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Corporate Social Responsibility: Issues & Development

[pib] CIL ASHIS Scheme

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: CIL ASHIS Scheme; CSR Initiatives

Why in the News?

Coal India Limited (CIL) has launched a CSR initiative named CIL ASHIS to provide scholarships to children who lost their parents to COVID-19 and were unable to continue their studies.

What is CIL ASHIS Scheme?

The CIL ASHIS Scheme, launched by Coal India Limited (CIL), stands for Ayushman Shiksha Sahayata.
The scheme aims to provide financial support for the education of children who lost their parents to COVID-19, ensuring they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams.

Features of the CIL ASHIS Scheme

Each eligible child receives a scholarship worth ₹45,000 per year.
The scholarship is provided for a period of 4 years.
The scheme targets 1,645 children who have been identified as needing assistance.
Compassionate Appointment for:
- Dependents of CIL employees who lost their lives while in service.
- Beneficiaries need to apply for compassionate appointments through CIL’s established procedures.

PYQ:

[2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:

CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

[pib] Update on Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

PIB Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Features of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Why in the News?

An Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA) strategy was launched to ensure quality Antenatal Care (ANC) for pregnant women.
- The strategy focuses on individual tracking of high-risk pregnancies (HRP) and provision of additional PMSMA sessions beyond the 9th of every month.

About High-Risk Pregnancy:

A high-risk pregnancy involves greater risk of health complications for the mother, the foetus, or both, due to pre-existing medical conditions, conditions that develop during pregnancy, or foetal issues.
Common Factors:
- Maternal Health Conditions: Pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, HIV, kidney disease, or conditions arising during pregnancy like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
- Obstetric Factors: Previous caesarean section, history of preterm labor, multiple pregnancies, and congenital malformations.

About Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

	Details
About	An initiative to provide quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women.
Launch	October 2016
Target Group	All pregnant women, especially those in their second and third trimesters.
Frequency	Services provided on the 9th of every month at government health facilities.
Objective	Ensure safe motherhood by providing comprehensive and quality antenatal care universally.
Key Functions	General Check-Up: Physical and clinical examinations by medical professionals. Laboratory Investigations: Routine blood tests, urine tests, and other necessary laboratory investigations. Ultrasound: Ultrasound examination to monitor foetal growth and development. Counseling: Nutritional and lifestyle counseling to ensure a healthy pregnancy. High-Risk Identification: Screening and identification of high-risk pregnancies and appropriate referrals for specialized care.
Key Features	Free of Cost: All services under PMSMA are provided free of cost. Fixed Day ANC Services: Antenatal care services are provided on a fixed day every month. Lab Investigations: Basic investigations like Hb, urine albumin, RBS, malaria test, VDRL test, blood grouping, CBC, ESR, and USG. Public-Private Partnership: Encourages participation of private sector healthcare providers in providing ANC services. Incentives: Incentives for healthcare providers who participate in the program.
Categorization of Pregnant Women	Green Sticker – for women with no risk factor detected Red Sticker – for women with high risk pregnancy Blue Sticker – for women with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Yellow Sticker – pregnancy with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, STIs
Benefits	Improved Maternal Health: Regular and comprehensive ANC helps in early detection and management of complications, improving maternal health outcomes. Reduced Mortality Rates: Timely and quality care reduces maternal and infant mortality rates. Health Education: Provides health education and counseling to pregnant women, promoting better health practices. High-Risk Management: Identifies and manages high-risk pregnancies effectively, ensuring specialized care for those who need it.

PYQ:

[2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:

1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.

2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

What is the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: SGB Scheme

Why in the News?

Recent reports suggest that the government might reduce or discontinue the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme due to its high cost.

Decline in Popularity of SGB:

This speculation follows the Union budget’s decision to slash customs duties on gold and silver from 15% to 6%.
The reduction in customs duties is expected to decrease demand for SGBs, which has already led to a 2-5% drop in their prices on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

About Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

	Details
Launch	2015
Nature	Government securities denominated in grams of gold. Issued by RBI.
Objective	Reduce dependence on gold imports and shift savings from physical gold to paper form.
Eligibility	Resident in India, including individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
Denomination and Tenor	Denominated in multiples of grams of gold, with a basic unit of 1 gram. Tenor of 8 years with an exit option from the 5th year on interest payment dates.
Investment Limits	Minimum: 1 gram of gold. Maximum: 4 kg for individuals and HUFs, 20 kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal year.
Benefits	Quantity of gold protected, receiving market price at redemption. Eliminates storage risks and costs. Assured market value at maturity and periodic interest. Free from making charges and purity issues. Held in RBI books or demat form, eliminating scrip loss risk.
Add-ons	Can be used as collateral for loans. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio set equal to ordinary gold loans.

PYQ:

[2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy
To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/commodities/gold-customs-duty-may-take-some-shine-off-sovereign-gold-bonds-9485686/

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RBI Notifications

RBI Circular on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), IFSC.

Why in the News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has broadened the regulations governing remittances to International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The RBI’s circular authorizes “authorised persons” to facilitate remittances for all permissible purposes under LRS to IFSCs.

About Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

LRS is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999, regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The scheme was introduced by the RBI in 2004 to facilitate outward remittances from India.
LRS allows resident individuals, including minors, to remit a specified amount of money abroad each financial year (April – March).
Currently, individuals are allowed to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year under LRS.
Funds remitted under LRS can be used for permissible current or capital account transactions, or a combination of both.
Permissible Uses:
- Expenses related to travel (private or for business).
- Medical treatment abroad.
- Payment of fees for education abroad.
- Gifts and donations.
- Maintenance of close relatives.
- Investment in shares, debt instruments, and immovable properties overseas.
Accounts: Individuals can open and maintain foreign currency accounts with banks outside India for transactions permitted under LRS.
Exclusions: LRS is NOT available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, etc.

Prohibited Transactions:

Remittances for activities prohibited under Schedule-I of FEMA, such as purchase of lottery tickets, sweepstakes, proscribed magazines, etc.
Trading in foreign exchange abroad.
Remittances to countries identified as non-cooperative by the FATF.
Remittances to individuals/entities identified as posing a terrorism risk by the RBI.

Significance of the move

The RBI’s decision reinforces GIFT IFSC’s position as a prominent international financial services hub.
By broadening the scope of LRS, GIFT IFSC aims to attract more diverse investments and transactions, contributing to the growth of India’s financial sector.

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Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

[pib] GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)

Schemes | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: GAINS Scheme

Why in the News?

The Defence Ministry has launched the “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)” of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.

About GAINS 2024

GAINS aims to address challenges in shipyards and promote technology development through startups nurtured in the country.
It aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
- Objective: To seek solutions for shipyard-related problems and promote technological advancements.
- Target Audience: MSMEs and Start-Ups encouraged to develop innovative solutions.

Significance of the Scheme

GAINS aims to strengthen maritime security and air defence through technological advancements.
It leverages MSMEs and Start-Ups to achieve self-reliance in ship design and construction.

Various defence production indigenisation initiatives in India:

ADITI Scheme (2024): The scheme targets the development of approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe.
Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Requires 50% indigenous content in procurement contracts.
Positive Indigenisation Lists: Mandates domestic procurement for nearly 5,000 items.
Srijan Indigenisation Portal (2020): Lists over 34,000 items for indigenisation.
Domestic Procurement Budget: Increased from 40% (₹52,000 crore) in 2020-21 to 75% (₹99,223 crore) in 2023-24.

Innovations and R&D support:

iDEX Initiative (2018): Involves MSMEs, start-ups, and academia in defence innovation.
iDEX Prime (2022): Provides grants up to ₹10 crore for high-end solutions.
Technology Development Fund (TDF): Funding increased from ₹10 crore to ₹50 crore per project.

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Foreign Policy Watch- India-Central Asia

[pib] Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (NFlES)

Prelims Only Schemes | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NFlES Scheme

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).

Do you know?

Central sector schemes: They are 100% funded by the Union government and implemented by the Central Government machinery. It covers subjects from Union List (central subjects).
Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): It has a certain percentage of the funding borne by the States and the implementation is by the State Governments.It covers subjects from Concurrent List (shared subjects).
- States have some flexibility to modify schemes to suit local needs within central guidelines.

About National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFlES)

The Central Sector Scheme NFIES aims to strengthen national forensic infrastructure, expand NFSU’s reach, and establish CFSLs to meet growing forensic demands.
It aligns with India’s goals of enhancing forensic capabilities and securing robust criminal justice outcomes.

Key Components of NFlES:

Campuses of NFSU: Establishing campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across India.
Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs): Setting up new CFSLs nationwide.

- Delhi Campus Enhancement: Upgrading infrastructure at the Delhi Campus of NFSU.
- Financial outlay: Rs. 2254.43 crore for 2024-25 to 2028-29, funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Objectives:

- Enhancing the criminal justice system with timely and scientific forensic examinations.
- Addressing the increased workload due to new criminal laws requiring forensic investigation for serious offences.
- Mitigating the shortage of trained forensic professionals in Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs).

Impact and Benefits

Improved Efficiency: Ensuring high-quality forensic examinations for efficient criminal justice processes.
Technology Integration: Leveraging advancements to handle evolving crime methods effectively.
Capacity Building: Training more forensic professionals to reduce case backlogs and support a high conviction rate exceeding 90%.

PYQ:

[2017] ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to:

(a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

(b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.

(d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.

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Direct Benefits Transfers

PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: PM-KISAN, Rythu Bandhu Scheme

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister will release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), amounting to over ₹20,000 crore, for 92.6 million beneficiary farmers across the country.

About the PM-KISAN Scheme

The PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
Launched: In February 2019.
Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
- This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Beneficiaries:
- Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
- Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectare as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
- The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.

Do you know?

The PM-KISAN scheme was first conceived and implemented by the government of Telangana as the Rythu Bandhu scheme.

Rythu Bandhu Scheme

It is also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
This investment is made twice a year, once for the kharif harvest and once for the Rabi harvest.
It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.

Impact of the Scheme

Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.

PYQ:

[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

Working capital for maintenance of farm assets.
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks.
Consumption requirements of farm households.
Post-harvest expenses.
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

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Direct Benefits Transfers

PM-KISAN Scheme: Boosting Farmer Welfare

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: PM-KISAN Scheme

Why in the News?

Prime Minister has approved the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan scheme. This move will benefit 9.3 crore farmers, amounting to a distribution of approximately Rs 20,000 crore.

About the PM-KISAN Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
Launched: In February 2019.
Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
- This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries:
- Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
- Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectares as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
- The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.

Significance for Farmers

Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.

PYQ:

[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

Working capital for maintenance of farm assets.
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks.
Consumption requirements of farm households.
Post-harvest expenses.
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

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Housing for all – PMAY, etc.

A door to a housing scheme, tribals find hard to open

Explained Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: PM-JANMAN Scheme

Mains level: Government initiatives and Programs; Technical Challenges in the implementation; PM JANMAN Housing Scheme;

Why in the News?

The PM JANMAN presents a new opportunity to transform the lives of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

About PVTGs:

India has numerous Adivasi groups, with 75 identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These comprise around 14.6 lakh households and live in scattered, remote, and often inaccessible areas. Their livelihoods rely on methods and tools that predate agriculture. PVTGs have low literacy rates, economic backwardness, and stagnant populations.

In 1960-61, the Dhebar Commission identified disparities among Scheduled Tribes, leading to the creation of the “Primitive Tribal Groups” (PTG) category.
In 2006, this category was renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Government Initiatives:

Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission. Announced for the fiscal year 2023-24 to improve socio-economic conditions of PVTGs.
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) launched in November 2023.
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

PM JANMAN Objectives:

Provide essential services to PVTGs, including safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation.
The largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in the initiative.
Aims to reach 4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026.
Households to receive ₹2.39 lakh each in three instalments.

Technical Challenges in the PM JANMAN Housing Scheme

App Functionality and Data Gathering:

Data Collection Areas: The ‘Awaas+’ app records geographical locations, household profiles with geo-tagging, and bank account details for cash transfers.
Mandatory Jobcard: Registration requires a jobcard, but many have been deleted, affecting PVTGs’ eligibility.

Jobcard Issues:

Deletion of Jobcards: Widespread deletion of over eight crore MGNREGA jobcards in the past two years has led to many PVTGs being ineligible for the scheme.
Jobcard Misuse: Cases of fraudulent registrations with someone else’s job cards further complicate the registration process.

Village List Discrepancies:

Inconsistent Data: The pre-populated list of villages in the app does not match the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS). For example, the app lists 22 villages while the MIS lists 31 villages for ‘Vanjari’ Panchayat in Andhra Pradesh, causing confusion.

Aadhaar-related Issues:

Name Matching: The app requires names as per Aadhaar records but does not guide what to do if Aadhaar is absent.
PVTG Identification: The app does not explicitly identify PVTGs, using a default ‘ST’ option, leading to non-PVTG registrations.

Certification Issues:

Local Certification: Ineligible registrations prompt local officials to ask PVTGs for certification from sarpanches/mukhiyas.
Conflict of Interest: Non-PVTG sarpanches/mukhiyas in mixed communities may act against the interests of PVTGs, complicating the certification process.

Geo-tagging Problems:

Network Issues: Geo-tagging required for planned construction locations faces chaos due to poor network connectivity, hindering accurate data capture.

Bank Selection Complexity:

Overwhelming Options: The app’s dropdown lists for banks are excessively long. For example, selecting ‘Commercial Bank’ shows over 300 options, and choosing ‘State Bank of India’ in Andhra Pradesh presents over 500 branches, adding unnecessary complexity for both PVTGs and officials.

Opportunity/Way Forward for PM JANMAN Housing Scheme

Simplify App Interface: Update the ‘Awaas+’ app to have a more user-friendly interface and reduce unnecessary complexities, such as the long dropdown lists for banks.
Clear Guidelines for Aadhaar: Provide explicit instructions on what names to use in the absence of Aadhaar, ensuring all eligible PVTGs can register.
Verify Jobcard Authenticity: Introduce robust mechanisms to prevent fraudulent registrations using others’ jobcards.
Improve Network Infrastructure: Invest in better network infrastructure in remote areas to support the geo-tagging feature.

Mains PYQ:

Q Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (UPSC IAS/2022)

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RBI Notifications

RBI to launch Mobile App for Retail Direct scheme

Prelims Only Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Retail Direct Scheme

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The RBI has decided to introduce a Mobile App of its RBI Retail Direct scheme aimed at facilitating seamless investment in government securities by retail investors.

What is Retail Direct Scheme?

Retail Direct Scheme was rolled out in November 2021, giving access to individual investors to maintain gilt accounts with RBI and invest in government securities.
Using this app, investors can buy central and state government bonds as well as Treasury bills.
It enables investors to buy securities in primary auctions as well as buy/sell securities through the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching system (NDS-OM) platform.
A Gilt Account can be compared with a bank account, except that the account is debited or credited with treasury bills or government securities instead of money.

Treasury Bills:

They are promissory notes issued by the RBI on behalf of the government as a short term liability and sold to banks and to the public.
The maturity period ranges from 14 to 364 days.
They are the negotiable instruments, i.e. they are freely transferable.
No interest is paid on such bills but they are issued at a discount on their face value.

How does it work?

Under the scheme, small investors can buy or sell government securities (G-Secs), or bonds, directly without an intermediary like a mutual fund.
However, the same tax rules apply to income from G-Secs.
The minimum amount for a bid is ₹10,000 and in multiples of ₹10,000 thereafter.
Payments may be made through Net banking or the UPI

Benefits of RDS

With the government being the borrower, there is a sovereign guarantee for the funds and hence zero risk of default.
Also, government securities may offer better interest rates than bank fixed deposits, depending on prevailing interest rate trends.

How can individuals access G-Sec offerings?

Investors wishing to open a Retail Direct Gilt account directly with the RBI can do so through an online portal set up for the purpose of the scheme.
Once the account is activated with the aid of a password sent to the user’s mobile phone, investors will be permitted to buy securities either in the primary market or in the secondary market.

PYQ:

[2018] Consider the following statements:

1. The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities.

2. Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments.

3. Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

The long, bumpy road from ‘drone didis’ to ‘lakhpati didis’

Explained Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Mains level: Modernization of Agriculture and Role of Women

Why in the news?

Efforts of fertilizer companies in supporting a Central government program aimed at training women to operate drones for spraying pesticides.

Context-

This initiative represents a broader trend of encouraging women’s entrepreneurship in India and empowering them to participate in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as agriculture and technology.
The involvement of fertilizer companies in funding and facilitating this program underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving social and economic development initiatives.

Scheme Details-

Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive agricultural drones to assist in crucial tasks such as crop monitoring, fertiliser spraying, and seed sowing.

Costs to companies-

Financial Commitment by Fertilizer Companies: Fertilizer companies such as Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and Coromandel International Limited (CIL) are shouldering significant costs for the “drone didi” program.
IFFCO is investing ₹42 crore to support the training and equipment for 300 drone didis, while CIL is backing another 200.
Expense Breakdown: The approximate cost per woman participating in the program is ₹14 lakh. This covers expenses like the drone, four battery sets, a generator, and an electric autorickshaw for transportation.
IFFCO has categorized this expenditure as “benefits to farmers” in its financial records.
Contribution of Other Companies: Several additional fertilizer companies, including Krishak Bharati Cooperative (KRIBHCO), Indian Potash Limited (IPL), Matix, Indorama India Private Limited, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited, and National Fertilizers Limited, are collectively providing an extra 500 drones.
Funding Arrangement: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has agreed to provide financial assistance of up to ₹8 lakh for each set of equipment. The remaining ₹2 lakh is to be sourced by the participating Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Farmer trials-

Online Portal Enrollment: Haryana’s Agriculture Department, along with fertilizer companies, introduced online enrollment via the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal to encourage farmers to apply for crop spraying through drones.
Subsidized Nano Urea Bottle: Farmers are offered a 1-litre nano urea bottle at ₹100, discounted from the market price of ₹225. This nano urea, when mixed with water, serves one acre.
Manual vs. Drone Spraying: Farmers weigh the costs of the manual application, which include subsidized granular urea and labor costs, against the higher charges of drone didis.
Viability for Small Landholders: Small landholders express concerns about the affordability and practicality of drone services due to limited financial resources and smaller land holdings.
Usefulness of Drones: Drones are seen as more cost-effective for larger plantations like coffee, tea, or sugarcane, rather than smaller-scale agricultural operations.
Financial Constraints: Farmers highlight financial constraints, including the inability to afford necessities like housing, education, and farm equipment, which diminishes the feasibility of investing in drone technology.

The women’s challenges-

Fuel Costs: significant daily expenses (₹500 to ₹600) on fuel to run the generator required to charge the battery sets for the drone, raising concerns about the economic feasibility of the job in the long run.
Battery Set Limitations: Each day, exhausts one charged battery set after covering three acres with the drone. This necessitates simultaneous charging of another set in her electric vehicle (EV) to continue her work, resulting in additional time and fuel costs.
Economic Viability: Despite the potential earnings mentioned on paper, there are doubts about the economic viability of the job due to high fuel costs, the need for additional assistance, and uncertainties regarding the longevity of the scheme’s benefits
Safety Concerns and Need for Assistance: There is safety concerns while operating the drone and the necessity of having an assistant to drive the electric autorickshaw and assist with unloading and handling the heavy drone equipment.
Lack of Provision for Helpers: There is no provision for hiring assistants or helpers in the scheme, leading to additional expenses

Limitation of this scheme-

Current Urea Usage and Subsidy: India uses 3.5 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of granular urea annually, with a significant portion subsidized by the government to make it affordable for farmers. Liquid nano urea, an alternative, is produced in limited quantities.
Government’s Vision for Nano Urea Production: The government aims to increase the production capacity of liquid nano urea to reduce dependence on expensive imported granular urea. The goal is to produce 48.5 crore bottles annually by 2026-27.
Limitations of Nano Urea: While liquid nano urea can supplement traditional granular urea, it cannot entirely replace it due to specific requirements in different stages of crop growth.
Ownership and Earnings Concerns: There are uncertainties regarding the ownership of drones and the distribution of earnings from drone operations among individuals, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), village organizations (VOs), or cluster-level federations (CLFs).
Need for Clarity and Coordination: Questions are raised about the lack of clarity on ownership, earnings distribution, and coordination among stakeholders involved in drone operations.
Challenges with Previous Proposals: Issues regarding the implementation of previous drone-related schemes, such as the procurement of drones under Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and concerns about competition from individual farmers purchasing their drones are highlighted.

To overcome the challenges outlined regarding drone operations and nano urea production, several measures can be considered:

Clarity in Ownership and Earnings Distribution: Establish clear guidelines and agreements on drone ownership and revenue sharing among individuals, SHGs, VOs, and CLFs. Ensure transparency in decision-making processes and consult all stakeholders involved.
Enhanced Coordination: Facilitate better coordination among government agencies, agricultural organizations, and drone operators to streamline operations, address concerns, and ensure effective implementation of schemes. Regular meetings, feedback mechanisms, and communication channels can aid in coordination efforts.
Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programs for drone operators, farmers, and other stakeholders to enhance their skills in drone operation, maintenance, and data interpretation. This can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drone-based agricultural activities.
Promotion of Nano Urea: Invest in research and development to improve the efficacy and availability of liquid nano urea. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits and proper usage of nano urea, emphasizing its role as a supplement to traditional fertilizers.
Policy Reforms: Review existing policies related to drone operations, urea subsidy, and agricultural initiatives to address loopholes and inconsistencies. Introduce new policies or amendments to support the expansion of nano urea production and drone technology adoption in agriculture.
Collaborative Partnerships: Foster partnerships between government agencies, private companies, research institutions, and farmer groups to leverage expertise, resources, and innovation in addressing challenges related to drone operations and urea production.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of drone-based agricultural initiatives and nano urea production efforts. Collect data on key performance indicators and stakeholders’ feedback to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.

Conclusion-

The initiative to train women as “drone didis” for agricultural tasks faces challenges of economic viability, ownership clarity, and coordination. Solutions include clear guidelines, capacity building, policy reforms, and collaborative partnerships to ensure sustainable implementation and overcome limitations in nano urea production.

Mains PYQ-

Q- The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate.(UPSC IAS/2015)

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Food Processing Industry: Issues and Developments

Mission Palm Oil: Achieving Self-sufficiency in Edible Oil Production

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Mission Palm Oil, Key stats on India's Edible Oil Imports

Mains level: NA

Why in the news-

The Prime Minister highlighted the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurating the first oil mill under this mission.

Why discuss this?

This results in a substantial outflow of $20.56 billion in foreign exchange, the need for self-reliance in edible oil production has become paramount.

Edible Oil Consumption in India: Key Facts

India, the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils, is likely to buy 15.6 million metric tons of cooking oils in the 2023-24 oil year, down from 16.6 million in the current year to Oct.
With India imports 57% of its vegetable oil demand.
These imports have shown a declining trend in recent months.
This decline is attributed to various factors such as reduced availability of palm oil for edible oil requirements due to producers diverting it for biodiesel production.
Additionally, the import of soyabean oil from Argentina increased sharply in February 2024, while imports from Brazil declined.
The top three vegetable oil imports – palm, soybean, and sunflower seed oil.
India’s vegetable oil sector accounts for 13% of the Gross Cropped Area, 3% of the Gross National Product, and 10% of the value of all agricultural commodities.
A substantial portion of India’s edible oil requirement is fulfilled through palm oil imports from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Mission Palm Oil: A Catalyst for Self-Reliance

It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021 targeting a substantial increase in oil palm cultivation and crude palm oil production.
It has been introduced with a particular emphasis on the Northeast region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Objectives:

Expand oil palm acreage by an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26
Increase crude palm oil production to 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, reaching up to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
Increase consumer awareness to maintain a consumption level of 19.00 kg/person/annum till 2025-26.

Focus Areas

(1) Fixing of Viability Price

Oil palm farmers currently produce Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs), from which the industry extracts oil.
Presently, FFB prices fluctuate with international Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices.
The Government of India will now assure price stability for FFBs, known as Viability Price (VP), shielding farmers from international CPO price fluctuations.
A Formula Price (FP), set at 14.3% of CPO and adjusted monthly, will be established. Viability gap funding will be the difference between VP and FP, directly disbursed to farmers’ accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) when necessary.

(2) Input Assistance

The scheme’s second major focus is to significantly enhance input assistance/interventions, including:

1. Increasing assistance for oil palm planting material from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,000 per hectare.
2. Boosting support for maintenance and intercropping interventions.
3. Providing special assistance of Rs. 250 per plant for replanting old gardens to rejuvenate them.
4. Offering special assistance tailored for the North-East and Andaman regions, including provisions for half-moon terrace cultivation, bio-fencing, land clearance, and integrated farming.

Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2019:

Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?

(a) China

(b) India

(d) Vietnam

Practice MCQ:

Consider the following statements:

India is the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils.
The top three vegetable oil imports include – soybean, palm and groundnut oil.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

[pib] Integration of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme and JanSamarth Portal

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Scheme, JanSamarth Portal

Mains level: NA

Why in the news-

The Department of Fisheries inaugurated the integration of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal, marking a revolutionary step in providing credit facilities to fishers and fish farmers nationwide.

JanSamarth Portal

It is a first-of-its-kind online platform for directly connecting lenders with beneficiaries. Citizens can avail loans under 13 Central government schemes under 4 loan categories.
The one-stop portal allows citizens to check eligibility, apply online and get digital approval.

About KCC Fisheries Scheme

The GoI, in the year 2018-19, extended KCC facility to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them to meet their working capital requirements.
Bank authorities have been instructed to issue KCC within 14 days of receipt of the completed application from the fish farmers.
Benefits Include:

For the existing KCC holders the benefits of interest subvention and prompt repayment incentive will be admissible up to the credit limit of Rs. 3 lakhs including fisheries activities.
In the case of new card holders, the credit limit is Rs. 2 lakhs to meet their working capital requirements for fisheries activities.
In the KCC scheme @7% is the lending rate to farmers including @2% interest subvention per annum by GoI. Also, another @3% per annum is provided in case of prompt repayment as an additional incentive as per the existing guidelines.
This implies that the farmers repaying promptly as above would get a loan @ 4% per annum effectively for loan amount upto Rs 2 lakhs.

Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Scheme

The KCC scheme was introduced on the recommendation of R.V. Gupta of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
The scheme was launched in 1998 to provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to the farmers.
It provides a single window with flexible and simplified procedures to the farmers for their cultivation and other needs like purchasing agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and drawing cash for their production needs.
The scheme was further extended for the investment credit requirement of farmers viz. allied and non-farm activities in the year 2004.
In 2018-19, it was extended to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers.

Objectives include:

To meet the short-term credit requirement for cultivation
To manage post-harvest expenses
To meet the consumption requirement of farmer’s household
Working capital for maintaining the farm assets and activities allied to agriculture
Investment credit requirement for agriculture-allied activities

KCC scheme is implemented by:

Commercial banks
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Small Financial Banks, and
Cooperative banks

Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2020:

Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
Consumption requirements of farm households
Post-harvest expenses
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5

Practice MCQ:

The JanSamarth Portal often seen in the news is related to:

(a) Lending Facility

(b) E-KYC

(d) Right to Information

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Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

[pib] ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Vocal for Local Initiative, Aspirational Blockd/Dist Program

Mains level: NA

Why in the news-

The NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

About Vocal for Local Initiative

Under this program, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated for sale.
District collectors and block-level officials will collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to facilitate sustainable growth of microenterprises in Aspirational Blocks.
To facilitate this, a dedicated window for Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name ‘Aakanksha’ on GeM portal has been established.

What is Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

The ABP is set on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
The Centre had announced its intention to launch this initiative in the Union Budget 2022-23.
The programme will cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially.
Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.

Back2Basics: Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

	Details
Launch Date	January 2018
Objective	To transform identified aspirational districts quickly and effectively through a mass movement.
Program Contours	Convergence of Central & State Schemes Collaboration among Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors Competition among districts driven by mass Movement.
Selection of Districts	117 Aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog based on composite indicators. Real-time progress monitored based on 49 indicators from 5 thematic areas.
Weightage of Indicators	Health & Nutrition (30%) Education (30%) Agriculture & Water Resources (20%) Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%) Basic Infrastructure (10%)
Core Strategy	Development as a mass movement Identify strengths and low-hanging fruits in each district Measure progress and rank districts Foster competition.
Features	Transform into a Jan Andolan Real-time data tracking for monitoring improvement Convergence between central and state government programmes. District performance made public Experience building of district bureaucracy Targeted towards the entire district population.

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North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

[pib] Cabinet approves UNNATI Scheme

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: UNNATI Scheme

Mains level: NER Development

unnati

In the news

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI) Scheme, 2024.

What is the UNNATI Scheme?

The UNNATI is a significant initiative aimed at fostering industrial development and generating employment opportunities in the North East Region of India.
With a focus on promoting manufacturing and services sectors, the scheme aims to stimulate economic growth and uplift the socio-economic landscape of the region.

Objectives

Employment Generation: UNNATI aims to create productive economic activities that generate gainful employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the North East Region.
Industrial Development: The scheme seeks to encourage the establishment of industries and the expansion of existing ones, fostering growth and development across various sectors.

Expenditure Allocation

UNNATI will operate as a Central Sector Scheme, with funds allocated for both incentives to eligible units (Part A) and implementation and institutional arrangements (Part B).
Part A of the scheme will receive Rs. 9,737 crores, while Rs. 300 crores will be allocated for Part B.

Salient Features

Scheme Period: Effective from the date of Notification until March 31, 2034, along with 8 years of committed liabilities.
Commencement of Production: Eligible industrial units must commence production or operation within 4 years from the grant of registration.
Categorization of Districts: Districts are categorized into Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) and Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts) to ensure targeted development.
Funds Allocation: 60% of Part A outlay is earmarked for the 8 North Eastern states, while the remaining 40% follows a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis.
Eligibility: New and expanding industrial units are eligible for incentives under the scheme.

Implementation and Oversight

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will oversee the implementation of UNNATI.
National and state-level committees, including the Steering Committee and State Level Committee, will monitor implementation, ensure transparency, and facilitate the registration and claims process for incentives.

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Direct Benefits Transfers

Centre extends Ujjwala Subsidy by another Year

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Ujjwala Scheme

Mains level: NA

In the news

In pretext of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of the subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for LPG cylinders, offering a subsidy of ₹300 (earlier ₹200) per cylinder for up to 12 refills per year.

About Ujjwala Scheme

	Details
Launch	1 May 2016
Introduced By	Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Aim	Provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and disadvantaged households, reducing reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
Phases	Phase I: Launched on May 1, 2016, aimed to release 8 Crore LPG connections by March 2020. Ujjwala 2.0: Aimed to release an additional 1 crore LPG connections, achieved in January 2022, subsequently expanded to release an additional 60 lakh LPG connections.
Financial Support	₹1600 financial assistance provided for each LPG connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
Deposit-Free Connections	Beneficiaries receive deposit-free LPG connections, including the first refill and a free hotplate.
Benefits	Eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection. Subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders. Option to use EMI facility for stove and first refill costs. Opportunity to join the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme for direct subsidy transfers to bank accounts.

Try a similar PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

Kerala to launch affordable ‘Sabari K-Rice ‘

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Sabari K-Rice, Bharat Rice, Atta

Mains level: Food security, affordability

In the news

The Kerala government’s decision to introduce ‘Sabari K-Rice’ is seen as a response to the Union government’s distribution of ‘Bharat Rice.’

Bharat Rice and Other Commodities

‘Bharat’ Rice refers to the retail sale of rice by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the general public at a subsidized price.
Its primary objective is to stabilize markets and ensure affordability for consumers.
This rice is available in 5kg and 10kg packs priced at ₹29/kg.
It is distributed through cooperatives such as Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).
Additionally, it can be purchased from mobile vans and physical outlets of these cooperative agencies.
Moreover, these agencies also offer ‘Bharat Atta’ (wheat flour) at Rs. 27.50 per kg in 5kg and 10kg packs.
Similarly, ‘Bharat Dal’ (chana dal / Chickpea) is available at Rs. 60 per kg for a 1kg pack and Rs. 55 per kg for a 30kg pack, along with onions priced at Rs. 25 per kg.

Sabari K-Rice

Objective: It aims to provide good quality rice at affordable rates, presenting an alternative to the existing subsidized rice scheme.
Distribution: K-Rice will be made available through Supplyco outlets, alongside the existing subsidized rice supply of 10 kg per card.
Quality and Pricing: K-Rice offers high-quality varieties at subsidized rates, contrasting with Bharat Rice sold by NAFED and NCCF at different prices.
Price Discrepancy: While Bharat Rice sells at ₹29 per kg, K-Rice aims to provide affordable rates, with the state government incurring additional costs to distribute it.

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Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

Launch of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, 300 Units Cap

Mains level: Solar Energy Transition

Introduction

Prime Minister has launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to provide free electricity to its beneficiaries.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

	Description
Purpose	To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.
Announcement	Initially announced in an interim budget speech by the Finance Minister.
Target	Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
Incentive for Renewable Energy	Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems.
Financial Support	Central Government guarantees no financial burden on people through subsidies directly to bank accounts and highly concessional bank loans.
Expected Benefits	– Annual savings of ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 for households – Charging of electric vehicles – Entrepreneurship opportunities – Employment opportunities for youth with technical skills.

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Aadhaar Card Issues

APAAR: One Nation, One Student ID Initiative

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: APAAR, One Nation, One Student ID

Mains level: Read the attached storyapaar

apaar

Central Idea

About 25 crore Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) have been created, Union Education Minister informed at a national conference on ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card.’

What is APAAR?

What is it? : APAAR serves as a unique identification system for all students across India, commencing from early childhood.
Lifelong Student ID: Every student is assigned a lifelong 12-digit ID, simplifying the tracking of academic progress from pre-primary education through higher education.
Gateway to Digilocker: APAAR functions as a gateway to Digilocker, a digital repository where students can securely store crucial documents, including exam results and report cards, for convenient access during future endeavours such as higher education or job applications.

How does APAAR ID function?

Unique Identification: Each individual receives a unique APAAR ID, linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), a digital repository housing a student’s earned credits throughout their academic journey.
Seamless Data Transfer: When students change schools, whether within the state or to another state, their data in the ABC is seamlessly transferred to the new school by sharing the APAAR ID, eliminating the need for physical document submission.
All-Inclusive Repository: APAAR allows students to store certificates and credits from both formal and informal learning experiences, with digital certification from authorized institutions.

Rationale behind APAAR

Streamlined Education: APAAR’s introduction aims to streamline education processes, reducing the burden on students to carry physical documents.
NEP 2020 Initiative: This initiative was launched as part of the National Education Policy 2020 by the Ministry of Education.
Empowering State Governments: APAAR empowers state governments to monitor literacy rates, dropout rates, and educational improvements effectively.
Combatting Fraud: It seeks to combat fraud and the proliferation of duplicate educational certificates by providing a single, reliable reference for educational institutions, ensuring authenticity through first-party verification.

How to get an APAAR ID?

Registration Process: To enrol for APAAR, students provide basic details such as name, age, date of birth, gender, and a photograph, all of which are verified using their Aadhar number.
Aadhar Authentication: The Aadhaar number is used solely for verification purposes to match the name and date of birth, with no sharing of this data during registration.
Parental Consent for Minors: For minors, parental consent is mandatory for using the student’s Aadhar number for authentication with UIDAI.
Voluntary Registration: Registration for creating an APAAR ID is voluntary, not mandatory.

Concerns surrounding APAAR

Data Security Concerns: Parents and students express concerns about sharing their Aadhar details, fearing potential leaks of personal information to external parties.
Government Assurance: The government assures that shared information will remain confidential and will only be disclosed to entities engaged in educational activities, including UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus), scholarships, academic record maintenance, educational institutions, and recruitment agencies.
Data Control: Students retain the option to cease sharing their information with these entities at any time, with a halt in data processing. However, previously processed data remains unaffected if consent is withdrawn.

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

ASHA and Anganwadi Workers/Helpers in Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Ayushman Bharat Scheme, ASHA and Anganwadi Workers

Mains level: ASHA and Anganwadi Workers

asha

Introduction

Following the Centre’s decision to extend health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers and helpers, the Health Ministry has initiated the process of enrollment.
The Health Ministry has received Aadhaar details of 23 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers and over three lakh ASHA workers from various states.

About Ayushman Bharat Scheme

	Details
Launch	2018, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
Aim	Achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by providing promotive, preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
Funding	Centrally Sponsored Scheme (expenditure shared between Central and State governments)
Coverage	Targets over 10 crore families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) based on SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census)
Implementing Agency	National Health Authority (NHA)
Components	Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) providing primary care services. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) offering health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year.
Coverage Details	Covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Includes pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses. No restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
Portability of Benefits	Benefits are portable across the country, allowing cashless treatment at any empanelled public or private hospital in India.
Digital Overture	Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Launched in 2021 to provide Unique Digital Health IDs (UHID) for all Indian citizens, facilitating electronic access to health records.

Significance of ASHA Program

Workforce: As of December 31, 2023, there were over 13 lakh Anganwadi workers and over 10 lakh Anganwadi helpers in the country, along with 9.83 lakh ASHAs in position.
Program Scale: India’s ASHA program is recognized as the world’s largest community volunteer program, operating across 35 states and union territories.
Role of ASHAs: The ASHA program serves as a vital component of community healthcare, facilitating access to care and playing a crucial role in the prevention and management of COVID-19.
Contribution Acknowledged: ASHAs have been recognized for their substantial contribution to improving access to care for communities and are integral to various community platforms under the National Health Mission.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme Impact

Beneficiary Coverage: Currently, 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12 crore families are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with some states/UTs expanding the beneficiary base at their own cost.
Enrollment and Hospital Admissions: The government has issued approximately 28.45 crore Ayushman cards, authorizing over 6.11 crore hospital admissions amounting to ₹78,188 crores.
Hospital Empanelment: A total of 26,901 hospitals, including 11,813 private hospitals, have been empanelled under AB-PMJAY to provide healthcare services to scheme beneficiaries.
Gender Equity: The scheme ensures gender equity in access to healthcare services, with women accounting for approximately 49% of Ayushman cards created and 48% of total authorized hospital admissions.

Back2Basics:

[1] Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)

	Details
Launch Year	2005-06 as part of the National Rural Health Mission. Later extended to urban areas with the National Urban Health Mission in 2013.
Program Scope	Largest community health worker program globally, serving as health care facilitators, service providers, and health awareness generators.
Number of ASHAs	Over 10.52 Lakh ASHAs across all states/UTs (except Goa) as of June 2022.
Role	Provide maternal and child health services, family planning, and services under National Disease Control Programme.
Service Population	Serve populations of approximately 1,000 in rural areas and 2,000 in urban areas, with local adjustments based on workload.
Selection Criteria	Primarily women residents of the village, preferably aged 25 to 45. Literacy preferred and relaxed standards for tribal, hilly, or desert areas.
Employment Classification	Considered honorary/volunteer positions rather than government workers.

[2] Anganwadi Programme

	Details
Initiation	Started by the Government of India in 1975 Part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Objective	To combat child hunger and malnutrition
Implementation	Centrally sponsored scheme implemented by States/UTs
Services Provided	Supplementary nutrition Pre-school non-formal education Immunization Health check-up Nutrition and health education Referral services
Beneficiaries	Identified based on Aadhaar

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