Government Schemes

 

Government Schemes and latest Development, Important for Competitive Exams. 

National Cooperative Policy 2025

India launched the National Cooperative Policy 2025 on 24 July 2025, unveiled by Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home and Cooperation. The policy aims to revive and modernize the cooperative sector.

Key features include a 20-year roadmap (2025–2045), the creation of 2 lakh new PACS by 2026, one cooperative in every village, and a strong focus on digitization, inclusivity, and professional management.

The policy benefits farmers, small entrepreneurs, women, youth, and marginalized communities, aiming to enhance credit access, market linkages, and employment opportunities.

It was drafted by a 48-member committee chaired by Suresh Prabhu, after 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops. States must adopt their own policies by 31 January 2026.

The strategy is backed by constitutional support through the 97th Amendment (2011) and Article 43B, emphasizing autonomy and democratic functioning of cooperatives. The launch of Tribhuvan Cooperative University will further support training and governance in the sector.

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector

The Government has completed godown construction in 11 PACS across 11 states under the pilot phase of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector.

  • The plan involves developing agri-infrastructure at the PACS level—godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, and Fair Price Shops—through convergence of existing schemes.
  • Over 500 PACS have been identified for godown construction, with a completion target of December 2026.
  • The Government has also approved the creation of new multipurpose PACS, dairy, and fisheries cooperatives to cover every panchayat and village in five years.
  • The initiative is supported by NABARD, State and UT governments, and other agencies.
  • A project for computerization of functional PACS with an outlay of ₹2,925 crore has also been approved to strengthen rural cooperatives.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Launched to Boost Agriculture in 100 Districts

On 16 July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a transformative six-year agricultural scheme starting in FY 2025–26, targeting 100 low-productivity districts across India.

🎯 Key Objectives

  • Improve crop productivity and cropping intensity
  • Promote sustainable farming and crop diversification
  • Enhance post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation
  • Expand credit access for farmers

🏞️ District Selection & Coverage

  • Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme
  • At least one district from each state/UT
  • Allocation based on net cropped area and operational holdings

🔧 Implementation Mechanism

  • Convergence of 36 central schemes from 11 ministries
  • Coordination with state programs and private sector
  • District-level planning via Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis including progressive farmers

📊 Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Tracked using 117 KPIs via a digital dashboard
  • Supervised by Central Nodal Officers
  • Regular guidance from NITI Aayog

Skill India Mission Marks 10th Anniversary on World Youth Skills Day 2025

The 10th Anniversary of the Skill India Mission was observed on 15 July 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the mission aims to equip youth with industry-relevant, job-ready skills. Over 6 crore youth have been trained through various initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Skill India Digital Hub, with 45% of beneficiaries being women and a large share from SC/ST/OBC communities.

India’s job-readiness among college students improved from 34% in 2014 to 51% in 2024. With 65% of the population under 35, skilling is key to national development.

Also, World Youth Skills Day 2025 was celebrated on the same day with the theme “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills”, as declared by the United Nations in 2014.

India Marks 10 Years of AMRUT Mission: Transforming Urban Infrastructure Since 2015

India celebrates a major milestone as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) completes 10 years on 25 June 2025. Launched in 2015, AMRUT aimed to improve urban infrastructure and quality of life across 500 cities and towns, focusing on water supply, sewerage, urban mobility, and green spaces.

Over the past decade:

  • ₹77,640 crore in State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) approved
  • ₹35,990 crore committed as Central Assistance
  • ₹79,401 crore worth of projects completed with ₹72,656 crore spent

Key achievements include:

  • Universal tap water and sewer connections
  • Parks developed with 2.5% of project costs for children and the elderly
  • Projects in stormwater drainage, non-motorized transport, and green spaces
  • Capacity building in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for better governance

To scale up its impact, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, with an expanded scope to cover all ULBs in India. It aims for:

  • Universal water security and sewerage coverage
  • Outlay of ₹2.99 lakh crore, with ₹76,760 crore as Central share

Under AMRUT 2.0:

  • 3,568 water supply projects worth ₹1.14 lakh crore approved
  • 181 lakh tap connections, 10,647 MLD water treatment capacity added
  • 592 sewerage projects worth ₹67,607 crore approved
  • 67.11 lakh new sewer connections and 6,739 MLD sewage treatment capacity created
  • SCADA technology used in 1,487 projects for real-time monitoring
  • 120 start-ups shortlisted for innovative pilots in 82 cities

Cumulatively, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have:

  • 14,828 projects sanctioned worth ₹2.73 lakh crore
  • ₹1.02 lakh crore in Central Assistance (₹47,625 crore disbursed)
  • 2.03 crore tap water connections and 1.5 crore sewerage connections provided
  • 544 water bodies rejuvenated, covering 9,511 acres
  • AMRUT Mitra initiative engaged 10,000+ women from Self-Help Groups
  • ‘Drink from Tap’: 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore to benefit 8 lakh households
  • 90,000+ individuals trained across states

AMRUT@10 marks a paradigm shift in India’s urban transformation—blending infrastructure development, inclusivity, sustainability, and citizen well-being, laying the groundwork for resilient, future-ready cities.

India Post Launches ‘Gyan Post’ for Affordable Book Delivery

The Department of Posts has launched ‘Gyan Post’, a dedicated postal service to deliver educational, cultural, social, and religious books at affordable rates.
This initiative supports the New Education Policy (NEP) by enhancing access to printed learning materials, especially in rural and remote areas of India.

Key Features of Gyan Post:

  • Minimum rate: ₹20 for packets up to 300 grams
  • Maximum rate: ₹100 for packets up to 5 kilograms (taxes extra)
  • Available at all post offices
  • Tracking facility included for transparency and reliability

The service is designed to bridge the educational divide by promoting cost-effective distribution of knowledge resources.
For more information, users can contact their nearest post office or visit the official India Post website: www.indiapost.gov.in

NDA Government Completed 11 years

On June 5, 2025, as the NDA government completed 11 years at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor, describing the past decade as a period of transformative and inclusive governance.

  • In a post on X, PM Modi stated that over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty due to sustained government efforts.
  • He highlighted major welfare schemes such as:
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
    • PM Ujjwala Yojana
    • Jan Dhan Yojana
    • Ayushman Bharat

These schemes have improved access to housing, clean fuel, banking, and healthcare, especially for marginalised communities.

  • PM Modi emphasized the impact of:
    • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
    • Digital inclusion
    • Rural infrastructure development
      in delivering transparent and efficient governance.
  • The Prime Minister reiterated the goal of building an inclusive, self-reliant India, where every citizen lives with dignity.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):

  • Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic under Atmanirbhar Bharat package.
  • Extended for five years from January 1, 2024, at a cost of ₹11.80 lakh crore.
  • More than 81 crore beneficiaries will receive free food grains monthly under NFSA.

Goa Declared Fully Literate under ULLAS Scheme on Statehood Day

On 30 May 2025, during the 39th Statehood Day celebrations at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir in Panaji, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant declared Goa a fully literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme). This milestone makes Goa the second state in India to cross the 95% literacy benchmark, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of achieving full literacy by 2030. Mizoram has become the first state in India to achieve full functional literacy, on 20 May 2025.

Despite the PLFS Report 2023–24 citing Goa’s literacy at 93.60%, the state’s own survey found that it had surpassed the threshold for full literacy.

The achievement was made possible through a Whole-of-Government approach, involving departments like Panchayats, Municipal Administration, Social Welfare, and Women & Child Development. Swayampurna Mitras and field workers helped identify non-literates, assist learners, and raise awareness.

The ULLAS scheme, launched in 2022 and active till 2027, targets adults aged 15 and above, and includes five components:

  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
  • Critical Life Skills
  • Basic Education
  • Vocational Skills
  • Continuing Education

So far, over 2.4 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the ULLAS Mobile App, and 1.77 crore learners have appeared for literacy assessments.

Goa’s success under the “Jan-Jan Sakshar” spirit demonstrates the power of volunteerism, inclusive education, and community-driven literacy campaigns, serving as a model for other states to follow in building a Viksit Bharat by 2030.

India Accelerates National EV Charging Grid under PM E-Drive

India has launched a major push toward clean mobility with the rollout of the PM E-Drive scheme, backed by a ₹2,000 crore investment. The initiative aims to set up 72,000 public EV charging stations across India, covering metro cities, highways, airports, toll plazas, and industrial corridors.

The announcement came after an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, with officials from key ministries. The program supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in sustainable transport and energy security.

BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) is being considered as the nodal agency to handle demand aggregation and develop a unified EV super app, which will offer real-time booking, payment integration, and progress tracking.

The EV grid will span 50 national highway corridors and focus on high-traffic zones. The government sees this project as a cornerstone for green economic growth, Make in India manufacturing, and job creation, while paving the way for net-zero mobility.

Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

Mizoram has officially become the first state in India to achieve full functional literacy, as announced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma on 20 May 2025 in Aizawl. The declaration was made during a ceremony at Mizoram University, attended by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary and other dignitaries.

Building on a strong foundation (91.33% literacy in 2011), Mizoram implemented the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a national adult education program under NEP 2020. A door-to-door survey in 2023 identified 3,026 non-literate individuals, and with the help of 292 volunteer teachers, the state raised its literacy rate to 98.20%, surpassing the Ministry of Education’s benchmark for full literacy (95%).

ULLAS focuses on five areas: foundational literacy, life skills, basic education, vocational training, and continuing education. Nationally, the program has reached over 2.37 crore learners and involved more than 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers.

Mizoram’s success follows Ladakh, which in June 2024 became the first fully literate administrative unit. Mizoram, however, is the first state to achieve this milestone.

10 Years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

On April 8, 2025, India marks 10 years since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), a flagship government scheme that provides collateral-free institutional finance to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises.

Since its inception in 2015, PMMY has sanctioned over 52 crore loans worth ₹32.61 lakh crore. The average loan size has increased from ₹38,000 in FY16 to ₹1.02 lakh in FY25, reflecting growing credit demand among small businesses.

📈 Key Highlights:

MSME Credit Growth: Lending to MSMEs rose from ₹8.51 lakh crore in FY14 to ₹27.25 lakh crore in FY24, with projections to cross ₹30 lakh crore in FY25.

Women Empowerment: Women account for 68% of Mudra loan recipients. The average loan to women borrowers grew at 13% CAGR, while their savings rose at 14% CAGR.

Social Inclusion: 50% of accounts are held by SC, ST, and OBC entrepreneurs, and 11% by minority communities, improving financial inclusion.

Loan Categories:

  • Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
  • Kishor: ₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh (grew from 5.9% to 44.7% share)
  • Tarun: ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh
  • Tarun Plus: ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh (new addition)

Top States by Disbursal:

  1. Tamil Nadu – ₹3.23 lakh crore
  2. Uttar Pradesh – ₹3.14 lakh crore
  3. Karnataka – ₹3.02 lakh crore
  4. West Bengal – ₹2.82 lakh crore
  5. Bihar – ₹2.81 lakh crore

UT Leader: Jammu & Kashmir with ₹45,816 crore across 21 lakh loans

Sector Impact: The scheme supports units in manufacturing, trading, processing, and services, employing nearly 10 crore people, making it India’s second-largest source of employment after agriculture.

Global Recognition: The IMF has praised PMMY for expanding financial access, promoting self-employment, and supporting women-led businesses.

Implemented By: Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, NBFCs, and Microfinance Institutions under MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency).

Government Launches Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Nationwide

New Delhi, March 5, 2025 – The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched a pioneering initiative to promote gender-sensitive governance at the grassroots level. The Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) initiative was unveiled at a National Convention held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

  • The initiative aims to establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district, fostering safety, inclusivity, and gender equality.
  • It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening Viksit Bharat through Viksit Panchayats.
  • A dedicated Monitoring Dashboard was launched to track the progress of the initiative.
  • The convention included virtual training programs for elected representatives and officials from selected Gram Panchayats.
  • Best practices and success stories of women-friendly initiatives were presented.

Dignitaries and Participants

The event was attended by Union Minister of State, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel (Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying) and Union Minister of State, Anupriya Patel (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare). Other prominent attendees included Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary.

Representatives from various ministries, State Institutes of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs), and international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) participated. Around 350 delegates, including elected representatives and officials from selected Gram Panchayats, attended physically or virtually.

Upcoming Nationwide Mahila Gram Sabhas

To further strengthen women’s participation in governance, the Ministry will organize Mahila Gram Sabhas nationwide on March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Kisan Credit Card loans cross 10 Lakh Crore, benefitting 7.72 crore farmers

Over ₹10 lakh crore in loans have been provided under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), benefiting 7.72 crore farmers. KCC offers timely and affordable credit for agricultural inputs.

The government provides a 1.5% interest subvention on short-term agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh, reducing the interest rate to 7% per annum. Additionally, a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive lowers the effective interest rate to 4% for timely repayments.

The total loan amount under KCC has more than doubled from ₹4.26 lakh crore in 2014 to over ₹10 lakh crore in December 2024.

Six Years of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched on 24 February, 2019, has completed six years of providing financial assistance to farmers across India. This initiative, aimed at ensuring stability and enhancing crop production, has played a crucial role in reducing agricultural costs and improving farmers’ economic conditions.

Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, credited directly to their bank accounts in three installments of ₹2,000 each. This financial aid is transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, eliminating middlemen and ensuring that the rightful benefits reach the farmers without any delays or discrepancies.

Over the past six years, the scheme has disbursed approximately ₹3.5 lakh crore to farmers’ accounts, benefiting millions of small and marginal farmers across the country. The 19th installment of the PM-KISAN financial assistance was recently released, providing over ₹22,000 crore to 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers.

The PM-KISAN scheme has not only provided financial support but has also brought respect, prosperity, and new strength to India’s food providers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their livelihoods through various initiatives, including the PM-KISAN scheme.

In addition to the financial aid, the government has also dedicated 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to the country, further strengthening the support system for agricultural producers. The scheme has significantly contributed to reducing the cost of agriculture, increasing farmers’ access to the market, and improving their income.

“Shatavari – For Better Health” Campaign Launched

On February 6, 2025, the Ministry of Ayush launched a nationwide species-specific campaign titled “Shatavari – For Better Health” to promote awareness of the medicinal benefits of Shatavari, particularly for women’s health. The event was led by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (IC), along with senior ministry officials.

The campaign aligns with India’s Panch Pran Goal for a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shatavari has been recognized as a key resource in improving women’s health.

Key highlights:

  • NMPB’s Contribution: The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) has previously conducted similar campaigns for Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha.
  • Financial Support: ₹18.9 Lakhs will be provided to eligible organizations to promote Shatavari’s cultivation and usage.
  • Long-term Impact: The campaign will aid in public awareness, sustainable management, and conservation of medicinal plants, reinforcing traditional medicine’s role in India’s healthcare.

This initiative strengthens the Ministry of Ayush’s ongoing efforts in promoting medicinal plants and holistic well-being across the nation.

Govt Increases Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute

On 22 January 2025, the government announced Increase in Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute.

The MSP for raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season was raised to ₹5,650 per quintal. This is ₹315 higher than the 2024-25 season. The move aims to benefit 40 lakh families involved in jute production.

10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme

The Ministry of Women and Child Development celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative to protect, educate, and empower girls in India. The inaugural event was held on January 22, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, attended by Union Ministers J. P. Nadda, Annapurna Devi, and Savitri Thakur.

Key achievements highlighted included:

  • Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio of Girls: Increased from 75.51% to 78%.
  • Institutional Deliveries: Rose from 61% to 97.3%.
  • Antenatal Care Registrations (First Trimester): Increased from 61% to 80.5%.

The event featured women officers from the armed forces, paramilitary, Delhi Police, and international representatives from UNICEF, UN Women, and the World Bank. The celebrations, running from January 22 to March 8, 2025, concluded on International Women’s Day.

Launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BBBP has re-enrolled over 100,000 out-of-school girls and initiated impactful programs like the Yashaswini Bike Expedition and Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav. The Ministry remains committed to fostering a Viksit Bharat with gender equality and women’s empowerment at its core.

Entity Locker: Streamlining Efficient Business Document Management

Introduction of Entity Locker: Building on DigiLocker’s success, the government has launched a new digital platform called ‘Entity Locker’ for managing and verifying business and organizational documents.

Development and Target Audience: Developed by the National eGovernance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it serves corporations, MSMEs, trusts, startups, and societies.

Advanced Technology: Entity Locker integrates with various government and regulatory systems, providing features like real-time access to government databases, secure information sharing, Aadhaar-authenticated role-based access, and legally valid digital signatures. It offers 10 GB of encrypted cloud storage.

Alignment with Union Budget Goals: It aligns with the Union Budget 2024-25 goals to improve digital governance and ease of doing business.

Operational Efficiency: The platform aims to reduce administrative tasks, cut processing times, and enhance operational efficiency for businesses.

Seamless Connectivity: It connects with systems like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Transparency and Security: Entity Locker ensures transparency and accountability by tracking document-related activities and enhancing document security.

Multiple Applications: Supports applications like vendor verification on procurement portals, MSME loan approvals, FSSAI compliance, registrations with GSTN, MCA, and tendering processes. Simplifies corporate annual filings.

Bharatmala Project: A Roadmap to Efficient Connectivity

The Bharatmala Project (Pariyojana), launched in 2015, is a large-scale infrastructure initiative by the Indian government aiming to enhance the efficiency of freight and passenger movement. The project focuses on developing a comprehensive network of highways, aiming to connect 550 district headquarters with 4-lane highways and move 80% of freight traffic to National Highways.

Key components include the development of economic corridors, inter-corridors and feeder routes, and greenfield expressways. The project also emphasizes border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity, and national corridor efficiency improvement.

Implementation involves the creation of multimodal logistics parks, the use of technology and scientific planning, and a phased approach, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2022. The project aims to generate significant employment opportunities, improve regional connectivity, and boost economic growth, aligning with initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India.

WHO declares that India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem

India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third country in the South-East Asia region to achieve this milestone, as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The certification was presented to Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, during the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting in New Delhi on October, 2024.

Trachoma, a contagious bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis, was once a leading cause of blindness in India, especially in underprivileged areas. Left untreated, it can cause irreversible blindness. Globally, around 150 million people are affected by trachoma, with 6 million at risk of serious complications.

India’s efforts to eliminate trachoma began in 1963 with the National Trachoma Control Program, later integrated into the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB). By 1971, blindness due to trachoma stood at 5%, but through sustained efforts, it dropped to less than 1%. The WHO’s SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement) played a key role in combating the disease, and India was declared trachoma-free by 2017.

India continued its surveillance through the National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey between 2021 and 2024. WHO reviewed these reports, leading to India’s official certification for trachoma elimination.

Govt approve the National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

On 3 October 2024, the Indian government approved the National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) for 2024-25 to 2030-31, with a budget of ₹10,103 crore. The mission aims to make India self-reliant in oilseed production over the next seven years.

The mission targets increasing oilseed production from 39 million metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31 and domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes, meeting 72% of India’s projected needs. It will also employ advanced technologies like genome editing and benefit farmers, reduce import dependence, save foreign exchange, and enhance environmental sustainability.

10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission

Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2, 2024, a nationwide cleanliness initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

The theme for the event was “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata” (Natural Cleanliness, Cultural Cleanliness), focusing on integrating cleanliness into daily life and culture.

The event marked the culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, which ran from September 17 to October 2, 2024, encouraging public participation and improving sanitation workers’ welfare. PM Modi, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, launched projects worth ₹9,600 crore, including initiatives under AMRUT and the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

Make in India initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary on 25th September 2024

The Make in India initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary on 25th September 2024. Launched by the Modi government in 2014, the program aimed to boost manufacturing, innovation, and infrastructure development, positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress, becoming the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and reducing mobile imports by 85%. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme attracted investments of over ₹1.28 lakh crore, and the startup ecosystem flourished, with one startup launched every hour, creating 1.5 million jobs. India also became a global leader in vaccine production, supplying 50% of the world’s COVID vaccines.

Other milestones include the introduction of the Vande Bharat train and India’s leadership in digital payments, with UPI surpassing global platforms. The initiative has significantly strengthened India’s economy and global standing.

Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0: A Step Towards Healthier Communities

The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 is a significant initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, aimed at combating tobacco use among the youth. The 60-day campaign focuses on raising public awareness, particularly through social media, about the dangers of tobacco.

It promotes Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) by enforcing guidelines in schools and colleges and strengthening tobacco control laws like COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019. Additionally, the campaign supports the creation of Tobacco-Free Villages to foster healthier communities.

The campaign was launched on 24 September 2024 by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, at Lady Hardinge Medical College. Tobacco Cessation Centres were also inaugurated in medical institutions across India as part of the initiative.

Expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to provide health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income on 11 September 2024. Approximately 6 crore senior citizens will benefit from Rs. 5 lakh free health insurance per family annually. Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh.

Those under other health schemes, like CGHS or ECHS, can choose between their existing plan or AB PM-JAY. The expansion was announced in April 2024, and aims to further extend coverage to more families, with AB PM-JAY already benefiting over 7.37 crore hospital admissions. Initially covering 10.74 crore families, the scheme has expanded to 12 crore families, including ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs. This makes AB PM-JAY the world’s largest publicly funded health scheme.

Union Cabinet approves PM-eBus Sewa scheme to boost electric bus adoption

The Union Cabinet approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme on 11 September 2024. Over 38,000 e-buses are set to be deployed between FY 2024-25 and FY 2028-29, with operational support for up to 12 years.

The scheme aims to assist Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) in procuring and operating electric buses (e-buses). The total financial outlay for the scheme is ₹3,435.33 crore. PTAs mostly use diesel or CNG buses, which contribute to pollution, while e-buses are cleaner but face adoption challenges due to high initial costs and lower revenue generation.

PPP model: The scheme encourages using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) framework, shifting the responsibility of procurement and operation to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or operators.

10 years of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

The Indian government’s flagship financial scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completed 10 years on 28 August 2024. More than 53 crore beneficiaries have been banked under the scheme so far.

Jan Dhan Yojana Scheme Overview

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 28th August 2014. PMJDY is the largest financial inclusion initiative in the world.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission aimed at providing access to a range of financial services, including remittance, credit, insurance, pension, and savings and deposit accounts, in an affordable manner.

Q.: When was the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched?

a) August 28, 2014
b) January 26, 2015
c) October 2, 2016
d) July 1, 2014

Answer: a) August 28, 2014
The Indian government’s flagship financial scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completed 10 years on 28 August 2024.

PM Modi Distributed Certificates to 11 Lakh New ‘Lakhpati Didis’ at Jalgaon, Maharashtra

On 25 Aug 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed certificates to 11 lakh new “Lakhpati Didis” in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. The 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis achieved this status during the third term of the NDA Government. These women, now over one crore in number across India, earn more than one lakh rupees per year.

A revolving fund called the Community Investment Fund of 2,500 crore rupees was released, benefiting 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs). A bank loan of 5,000 crore rupees was also released, benefiting 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.

Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadanvis and Ajit Pawar, and others attended the event. The program was connected virtually to about 30,000 locations in 34 states and Union Territories, including state capitals and district headquarters.

Q.: What is the title given to the women earning more than one lakh rupees per year who were felicitated by the Prime Minister?

a) Kisan Didis
b) Lakhpati Didis
c) Udyami Didis
d) Mahila Shakti Didis

Answer: b) Lakhpati Didis
On 25 Aug 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed certificates to 11 lakh new “Lakhpati Didis” in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central government employees

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 24 August 2024 approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for the central government employees.

The features of UPS are:

  1. Assured Pension: 50% of average basic pay for the last 12 months prior to retirement for a minimum service of 25 years (proportionate for service less than 25 years, minimum 10 years).
  2. Assured Family Pension: 60% of the pension immediately after the employee’s demise.
  3. Assured Minimum Pension: ₹10,000 per month after 10 years of service.
  4. Inflation Indexation: Applied to pension, family pension, and minimum pension.
  5. Dearness Relief: Based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
  6. Lump Sum Payment: At retirement, 1/10th of monthly emoluments for every completed six months of service, in addition to gratuity.
  7. Beneficiaries: 23 lakh central government employees.
  8. Effective Date: From 1st April 2025.

Q.: What does UPS stand for in reference to benefits for government employees?

(a) Unified Payment System
(b) Unified Pension Scheme
(c) Universal Pension Service
(d) Union Payment Scheme

Answer: (b) Unified Pension Scheme
The Union Cabinet, on 24 August 2024 approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for the central government employees.

Q.: What is the assured family pension percentage of the employee’s pension after their demise?

(a) 50%
(b) 55%
(c) 60%
(d) 65%

Answer: (c) 60%
Assured Pension under UPS: 50% of average basic pay for the last 12 months prior to retirement for a minimum service of 25 years

NITI Aayog launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyaan’; a drive to achieve 100% saturation

NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on 4 July 2024 witnessing significant participation from citizens across the country. The launch events were organised across all the 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks. This comprehensive three-month campaign, running from 4th July to 30th September 2024, aims to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

Focus Areas of ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ in:

Aspirational Blocks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • 1.      Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester;
  • 2.      Percentage of persons screened for Diabetes against the targeted population in the Block;
  • 3.      Percentage of persons screened for Hypertension against the targeted population in the Block;
  • 4.      Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly;
  • 5.      Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target; and
  • 6.      Percentage of SHGs that have received a Revolving Fund against the total SHGs in the block

Aspirational Districts KPIs:

  • 1.      Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester;
  • 2.      Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly;
  • 3.      Percentage of children fully immunized (9-11 months) (BCG+DPT3+OPV3+Measles 1);
  • 4.      Number of Soil Health Cards distributed;
  • 5.      Percentage of schools with functional electricity at the secondary level; and
  • 6.      Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the start of the academic session

Q: What is the primary goal of NITI Aayog’s ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ launched in July 2024?

A) To achieve 100% literacy in all Aspirational Districts
B) To achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators
C) To promote digital literacy among rural communities
D) To improve agricultural productivity

Ans : B) To achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators
NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on 4 July 2024. This comprehensive three-month campaign, running from 4th July to 30th September 2024, aims to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

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