Current Context : Bihar secured first place nationwide in 2024–25 for rolling out the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, as announced by the Industries Minister. About PMFME Launch Date: June 29, 2020, under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Outlay: ₹10,000 crore over five years (2020–25); cost shared 60:40 (Centre:States). Coverage: 200,000 micro-units to receive credit-linked subsidies and access to common infrastructure. Objectives Credit Access: Up to 35% subsidy (ceiling ₹10 lakh) for individual units; up to 35% (ceiling ₹3 crore) for FPOs/SHGs. Branding & Marketing: 50% grant for grouped enterprises. Skill & Training: On-site handholding for....Read More

Current Context : The Haryana government launched the Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance to senior artists who have devoted decades to traditional arts. About the Scheme Objective: Support aged artists financially and socially. Launched by: Department of Art and Cultural Affairs, Haryana Monthly Honorarium: ₹10,000 for annual income ≤ ₹1.80 lakh ₹7,000 for income between ₹1.80–3 lakh Fields Covered: Singing, dance, drama, theatre, fine arts, etc. Eligibility Resident of Haryana Age: 60 years and above Minimum 20 years in respective art field Must possess valid Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) Evaluated by a state-level....Read More

Current Context: India is presenting its SVAMITVA Scheme at the World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington, D.C., highlighting its success in digitizing land records and empowering rural communities. About SVAMITVA Scheme: Definition: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) is a central sector scheme launched in 2020 to provide rural residents with legal ownership of their residential properties. Functionality: Utilizes drone technology for high-resolution mapping of inhabited rural areas, creating accurate land records. Achievements: Issued legal property ownership cards to over 24.4 million rural households across 1.6 lakh villages, mapping over 100 million property....Read More

Current Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched India’s official Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS), alongside new research from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali enhancing hydrogen production efficiency. About GHCS: Launched By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Objective: To certify green hydrogen based on transparent, measurable carbon intensity limits. Certification Types: Concept Certificate (voluntary); Facility-Level Certificate (mandatory). Emission Limit: Green hydrogen must meet ≤ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg H₂. Coverage Scope: Production to compression and purification; excludes transport and use. Exemption: Exporting entities....Read More

Current context: On April 24, 2025, the SVAMITVA Scheme (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) marked its 5th anniversary. About SVAMITVA Scheme: Launched on: April 24, 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day). Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Objective: To provide legal ownership of land and property in villages using drone and mapping technology. Key Benefits: Helps in accessing loans, resolving disputes, and supporting better planning in rural areas. Implementing Agencies: Survey of India, with National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) as the tech partner. Budget: ₹566.23 crores (FY 2020-21 to 2024-25), extended to FY 2025-26. Progress:....Read More

Current context: The Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme launched by the Government of Maharashtra aims to empower women by providing eco-friendly livelihood opportunities through the distribution of electric rickshaws. Key Highlights: Coverage: 10,000 electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) to be distributed across 8 districts. Target Group: Women aged 20–50, including widows, divorcees, and those from low-income backgrounds. Pilot Success: Initially tested in Pune, now expanding statewide. Deployment Areas: Metro stations, airports, tourist hubs as feeder services. Integration Plan: Tie-ups with Ola and Uber for wider reach. Financial Support: Subsidies: ₹25,000 from Central Government, ₹75,000 from State Government. Loan Model: 10% down payment; 70% through....Read More

Current Context: The central government has approved over 11,000 Anganwadi-cum-crèches under the Palna scheme, only 1,761 have become operational nationwide. The Palna Scheme, launched in 2022, provides quality crèche (day-care) facilities to support working mothers, under Mission Shakti. Background & Structure Sub-scheme: Samarthya (of Mission Shakti) Ministry:Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). Replaces the National Crèche Scheme Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth Funding Pattern General States: 60:40 (Centre:State) North-Eastern/Special Category States: 90:10 Union Territories without legislature: 100% Centre-funded Key Objectives Provide crèche services for children aged 6 months....Read More

Current Context: The Union Education Ministry announced a 9.5% increase in the material cost under the centrally sponsored PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme, adding a ₹954 crore burden. About Formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme, renamed in Sept 2021. A centrally sponsored scheme providing hot cooked meals to students from Balvatika to Class VIII in govt & govt-aided schools. Objectives Improve nutritional status of children. Promote school attendance among disadvantaged sections. Provide support during summer vacations in drought/disaster-hit areas. Financial Update (2025-26) Material cost hiked by 9.5%, adding ₹954 crore burden. Revised cost/student/day: Balvatika & Primary: ₹6.78 (↑ from....Read More

Current Context: The Government of India launched the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore to boost local production of passive electronic components and enhance India’s role in global supply chains. Key Facts: Objective: Develop domestic manufacturing of resistors, capacitors, inductors. Increase value addition and promote a self-reliant supply chain. Integrate Indian manufacturers into Global Value Chains (GVCs).   Incentives under ECMS: Employment-Linked Incentives (ELI) – to boost job creation. Capital Subsidies – for high Capital Expenditure (CapEx), low-turnover industries. Production & Turnover-Based Incentives – to increase output. Export Growth: In Financial Year (FY) 2025, smartphone....Read More

Current Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), starting FY 2025–26 with a budget of ₹1,600 crore. Key Facts: Objectives: Improve irrigation infrastructure and water-use efficiency, focusing on small and marginal farmers. Technological Integration: Adoption of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and IoT (Internet of Things) to monitor and manage water use. Infrastructure Upgrade: Introduction of underground pressurised piped irrigation systems for last-mile connectivity (up to 1 hectare). Community Empowerment: Transfer of Irrigation Management (IMT) to Water User Societies (WUS) with....Read More