mission It is an innovative initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development and harnessing…
26 June, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Maharashtra govt. clears action plan to protect heritage trees The State will also bring about amendments in the Maharashtra (Urban Area) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act. It passed an action plan to protect and preserve trees older than 50 years in urban areas by terming them heritage trees. The plan includes the Concept of heritage tree and plan of action for conservation; Method to define age of the tree; Compensatory plantation; Rules to be followed before hacking trees; Formation of the Maharashtra Tree Authority; Structure of the local tree authority and their duties; Tree census; Fixing land of tree…
11 June, 2021
State related legislation
UNDP urges to replicate the Aspirational Districts programme in India Aspirational Districts are those districts in India, that are affected by poor socio-economic indicators. It has a vision of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. It was launched in 2018. The 117 districts were identified from 28 states, at least one from each state. At the Government of India level, the programme is anchored by NITI Aayog. In addition, individual Ministries have assumed responsibility to drive the progress of districts. The objective of the program is to monitor the real-time progress of aspirational districts. ADP is based on 49 indicators from the…
11 June, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
FCRA amendments- Foreign contribution and COVID-19 Details of the amendments The amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) enacted last year that among others made it compulsory for NGOs to open a bank account in Delhi and crippled the work of many organisations that are unable to receive foreign funds. Registered NGOs can receive the foreign contributions for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic and cultural. An FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs to receive foreign funds. There are 22,591 FCRA registered NGOs. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020 The Bill amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. Provisions of…
10 May, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Right to Freedom of Movement- FASTag GS-Paper-2: Governance– UPSC PRELIMS – Mains Application Context: The Union government told the Bombay High Court that making FASTag mandatory for all vehicles plying on the national highways (NHs) doesn’t breach a citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of movement in any way. FASTag ensures seamless traffic movement, cut travel time short, and that all decisions had been taken in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles (CMV) Rules. Section 136A of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 puts the responsibility on the Central Government to make rules for the electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety.…
29 April, 2021
Laws
DSIR-PRISM Scheme DSIR-PRISM Scheme will be aligned with three National Initiatives like Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), Smart India Hackathon (SIH) and Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), IIT Delhi. Dept. of Scientific and Industrial Research - Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (DSIR-PRISM) scheme supports individual innovators enabling inclusive development of India. It aims at transforming an innovator into a technopreneur by promoting and funding implementable and commercially viable innovations created for society. PRISM extends its support to any citizen of the country through Direct Benefit Transfer for idea development, prototype development and pilot scaling, and patenting in the core…
01 April, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
AIM-PRIME AIM-PRIME (Program for Researchers on Innovations, Market-Readiness & Entrepreneurship) aims to translate science-based deep-tech research to startups & ventures across India. Partners - Atal Innovation Mission has joined hands with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to launch this initiative, which will be implemented by Venture Center, a technology business incubator. Beneficiaries - The program is open to technology developers (early-stage deep tech start-ups, and scientists/ engineers/ clinicians) with strong science-based deep tech business ideas. It is also open to CEOs and Senior incubation managers of AIM Funded Atal Incubation Centers that are supporting deep tech entrepreneurs. Working - It aims at…
02 April, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 Released The Union Health Ministry recently released the policy. Rare Diseases: WHO defines a rare disease as a lifelong disease or disorder that often highly weakens an individual. It has a prevalence of 1 or less per 1000 population. Example: Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle cell anaemia, and auto-immune diseases among others. However, every country has its own definition of rare diseases. The US defines rare diseases as a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 patients in the country. Likewise, the EU defines rare diseases as life-threatening or chronically debilitating (weakening) conditions. It should…
04 April, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Lab on Wheels Programme by DelhiTechnological University Delhi Education Minister inaugurated Delhi Technological University (DTU) Lab on Wheels programme. About Lab on Wheels Programme: The Programme aims to impart education in the fields of Mathematics and Science. Especially the students from marginalised and poor economic backgrounds. The programme aims to stimulate their interest in these subjects while pursuing higher education. The programme becomes mutually beneficial if some of these students decide to take admitted to DTU once they finish schooling. Key Features of the programme: Delhi Technological University students will travel in a bus across Delhi & will teach government school…
13 April, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
PLI scheme: 'National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules The Cabinet has approved the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy's proposal for the implementation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 'National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV (Photo Voltic) Modules' for achieving manufacturing capacity of Giga Watt (GW) scale in high-efficiency solar PV modules with an outlay of Rs.4,500 crore. Analysis of PLI Scheme on Solar PV Modules Solar capacity addition presently depends largely upon imported solar PV cells and modules as the domestic manufacturing industry has limited operational capacities of solar PV cells and modules. The National Programme on High-Efficiency…
04 April, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
PLI Scheme for White Goods Taking another important step towards the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights) with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 6,238 crores. The prime objective of the PLI scheme is to make manufacturing in India globally competitive by removing sectoral disabilities, creating economies of scale and ensuring efficiencies. It is designed to create a complete component ecosystem in India and make India an integral part of the global supply chains. The scheme is…
04 April, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Stand Up India Scheme Stand up India Scheme was launched on 5th April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at grassroots level focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. This scheme has been extended up to the year 2025. The objective of Stand-Up India is to promote entrepreneurship amongst women, Scheduled Castes (SC) & Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories, to help them in starting a greenfield enterprise in the trading, manufacturing and services sector, by both ready and trainee borrowers. The purpose of Stand-Up India is to: promote entrepreneurship amongst women, SC & ST category. Provide loans for setting up greenfield enterprises in…
04 April, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Rare diseases in India According to the government, so far only about 450 diseases have been recorded in India from tertiary care hospitals that are globally considered rare diseases. The most commonly reported diseases include Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle-cell Anaemia and Primary Immuno Deficiency in children, auto-immune diseases, and Lysosomal storage disorders such as Pompe disease, Hirschsprung disease, Gaucher’s disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemangiomas and certain forms of muscular dystrophies. There are 7,000 - 8,000 rare diseases, but less than 5% have therapies available. About 95% of rare diseases have no approved treatment and less than 1 in 10 patients receive disease-specific…
03 April, 2021
Government policies and interventions
PRISM Scheme Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM) is an initiative of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) aimed at transforming an individual innovator into a successful technopreneur by promoting, supporting, and funding implementable and commercially viable innovations created for the society. Under the initiative, an innovator of Indian nationality - student, professional and common citizen - is provided technical, strategic, and financial assistance by DSIR-PRISM for idea development, prototype development and pilot scaling, and patenting. The programme is implemented across various sectors from energy to healthcare to waste management and others. The grant is given…
31 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2021 Lok Sabha has passed the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2021. The bill aims at setting up a National Commission for Allied and healthcare Professions to standardize and regulate the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals. It will also facilitate the maintenance and regulation of standards of education and services by healthcare professionals. What will be the functions of the National Commission? The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions will frame the standards for the education and practice of the professionals. It will create and…
28 March, 2021
Laws
Gram Ujala Scheme UPSC The Union Power and Renewable Energy Minister launched the Gram Ujala scheme in Varanasi. Under the scheme, the government offers the world’s cheapest LED bulbs in rural areas at Rs. 10. The Power Ministry in a press release mentioned that under the Gram Ujala scheme, Convergence Energy Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EESL- Energy Efficiency Services Limited, will be distributing the high-quality LED bulbs at a cost of Rs. 10 in rural areas of Varanasi. Significance of Gram Ujala Scheme: The Gram Ujala Scheme by the government will enable better illumination at an affordable price of just Rs.…
29 December, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana is a welfare measure being implemented by the Employee's State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on a pilot basis for a period of 2 years initially. It has been extended to June 30, 2021. Introduced w.e.f. July 01, 2018, it offers cash compensation to Insured Persons (IPs) when they are rendered unemployed. Eligibility for the scheme is, Employees are covered under Section 2(9) of the ESI Act 1948. IP should have completed 2 years of Insurable employment. IP should have contributed not less than 78 days during each of the preceding 4…
26 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Social Security Schemes for Organised and Unorganised As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) carried out by the National Sample Survey Organisation of the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, in the year 2017-18, the total employment in both organized and unorganised sectors in the country was around 47 crores. Out of this, around 9 crores are engaged in the organized sector and the balance of 38 crores is in the unorganized sector. The categories of workers have been divided into three categories i.e. Establishments with 10 or more workers; Establishments with 20 or more workers; Workers engaged in…
25 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Make in India initiative Make in India initiative was launched on September 25, 2014, with the objective of facilitating investment, fostering innovation, building best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure, making it easy to do business and enhancing skill development. The initiative is further aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment, modern and efficient infrastructure, opening up new sectors for foreign investment and forging a partnership between government and industry through a positive mindset. Since its launch, the Make in India initiative has made significant achievements and presently focuses on 27 sectors under Make in India 2.0. Department for Promotion of Industry and…
25 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Champion Services Sectors Champion Services Sectors refers to the 12 identified sectors where the Government wants to give focused attention to promoting their development and realizing their potential. These include Information Technology & Information Technology enabled Services (IT& ITeS), Tourism and Hospitality Services, Medical Value Travel, Transport and Logistics Services, Accounting and Finance Services, Audio Visual Services, Legal Services, Communication Services, Construction and Related Engineering Services, Environmental Services, Financial Services and Education Services. A dedicated fund of Rs. 5000 crores has been proposed to be established to support initiatives for sectoral Action Plans of the Champion Sectors. Background The Group…
25 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
National Rail Plan (NRP) for India 2030 Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030. The NRP is aimed to formulate strategies based on both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight. The NRP is for the entire Indian Railways network and not only for districts connected to the existing rail network but also for districts indirectly impacted by rail transportation. In effect, virtually all the districts of the country get linked to the plan.…
25 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Project Mausam: Maritime Routes and Cultural Landscapes Mausam’ is the initiative of the Ministry of Culture to be implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the nodal agency with research support from the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum. This project aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’ – collating archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of cultural, commercial and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean. The main objective of the project is to inscribe places and sites identified under Project Mausam as a trans-national nominations for inscription on…
24 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), a sub-scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), launched in 2010-11, is being implemented in seven eastern states namely Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Under the programme, assistance is being provided to the farmers for organizing cluster demonstrations on rice and wheat, seed production and distribution, nutrient management and soil ameliorants, integrated pest management, cropping system-based training, asset-building such as farm machinery & implements, irrigation devices, site-specific activities and post-harvest & marketing support, etc. Under the programme, the Government of…
24 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
New Projects Under Jal Jeevan Mission The Ministry of Jal Shakti Ministry has entered a partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the government of Denmark. The agreement aims to bring tap water connections to 11 water-scarce districts in Uttar Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan mission. About United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS): The office was established in 1973 as part of the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). It became an independent, self-financing organization in 1995. It is aimed at implementing projects for the United Nations System, international financial institutions and governments. UNOPS is a member of the United Nations…
24 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Namami Gange Programme The Government of India has been currently implementing several initiatives under the Namami Gange Programme to clean the polluted rivers of Ganga. The Programme was launched in 2014. It is an Integrated Conservation Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It Aims to achieve effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga. Main Pillars of the Programme: Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure, River-Surface Cleaning, Afforestation, Industrial Effluent Monitoring, River-Front Development, Biodiversity Public Awareness among others. National Mission for Clean Ganga is the implementing agency of the Namami Gange Programme at the national level. National Mission for…
24 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
SAAMAR Campaign in Jharkhand The Jharkhand government has launched the SAAMAR campaign to tackle malnutrition in the state. About SAAMAR Campaign: SAAMAR is an acronym for Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anaemia Reduction. The SAAMAR campaign aims to identify anaemic women and malnourished children. It brings together various departments to effectively deal with the major malnutrition problem in the state. Features of the campaign: SAMAR campaign has been launched with a 1000 days target. Under this annual surveys will be conducted to track the progress. Every Anganwadi Centres will be engaged to identify malnourished children. Subsequently, they will…
24 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 Recently, a new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) (erstwhile Defence Procurement Procedure or DPP), 2020 was released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020 envisages the basic tenets of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and encourages indigenous designing and manufacturing of defence items. The proposals for indigenous design and manufacturing are considered under the ‘Make’ Procedure of DAP-2020. The ‘Make’ Procedure aims to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industries including the private sector through the following mechanisms: Make-I (Government Funded): This involves the design and development of equipment, systems, major…
23 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
‘Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP)’ 2020 This draft policy is positioned as the Ministry of Defence’s overarching guiding document to provide a focused, structured and significant thrust to the defence production capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports. It envisions to make India amongst the top countries of the world in the Defence sector, including the Aerospace and Naval Shipbuilding sectors, from design to production, with the active participation of public and private sectors. This policy, inter alia, aims to create an environment that encourages R&D, rewards innovation, creates Indian Intellectual Property (IP) ownership and promotes a…
23 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Mission Innovation Mission Innovation is a global initiative of 24 countries and the EU launched during the Paris Agreement at COP21 on November 30, 2015. The program focuses on Clean Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) initiatives to accelerate clean energy innovations. Department of Biotechnology is the nodal agency for coordinating national efforts in clean energy R, D & D and implementing various activities in close collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and other line ministries. India is playing a crucial role in MI Activities at the global level by participating in eight Innovation Challenges and co-leading three challenges…
20 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms About the Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme Popularly known as ATMA Scheme - under implementation since 2005. Not implemented in all of India. Only in 28 states. The scheme promotes a decentralized farmer-friendly extension system in the country. Under the scheme, grants-in-aid are released to the State Governments with the objective to support State Government’s efforts to make available the latest agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices Includes farmer training for multi-layer farming.
16 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Deep Ocean Mission The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed as the multi-ministerial multi-disciplinary programme with an emphasis on the development of deep-sea technology, exploration of deep-sea mineral resources and biodiversity, acquisition of a research vessel for exploration, deep sea observations, and capacity building. Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal agency for implementing the programme. The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed to be a Central Sector Scheme and no separate allocation for States is envisaged. It is proposed to collaborate with non-governmental organizations for research collaboration for various components of the Deep Ocean Mission. Under Deep Ocean Mission, it is…
15 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
About National AYUSH Mission (NAM) The government of India is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) through States/UTs for the development and promotion of the AYUSH system of medicine including Homoeopathy. Under NAM, Grant-in-aid is being provided to State/UT Governments for the development and promotion of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) as per their proposed State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs). A specific resource pool with respect to NAM for each State/UT Government is allocated and communicated by the Central Government. Accordingly, the State/UT Governments submit their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs)…
24 December, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Prime Minister Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PMASBY) In the Budget speech of FY 21-22, ‘Prime Minister AtmanirbharSwasth Bharat Yojana’ (PMASBY) scheme has been announced on 1st February, 2021, with an outlay of about Rs.64,180 Cr over six years (till FY 25-26). This will be in addition to the National Health Mission. The main interventions under the scheme to be achieved by FY 25-26 are: Support for 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres in in 10 High Focus States Establishing 11,024 urban Health and Wellness Centres in all the States. Setting up of Integrated Public Health Labs in all districts and…
15 March, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act,1991 The Supreme Court asked the Centre to respond to a plea challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. About Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991: The Act was passed in 1991. It seeks to maintain the “religious character” of places of worship as it was in 1947. The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute was exempted from the Act. Key Provisions: It says that no person shall convert any place of worship of any religious denomination into one of a different denomination or section. All cases for converting the character of a place…
17 March, 2021
Laws
Stand Up India Scheme The government has informed the Lok Sabha that 81% of the accounts under the Stand Up India Scheme belong to women entrepreneurs. Stand Up India Scheme: Launched in 2016 by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The Stand-Up India Scheme facilitates bank loans for setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or the trading sector by SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs. It provides bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and up to 1 crore. The government does not allocate funds for loans under the Scheme. They are extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks(SCBs). Eligibility: SC/ST and/or…
12 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi The Union Cabinet approves the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN). About Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi(PMSSN): This program will ensure access to universal & affordable health care through a fund that does not lapse at the end of the financial year. Features: It has been set up as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for a share of Health. It will be made from the share of health in the proceeds of Health and Education Cess. The fund will be administered and maintained by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Finance Minister announced the…
12 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission SPMRM is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in 2016 to deliver integrated project-based infrastructure in rural areas, which will also include the development of economic activities and skill development. A predecessor to SPMRM was the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA), announced in 2003. Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) was aimed at the provision of urban amenities and livelihood opportunities in rural areas to bridge the rural-urban divide thereby reducing the migration from rural to urban areas. PURA has treated as a…
11 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana PM YUVA Yojana is a centrally sponsored Scheme on entrepreneurship education and training. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) from the 2016-17 to 2020-21 period (5 years). It aims at creating an enabling ecosystem through entrepreneurship education, training, advocacy and easy access to entrepreneurship support networks and promoting social enterprises for inclusive growth. The objectives of the scheme are, Educate and equip potential and early-stage entrepreneurs Connect entrepreneurs in enabling networks of peers, mentors, funds and business services Support entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurship Hubs (E - Hubs) Catalyze a culture…
08 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme The government is planning to replace the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) with a new programme MERITE Project. About the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme: It was started in 2002 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Development with the assistance of the World Bank and is being implemented in a phased manner. It aims to upscale the quality of technical education and enhance the capacities of institutions. The Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme III (TEQIP-III) was started in 2017 and will be completed by 2021. The Objective is to improve quality and equity…
02 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Catch the Rain Campaign What is the Catch the Rain Campaign? The “Catch the Rain” campaign launched by National Water Mission(NWM) is an awareness generation program nudging the state governments and stakeholders to take up rainwater harvesting structures appropriate to the soil substrata and climatic conditions, with the active participation of people. Key Features : Duration of the campaign: The awareness generation phase of the campaign will run from mid-December 2020 to March 2021. The tagline of the campaign: NWM has launched a campaign Catch the rain” with the tagline “catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls” in…
01 March, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Swachh Iconic Places Ministry of Jal Shakti has selected 12 iconic sites to be transformed into ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’ under Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G). Sites - Ajanta Caves, Sanchi Stupa, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Sun Temple, Ramdevra, Golconda Fort, Chandigarh Rock Garden, Dal Lake, Mathura Banke Bihari Temple, Agra Fort, Bengal Kalighat Temple. SIP initiative aims at enhancing the experience of visitors by improving the sanitation and cleanliness standards at and around the sites. It is coordinated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Tourism Ministry, Ministry of Culture…
26 February, 2021
Government policies and interventions
IT Regulation Rules 2021 Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 have been framed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and it supersedes the IT Rules, 2011. It will ensure a harmonious, soft-touch oversight mechanism in relation to social media platform, digital media and OTT platforms etc. Part- II of these Rules to Social Media shall be administered by Ministry of Electronics and IT. These Rules empower the users of digital platforms to seek redressal for their grievances on infringement of their rights. If due diligence is not followed by the intermediaries, including social media, safe…
26 February, 2021
Laws
OTT Platforms are now under Government’s ambit What is the news? The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, Hotstar, and others under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These platforms were so far under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. With a market size of nearly Rs 500 crore at the end of March 2019, the online video streaming platforms may become a Rs 4000-crore revenue market by the end of 2025, according to reports. At the end of 2019, India had as many as…
26 February, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana & Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana) PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) is a life insurance scheme. PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) is an accidental insurance scheme. The age limit for PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) is minimum 18 years and maximum 50 years. The age limit for PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) is minimum 18 years and maximum of 70 years. The annual premium for PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) is Rs 330.…
17 February, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Meri Saheli Initiative It was launched as a pilot project by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) across the South Eastern Railway for the security of women passengers in trains originating in that zone. This initiative has been rolled over to all zonal railways across the Indian Railways’ network from October 2020. Dedicated teams of lady RPF personnel have been formed across all zonal railways for its implementation. Section 58 of the Railways Act, 1989 provides for the earmarking of accommodation for female passengers in trains.
12 February, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) 2.0 to revive urban water bodies The urban water supply mission under the Jal Jeevan Mission announced in the Budget would include rejuvenation of water bodies as well as 20% of supply from reused water. Jal Jeevan Mission Jal Jeevan Mission, a central government initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to ensure access of piped water for every household in India. The mission’s goal is to provide to all households in rural India safe and adequate water through individual household tap connections by 2024. The Har Ghar Nal Se Jal programme was announced by…
03 February, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Government sets up a committee to review guidelines on Television Rating agencies The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has set up a committee to review guidelines on Television Rating agencies in India. The committee will be chaired by Prasar Bharti CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati. The committee will be required to revisit the existing Television Rating guidelines to further strengthen the procedures to make them more credible and transparent. The committee will also revisit the overall industry scenario, addressing the needs of the stakeholders and make recommendations for a credible, robust, transparent and accountable rating system through changes, if required, in the…
05 November, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Jal Jeevan adds 1 lakh water connections daily Context: UPSC GS Paper III: Water Resources, Government Schemes (PT-Mains) Since its launch in August 2019, the Centre’s ambitious flagship scheme Jal Jeevan Mission ( JJM), which in partnership with the States seeks to ensure that every rural household of the country gets assured drinking water supply by 2024, has achieved 32.3% coverage of tap connections in rural India. The Modi government is almost replicating the implementation of its flagship scheme of building toilets in the first term in providing tap water connections to every rural household in the country in its…
27 December, 2020
Government policies and interventions
The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2020 UPSC GS-PAPER-2 GOVERNANCE – Article -21 & 25 related issue Context: Highly important to study secularism. MP Government initiated the war against LOVE JIHAD which many groups of people considered the dilution of fundamental rights and freedom of conscience. Article-21 is in the debate which permits RIGHT TO MARRIAGE. The Madhya Pradesh government has recently passed an ordinance to deal with unlawful religious conversions, which are in opposition of various judgements of the Supreme Court. What it is? It provides for a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine…
27 December, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Census 2021 What is the Census of India? The decennial Census of India has been conducted 15 times, as of 2011. While it has been undertaken every 10 years, beginning in 1872 under British Viceroy Lord Mayo, the first complete census was taken in 1881. Post-1949, it has been conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. All the censuses since 1951 were conducted under the 1948 Census of India Act. The last census was held in 2011, whilst the next will be held in 2021. About Census 2021…
23 December, 2020
Laws
Haryana to host 4th edition of Khelo India Programme The Sports Ministry has approved the inclusion of four indigenous sports: Gatka, Kalaripayattu, ThangTa and Mallakhamba in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2021, scheduled to take place in Haryana. Kalaripayattu has its origin in Kerala and has practitioners all over the world, Bollywood actor Vidyut Jammwal being one. Mallakhamba, meanwhile, has been well known across India. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have been the hotspots of this sport. Gatka originates from the state of Punjab and this traditional fighting style of the Nihang Sikh warriors is used both as self defence as…
22 December, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Ordinance-Uttar Pradesh UPSC GS-PAPER-2 GOVERNANCE – Article -21 & 25 related issue Context: Highly important to study secularism. UP Government initiated the war against LOVE JIHAD which many groups of people considered the dilution of fundamental rights and freedom of conscience. Article-21 is in the debate which permits RIGHT TO MARRIAGE. The Uttar Pradesh government has recently passed an ordinance to deal with unlawful religious conversions, which are in opposition of various judgements of the Supreme Court. What it is? UP Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Ordinance, 2020: Violation of the provisions of the law would invite a jail…
02 December, 2020
State related legislation
MGNREGS – Job Demand Increases GS Paper-2 Governance (Mains-I.V) Context: During COVID-19 due to reverse migration the demand for MGNREGA suddenly increases. 96% of gram panchayats have logged work under the scheme in the financial year (2020-21) as compared to the previous seven years. This TOPIC is highly important for the UPSC Mains examination. The NREGS is a demand-based scheme and has emerged as a safety net during the pandemic for jobless migrant workers returning to their villages Despite a progressive relaxation in Covid-19 curbs to revive the economy, 96% of gram panchayats have logged work under the scheme in the financial year (2020-21) as compared to the previous seven years.…
02 December, 2020
Government policies and interventions
National Nutrition Mission: NITI Aayog Recently, the NITI Aayog has released “Accelerating Progress On Nutrition In India: What Will It Take”. It is the third progress report on the National Nutrition Mission or the Poshan Abhiyaan. Key features The third progress report (October 2019-April 2020) takes into account the status on the ground and implementation challenges encountered at various levels through large scale datasets. These datasets are the NFHS-4 and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS). According to the report, India’s targets are conservative on stunting as compared to the global target defined by the World Health Assembly (WHA). It is…
02 December, 2021
Government policies and interventions
Centre within its rights to suspend MPLADS, says Bombay high court: Recent Bombay High Court ruling: The Union government was within its powers to suspend the MPLAD scheme and divert such funds to combat Covid-19. Besides, this (Covid-19) is a disaster so the government will have to resort to Disaster Management Act. It is within its powers to invoke the Act. What’s the issue? The Union government had resorted to Disaster Management Act to suspend the member of Parliament local area development (MPLAD) scheme in April this year. A petition was filed against this in the Court. About MPLAD scheme:…
26 November, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Reservation in Super-speciality Medical Courses: SC Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has reserved its order on the state governments providing a 50% in-service reservation for admissions to super-speciality medical courses (Doctorate of Medicine/DM and Master of Chirurgiae/M. Ch.) in government colleges for the academic year 2020-21. Features In August 2020, the SC allowed states to grant the benefit of reservation of seats to in-service doctors in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) postgraduate (PG) degree courses. The judgment held that the state has the legislative competence and authority to provide for a separate source of entry for in-service candidates…
27 November, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Initiatives for Transgender Persons: Garima Greh Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the National Portal for Transgender Persons and inaugurated Garima Greh, a shelter home for transgender persons. National Portal for Transgender Persons: It has been launched in consonance with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020. It would help transgenders in digitally applying for a certificate and identity card from anywhere in the country, thus preventing any physical interaction with officials. It will help them track the status of application, rejection, grievance redressal, etc. which will ensure transparency in the process. The issuing authorities…
01 December, 2021
Government policies and interventions
India’s First Seaplane Project A seaplane is a fixed-wing aeroplane designed for taking off and landing on water. There are two main types of seaplanes: flying boats (often called hull seaplanes) and floatplanes. India's first seaplane service in Gujarat, is set to start from 31st October 2020, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with the aim of providing air connectivity between the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. The seaplane will be operated by SpiceJet. It is a 19-seater seaplane, which will be able to accommodate 14 passengers. In the next phase, Dharoi dam…
25 October, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Maritime Vision 2030 What is it? It is a ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector which will be released by the Prime Minister of India at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020. It will supersede the Sagarmala initiative and aims to boost waterways, give a fillip to the shipbuilding industry and encourage cruise tourism in India. Development Projects under Maritime Vision 2030: Maritime Development Fund: A Rs. 25,000-crore fund, which will provide low cost, long-tenure financing to the sector with the Centre contributing Rs. 2,500 crore over seven years. Port Regulatory Authority: A pan-India port authority will be set…
28 October, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Subhiksha Keralam Project The Kerala Government's program 'Subhiksha Keralam' Project or Padhathi aims to combat food scarcity in the state, the Kerala state agriculture department has started converting fallow lands into farms. The government is targeting around 25,000 hectares of fallow land to convert to farms. Subhiksha Keralam Padhathi is a convergence scheme where all the departments are merging together. The government is trying to create good models of integrated farming so that expenditure is reduced and income is more.
19 August, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Post info app Minister of Communications & Information Technology Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched India Post’s mobile app for mail tracking. The new Post info app, developed by the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology, provides facilities for: mail item tracking; post office searches; and a calculator for postage costs, insurance premiums and interest. According to India Post, the app can be used to track the following types of mail items: • Speed Post •Registered Letter •Insured Letters, etc.
11 August, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Aadhaar Face Authentication The Unique Identification Authority of India has decided to enable Face Authentication for validating Aadhaar cards from July 2018. Currently, the UIDAI provides two modes of biometric verification: fingerprint authentication and iris authentication. Face authentication will be allowed only in fusion mode along with one more authentication factor either fingerprint or iris or OTP to authenticate an Aadhaar number holder. Face authentication will only be allowed on a “need” basis.
27 May, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Reverse quarantine Part of: GS-II- Governance and Health (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Reserve quarantine is a practice of detaching the most vulnerable people, aged or people with co-morbidity conditions, from the rest and monitoring their health indicators closely to protect them from infection. The government is working on it as part of its multi pronged strategy against Covid 19.Through this, in case of a community spread, it can isolate its large volume of grey population and check their mortality rate effectively. According to expert opinion, only reverse quarantine is effective until half of the population recovers from COVID-19 and gains immunity or…
26 April, 2020
Government policies and interventions
COVID India Seva launched The Union Health Minister has launched the ‘COVID India Seva’, an interactive platform to establish a direct channel of communication during the pandemic. About the COVID India Seva: This is a Twitter handle which can serve as an interactive platform to establish a direct channel of communication with millions of Indians amid the pandemic. This initiative is aimed at enabling transparent e-governance delivery in real-time and answering citizen queries swiftly, at scale, especially in crisis situations like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through this, people can pose queries @CovidIndiaSeva and get them responded to in almost real-time.…
23 April, 2020
Government policies and interventions
PM - CARES Fund The government has set up the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) to deal with any kind of emergency or distress situation posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Fund has been set up owing to a number of requests made by the people to support the government in the wake of the COVID-19 emergency. About the Fund The Fund is a public charitable trust with the Prime Minister as its Chairman. Other Members include Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister. The Fund enables micro-donations as a result of which a large number of people will be able to contribute with the…
20 April, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Lockdown 2.0 COVID-19 and New guidelines Part of: GS-II- Governance (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Context: Wearing face covers and masks is now compulsory in public places and workplaces, spitting in public is a punishable offence and selling liquor, gutka and tobacco is strictly prohibited. All industries operating in rural areas and the government’s flagship rural jobs scheme will also be allowed to reopen from April 20 if they follow social distancing norms and other safeguards against the COVID-19 infection. These are some of the directives in a fresh order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to manage the pandemic. The lockdown is scheduled to end on May…
16 April, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Migrant workers to be stopped, quarantined at borders: Centre Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance Migrant workers trying to move out of the cities to their villages in the light of the nationwide lockdown. Details: Strict enforcement of the lockdown: The Union Home Ministry has termed the movement of migrant workers to reach their hometowns a violation of the lockdown measures on maintaining social distance. The Centre has asked the States and UTs to strictly enforce the 21-day lockdown by prohibiting the movement of people across cities and highways. Directions have been given to seal the district and State borders and allow only…
30 March, 2020
Government policies and interventions
PM-CARES Fund Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance Newly instituted PM-CARES Fund. Background: In India, the spread of coronavirus has been increasing and is posing serious challenges for the health and economic security of millions of people. There have been calls for citizen donations to support the government in the wake of this emergency with people from all walks of life expressing their desire to donate to India’s war against COVID-19. Details: Catering to the need for having a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation, and to provide relief to the affected, a new…
29 March, 2020
Government policies and interventions
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) subtopic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Features of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit rechristened from erstwhile Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY). The IGMSY was launched in 2010. The scheme is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women. It provides a partial wage compensation to women for wage loss during childbirth…
04 December, 2021
Government Schemes & Programmes
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