The Central Government has not revised wages under MGNREGS for FY 2026â27.
This is due to the upcoming rollout of a new scheme: Viksit BharatâGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG).
Key Highlights
Over 11 crore active workers under MGNREGS
Around 7.2 crore individuals (5.34 crore families) benefited in 2025â26
For the first time in over a decade, wage revision not announced in FebâMarch
Existing wages of 2025â26 will continue temporarily
About MGNREGS
Full form: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
Launched under:
MGNREGA Act, 2005
Objective:
Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households
Nature:
Demand-driven scheme
Legal right to work
Wage Fixation under MGNREGS
Wages notified under: Section 6(1) of MGNREGA, 2005
Revised annually based on: CPI-AL (Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers)
Usually effective from: April 1 of each financial year
What is VB-GRAMG (New Scheme)
Full form: Viksit BharatâGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)
Enacted through: VB-GRAMG Act, 2025
Aim:
Replace MGNREGA
Provide rural employment and livelihood support
[2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the âMahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Actâ? (a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households (b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households (c) Adult members of households of all backward communities (d) Adult members of any household
Non fossil capacity: Nearly 50% installed capacity
But electricity generation: Only 25%
Reason:Solar and wind are intermittent
[2025] Consider the following statements about âPM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojanaâ: I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III
The Ministry of Minority Affairs organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive, resulting in around 300 new registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal.
About Jiyo Parsi Scheme
Launched: 2013â14
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
Objective: Arrest declining population of Parsi community
Why the Scheme Was Launched
Parsi population in India:
1941: ~1,14,000
2011 Census: ~57,000
Continuous decline due to:
Low fertility rates
Late marriages
Ageing population
Who are Parsis
Followers of Zoroastrianism
Migrated from Persia (Iran) to India
Mainly settled in: Mumbai and GujaratÂ
[2011] In India, if a religious sect/community is given âthe status of a national minority”, what special advantages is it entitled to? 1 It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions. 2 The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha. 3 It can derive benefits from the Prime Ministerâs 15-Point Programme. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
On March 28, 2026, the Central Government announced the extension of timelines for existing projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme. Simultaneously, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) revealed that it is formulating PM-KUSUM 2.0, which may feature a major technical shift: the inclusion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Need for Battery Storage in PM-KUSUM 2.0
The primary driver for incorporating battery storage is the divergence between solar power availability and agricultural load patterns:
Load Demand: Agricultural power demand typically rises in the morning and remains steady throughout the day, often persisting after sunset.
Solar Generation: Peaks around noon and tapers off sharply toward the evening.
The Solution: BESS will store surplus solar power generated during peak sunlight hours to be used when generation falls but irrigation demand continues, thereby improving grid stability and ensuring reliable daytime power for farmers.
Policy Debate: The Ministry of Power has suggested up to four hours of battery storage, while the MNRE has proposed a two-hour capacity for the initial rollout.
What is PM-KUSUM?
Launched in March 2019, PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).Â
Its primary goal is to provide energy security to Indian farmers while de-dieselizing the agricultural sector and increasing farmers’ income through solar power.
Current Progress of PM-KUSUM (as of Feb 2026)
While the target was 34.8 GW by March 2026, the actual implementation has been slower:
Component
Target/Objective
Progress (Approx. Feb 2026)
Component A
10,000 MW Decentralized Solar Plants
839.4 MW installed
Component B
Standalone Solar Pumps (Off-grid)
Over 10 lakh pumps installed
Component C
Solarization of Grid-connected Pumps
6,636.9 MW total (IPS + FLS)
Total Progress
34.8 GW (Target)
12,164 MW (Actual Installed)
[2024] Consider the following: 1 Battery storage 2 Biomass generators 3 Fuel cells 4 Rooftop solar photovoltaic units How many of the above are considered âDistributed Energy Resourcesâ? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped UDAN scheme with âš28,840 crore outlay, extending airline subsidies and shifting funding to government budget support.
About UDAN Scheme
Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik
Launched: 2017
Ministry: Civil Aviation
Objective:
Improve regional connectivity
Make air travel affordable
Develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 airports
Key Changes in Revamped UDAN
1. Subsidy Extended
Earlier subsidy period: 3 years
New subsidy period: 5 years
Purpose:
Improve route viability
Prevent route discontinuation
2. Funding Shift
Earlier: Subsidy funded through levy on airfares
Now: Subsidy funded directly from government exchequer
Why Revamp Was Needed
Many routes became non viable after subsidy ended
CAG findings: Only 7% to 10% routes viable after subsidy
Status of routes:
Total routes launched: 663
Routes discontinued: 327
Airports revived: Total: 95
Discontinued: 15 airports
[2024] Consider the following airports: 1 Donyi Polo Airport 2 Kushinagar International Airport 3 Vijayawada International Airport In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Government shared progress of rooftop solar installation under the scheme in Parliament.
Key Achievements
25.87 lakh rooftop solar (RTS) systems installed across India
Coverage: Both rural and urban households
Beneficiaries: 32.02 lakh households (as of March 16, 2026)
About the Scheme
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Launched: February 2024
Aim:
Promote rooftop solar adoption
Provide free/subsidised electricity to households
Reduce electricity bills
[2025] Consider the following statements about âPM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojanaâ: 1. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. 2. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. 3. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III
The Government has announced the Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme with an outlay of âš10,000 crore (5 years) to strengthen Indiaâs biopharmaceutical ecosystem and enhance global competitiveness.
What is Biopharma SHAKTI?
A flagship initiative to:
Promote biologics and biosimilars manufacturing
Support R&D, clinical trials, and innovation
Goal: Make India a global biopharma hub and ensure affordable healthcare
Key Objectives
Build a self-reliant biopharma ecosystem
Reduce import dependence
Improve global competitiveness
Promote innovation-driven manufacturing
Major Components of the Scheme
Funding Support: Discovery Grant Fund and Equity Fund for drug development
R&D Ecosystem
Strengthening: National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
Develop ecosystem for: Drug delivery devices and Advanced packaging.Â
Biosimilars & Biologics Production: Biosimilars (cost-effective versions of biologics) and Emerging biologics like gene therapies.
Regulatory Strengthening: Strengthen Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
Create scientific review cadre
Faster and globally credible approvals
What are Biologics & Biosimilars?
Biologics: Medicines derived from living organisms (e.g., vaccines, monoclonal antibodies)
Biosimilars: Cheaper versions of biologics with similar efficacy
Not identical (due to complexity of biologics)
Must show no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and effectiveness
[2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, consider the following: 1. They are man-made proteins. 2. They stimulate the patientâs immune system to fight the specific disease. 3. They are produced using animal cells only. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) All the three
The Employeesâ Provident Fund Organisation approved EPS-2026, which removes a key clause that earlier allowed employees to opt for higher pension based on salary above âš15,000. The decision was taken at the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya.
Background
The Employeesâ Pension Scheme 1995 had a provision under Paragraph 11(4) allowing employees and employers to jointly opt for pension contributions based on salary above the wage ceiling (âš15,000 per month).
This option had to be exercised within one year (2014-15) after the amendment.
Change in EPS-2026
The EPS-2026 has removed Paragraph 11(4), calling it âobsolete.â
Reason:
The clause applied only to a limited time window after the 2014 amendment.
The new scheme is being aligned with the Code on Social Security 2020.
Supreme Court Intervention Earlier
In November 2022, the Supreme Court of India allowed eligible employees to apply for higher pension if they had missed the earlier option.
Government data:
15.24 lakh applications received
3.93 lakh demand letters issued
1.24 lakh pension payment orders issued
Key Provisions in New PF Rules
Even though EPS-2026 removed the higher pension clause:
The Employeesâ Provident Fund Scheme still allows employees and employers to jointly contribute above the wage ceiling.
Employees may also make additional voluntary contributions, though employers are not obligated to match them.
EPFOâs Concerns
The EPFO earlier argued that:
EPS was meant mainly for low-income workers.
Higher pension options created âreverse subsidyâ where lower-paid workers indirectly supported higher-paid employees.
The pension fund faces an actuarial deficit.
Significance
Aligns pension rules with the new labour codes.
Limits the higher pension option in the new scheme.
Continues to raise debates on pension adequacy and fund sustainability.
[2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage. 2. All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment. 3. The government can, by notification, specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
In January 2026, NITI Aayog released a report proposing convergence of MSME schemes to reduce duplication, improve efficiency and strengthen last mile delivery.
About the Report
Title: Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes
Prepared by Administrative Staff College of India
Analyses 18 centrally administered MSME schemes
Recommends information convergence and process convergence
Focus on better coordination, outcomes and resource utilisation
Key Facts about MSME Sector
GDP contribution about 29 to 30 percent
Employment over 28.7 crore, second only to agriculture
Share in exports about 45 to 46 percent
Total MSMEs more than 6.3 crore
Around 51 percent located in rural areas
Government MSME budget increased sharply from 2019â20 to 2023â24, raising efficiency concerns
Why Convergence is Needed
Multiple schemes with overlapping objectives
Fragmented implementation across ministries
High compliance burden for MSMEs
Duplication of resources and limited outreach
Weak translation of spending into outcomes
Framework for Convergence
Information Convergence
Integration of central and state government data
Enables evidence based policymaking
Improves coordination and governance
Process Convergence
Alignment and rationalisation of schemes
Merging similar components
Collaboration across ministries and states
Creation of a unified MSME support ecosystem
[2023] With reference to India, consider the following statements:Â
1. According to the âMicro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006â, the âmedium enterprisesâ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore
2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.Â
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Â
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways notified operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS).
Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS)
Objective Strengthen domestic shipbuilding and global competitiveness ⢠Valid till 31 March 2036 ⢠Financial assistance 15 to 25 percent per vessel based on vessel category ⢠Graded support for small normal large normal and specialised vessels ⢠Stage wise disbursement linked to milestones ⢠Shipbreaking Credit Note provides 40 percent of scrap value for vessels scrapped in Indian yards ⢠Provision for National Shipbuilding Mission
Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS)
Focus on long term capacity and capability creation ⢠Greenfield shipbuilding clusters and brownfield yard expansion ⢠India Ship Technology Centre under Indian Maritime University ⢠Greenfield clusters get 100 percent capital support via 50 50 Centre State SPV ⢠Brownfield projects get 25 percent capital assistance ⢠Includes Credit Risk Coverage Framework for pre shipment post shipment and vendor default risks
Consider the following pairs: [2023]
1. Kamarajar Port: First major port in India registered as a company.Â
2. Mundra Port: Largest privately owned port in India.Â
3. Visakhapatnam Port: Largest container port in India.Â
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?Â