Current Context : India marked the ninth anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in May 2016 to provide clean cooking fuel to vulnerable households. ABOUT Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Launch Year & Ministry: 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Objective: Supply free LPG connections to women in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to reduce indoor air pollution and health hazards. Target Groups: Adult women in BPL households. Priority for SC/ST families, PMAY (Gramin) beneficiaries, forest dwellers, tea-garden workers. Achievements: Over 33 crore LPG connections provided nationwide.Read More

Current Context : The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare plans to launch CROPIC (Collection of Real-Time Observations & Photos of Crops) for real-time monitoring of crop health under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. ABOUT CROPIC Objective : To monitor crop health and automate crop-loss assessment and claims under PMFBY. Coverage: Initially for Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025–26 Data Collection: Farmers use a mobile app to upload geotagged field photographs 4–5 times per crop cycle. Technology: AI-based cloud platform for image analysis + web dashboard for visualization. Benefits: Faster, more accurate crop-loss assessment Detailed directory of crop signatures Supports....Read More

Current Context: On 5 June 2025 (World Environment Day), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the NAMASTE scheme to profile and formalize waste pickers nationwide. ABOUT: Scheme Launch: 2023–24 as a Central Sector Scheme; expanded June 2024 to include waste pickers. Objective: Formalise and rehabilitate sewer/septic-tank workers and waste pickers. App Features: Geo-tagging, demographic profiling, and integration with NSKFDC for benefits. Implementing Bodies: MoSJE (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment), MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), and NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation). Link to SDG 11: Supports sustainable....Read More

Current Context: Diu has become the first district in India to meet entire power demand through solar energy under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme. ABOUT PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Key Features Type: Central Sector Scheme. Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Provides up to 40% subsidy to households for rooftop solar panel installations. Aims to benefit 1 crore households. Employment & Impact Expected to generate over 3 lakh skilled jobs through fresh skilling and up-skilling. Promotes clean energy, reduces carbon emissions, and supports energy security.Read More

Current Context : The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2025–26 to provide affordable short-term credit to farmers via Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Features : Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme Loan Limit: Short-term agri-loans up to ₹3 lakh Subsidised Interest Rate: Nominal rate: 7% Effective rate: 4% for prompt repayment (3% subvention benefit) Allied Sectors: For animal husbandry & fisheries, benefit up to ₹2 lakh Budget & Implementation Total Outlay: ₹15,640 crore (for FY 2025–26) Lending Institutions: Public Sector Banks, Cooperative Banks, RRBs, and eligible Private BanksRead More

Current Context: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has proposed a 36% hike in stipend under the NAPS scheme. ABOUT NAPS Launched in August 2016; extended as NAPS 2.0 from FY 2022–23. Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Funding: Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by Central Government). Part of the Skill India Programme. Objectives: Financial incentives to establishments hiring apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. To promote apprenticeship training and skill development.Read More

Current Context: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) invited applications under the "Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters" (APC) as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). About PMKSY: Launch Year:2017 Type:Central Sector Scheme Objective:To create modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. Key Components: Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters (APC) Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities Operation Greens Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme About Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing....Read More

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Origin: Initiated in 2021, with Gandhinagar being the first station to undergo modernization. Objective: Enhance and modernize railway stations to transform them into vibrant city centers. Target: 1,275 stations to be redeveloped. Features: Detailed plans for cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility. Designs inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture. Examples include Ahmedabad Station's design inspired by Modhera Sun Temple.Read More

Current Context: Madhya Pradesh introduced the Rahveer Scheme to reward good Samaritans who help accident victims with ₹25,000. The scheme is part of a wider ₹3,867 crore package for development, approved at a cabinet meeting in Indore. ABOUT RAHVEER SCHEME Objective: To encourage bystanders to assist accident victims promptly, thereby reducing road fatalities. Eligibility: Individuals who stop at the accident site, call for a 108 ambulance, and aid in transporting the injured. Incentive: A reward of Rs 25,000 for assisting accident victims. OTHER INITIATIVES APPROVED IN THE CABINET MEETING Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Training Scheme: Aims to enhance employment opportunities....Read More

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