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employment.
Government Approves Construction of more than 5 lakh Affordable Houses
Feb 27 2019
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved the construction of another 560,695 more
affordable houses for the benefit of urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). The approval
was given by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee under the Ministry of Housing & Urban
Affairs. The details of the projects approved are listed below:
Total of 1,243 projects with a project cost of Rs 33,873 crore with central assistance of Rs 8,404 crore
has been approved.
The approval of 560,695 more houses takes the cumulative number of houses sanctioned under
PMAY(U) to 79,04,674.
State wise Allocation
Uttar Pradesh: 179,215
Andhra Pradesh: 110,618
Maharashtra: 101,220
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Karnataka: 48,729
Madhya Pradesh: 26,587
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Gujarat: 25,861
Manipur: 13,715
Tamil Nadu: 12,174
Bihar: 10,084
Odisha: 7,472
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Chhattisgarh: 7,067
Kerala: 4,194
Haryana: 4,019
Rajasthan 3,601
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Jharkhand 2,165
Assam: 1,419
Meghalaya: 1,397
Puducherry: 1,158
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The allocation is part of the government’s commitment to ensure housing for all by 2022.
UNICEF Head lauds Poshan Abhiyaan
Feb 26 2019
Unicef Representative in India Yasmin Ali Haque has made the following observations about the Poshan
Abhiyaan:
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Poshan Abhiyaan which focuses on reducing stunting, under-nutrition and anaemia in women and
adolescents through direct cash transfers is a massive step towards eradicating malnutrition.
Poshan Abhiyaan has got global recognition for its effort to eradicate malnutrition. Cash transfers
under the mission provide an additional support to the family income. Hence Poshan Abhiyaan is a
massive step that realises the need for eradicating malnutrition
The whole issue of malnutrition requires concrete action starting from the grassroot level at
households as well as the community level. The first and the most important step for reducing
malnutrition in India are providing sufficient nutrition to pregnant and lactating mothers. The child
then automatically is at much less risk of being malnourished.
Poshan Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Women and
Child Development. The Mission is aimed at improving the nutritional status of Children from 0-6 years,
Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers in a time bound manner during the next three
years beginning 2017-18.
The Abhiyan aims to achieve convergence with various programmes i.e., Anganwadi Services, Pradhan
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 8
Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, Janani Suraksha Yojana, National Health
Mission, Swachh-Bharat Mission, Public Distribution System, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The UNICEF Head also pointed out that the current policies are majorly focused on pregnant mothers and
lactating children, but the government also needs to think about how to provide nutrition to growing
children. He added that UNICEF will continue working with the government on initiatives like Swachh
Bharat, Mission Indradhanush, vaccination policies and Poshan Abhiyaan.
Minister of Textiles inaugurates two Silk Projects in Assam
Feb 23 2019
The Minister of Textiles, Smriti Irani inaugurated two silk projects Soil to Silk Project and Eri Spun Silk
Mill in Assam.
Soil to Silk Project
The project envisages new Eri plantation on 100 hectares and will facilitate post cocoon activities for
an on-farm sector like plantation, spinning and reeling.
It would generate direct employment for 15,600 people during the project period and 7,000 persons
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per year when the project attains full capacity.
Under the project, the Central Silk board will also work towards rejuvenation of 600 hectares of
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existing Eri farms and provide handlooms and work sheds to 2500 weavers which in turn will
provide important linkages for self-sustenance of the production activities.
Eri Spun Silk Mill
The Eri Spun Silk Mill project will be implemented directly by the state government in co-
coordination with the Central Silk Board.
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The expected turnover from this project during the first year is around Rs 10 crore with a net profit
of Rs three crore.
The project would generate direct employment for 107 persons throughout the year and will provide
indirect employment to around another 1,500 Eri farmers through backward linkage and to around
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730 weavers through the forward linkage.

On the occasion, the Minister also mentioned the Eri Silk Development Project, which has been dedicated
for sustainable livelihood for women of Bodoland Territorial Council through tapioca plantation at
Kokrajhar.
The Eri Silk Development Project aims to utilize tapioca plantation for dual purpose i.e. the tuber
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for food and the leaves for Eri silkworm. The project aids the tribal families below poverty line to utilise
the available natural resources to the best advantage of the Eri silkworm rearing and weaving sector.
First Mega Food Park of Tripura Inaugurated
Feb 21 2019
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Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti inaugurated Sikaria Mega
Food Park Pvt Ltd at Village Tulakona in Agartala. This is the 17th Mega Food Park in the country and first
in the state of Tripura.
Highlights about the Mega Food Park of Tripura
The Mega Food Park has been set up in 50 acres of land at the cost of Rs. 87.45 crore.
The food park is having facilities of fully operational Dry warehouse and material handling of 5000
MT, Pineapple canning and Pulping line of 2 MT/Hr each, Packing Unit, Ripening Chambers of 40
TPD, Cold Storage of 5000 MT with Frozen Storage of 1000 MT, Quality Control, Research &
Development Centre.
The Mega Food Park also has fully developed Industrial plots for setting up processing units and
Standard Design Factory (SDF) Sheds to provide ready to move in the facility for micro and small
enterprises.
The Mega Food Park will leverage an additional investment of about Rs. 250 crores in 25-30 food
processing units in the park and generate a turnover of about Rs. 450-500 Crore annually.
The Park will also provide direct and indirect employment to 5000 people and benefit about 25000
farmers.
Mega Food Park Scheme
The Mega Food Park scheme was initiated in 2008. These mega food parks create modern infrastructure
facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market along with strong forward and
backward linkages through a cluster-based approach.
The Ministry of Food Processing is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme to give a major boost to the
food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with a
particular focus on perishables. The government of India provides financial assistance up to Rs. 50.00
Crore per Mega Food Park project.
HRD Minister launches Operation Digital Board
Feb 21 2019
Union Human Resource Minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar launched Operation Digital Board to leverage
technology to boost quality education in the country.
Operation Digital Board
Operation Digital Board (ODB) is a revolutionary step which will make both learning as well as the
teaching process interactive and popularize flipped learning as a pedagogical approach. The features of
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the programme are:
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Operation Digital Board has been launched on the lines of Operation Blackboard to provide better
digital education in schools.
Under Operation Digital Board seven lakh classrooms of 9th, 10th and 11th standards and two lakh
classrooms of colleges and Universities will be equipped with digital boards in the next three years.
The initiative is aimed at improving the quality of education and offer new opportunities and new
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ways of teaching and learning.
Together with converting classrooms into digital classrooms and providing e-resources to students,
the Operation Digital Board will aid in the provisioning of personalised adaptive learning as well as
Intelligent Tutoring by exploiting emerging technologies like Machine Learning, Artificial
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Intelligence & Data Analytics.

UGC will be the implementing agency for ODB in Higher Education institutions. The central government
will implement the scheme in the schools in association with state government.
CCEA approves launch of KUSUM scheme
Feb 20 2019
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the launch of KUSUM, Kisan Urja
Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme. The scheme aims to provide financial and water security to
farmers through harnessing solar energy capacities of 25.75 gigawatts (GW) by 2022.
Component of the Scheme
The scheme has three components:
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10,000 megawatt (MW) of decentralised ground mounted grid-connected renewable power plants
(Component-A).
Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar powered agriculture pumps (Component-B).
Solarisation of 10 lakh grid-connected solar powered agriculture pumps (Component-C).
Component-B will be implemented in a full-fledged manner whereas Component-A and Component-C will
be implemented on pilot mode for 1,000 MW capacity and one lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps,
respectively. They would be scale up later after the pilot run.
Features of the Scheme
Component-A
Renewable power plants of capacity 500 kilowatts (kW) to 2 MW will be set up by individual farmers,
cooperatives, panchayats, or farmer producer organisations (FPO) on their barren or cultivable
lands.
The power generated will be purchased by the distribution companies (Discoms) at tariffs
determined by respective state electricity regulatory commissions (SERC).
The scheme will open a stable and continuous source of income to the rural landowners.
Performance-based incentives at Rs 0.40 per unit for five years will be provided to Discoms.
Component-B
Individual farmers will be supported in installing standalone solar pumps of capacity up to 7.5
horsepower (HP).
Solar PV capacity in kW equal to the pump capacity in HP is allowed under the scheme.
Component-C
Individual farmers will be supported to solarise pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP.
The farmer will be able to use the generated energy to meet the irrigation needs and the excess
available energy will be sold to Discom.
This creates an avenue for extra income to the farmers, and for the states to meet their renewable
purchase obligation (RPO) targets.
The scheme will have a substantial environmental impact in terms of savings of CO2 emissions. It is
estimated that three components of the scheme combined together would result in savings of about 27
million tonnes of CO2 emission per annum.
National Rural Economic Transformation Project
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Feb 20 2019
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The Union government has proposed a new rural Livelihood Scheme, the National Rural Economic
Transformation Project under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission
(DAY-NRLM).
National Rural Economic Transformation Project
The features of the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP) are:
The project would be undertaken with loan assistance from the World Bank.
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The project aims to provide interventions to enhance the livelihoods promotion, access to finance
and scale-up initiatives on digital finance and livelihood interventions.
Projects under NRETP would provide alternate channels of financial inclusion, creating value chains
around rural products, introduce innovative models in livelihoods promotion and access to finance
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and scale-up initiatives on digital finance and livelihoods interventions.

DAY-NRLM
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) aims to create efficient
and effective institutional platforms for the rural poor to increase household income through sustainable
livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.
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Originally called as Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, the programme was renamed as
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in 2015.
DAY-NRLM aims to organize the poor into SHGs and make them capable of self-employment with a
special focus on women empowerment including a dedicated component for promoting farm and non-
farm based livelihoods for women farmers in rural areas.
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The scheme aims to help rural poor to set up self-employment ventures by ensuring easy access to credit.
It is implemented across the country in all States and Union Territories (except Chandigarh and Delhi) and
it is one of the world’s largest initiatives to improve the livelihood of poor.
‘Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady’ Inaugurated
Feb 18 2019
The Union Tourism Minister K. J. Alphons inaugurated the ‘Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi
– Vagamon – Thekkady’ project at Vagamon, Kerala on 17th February 2019. This project is a part of the
Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
About the Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady Project
The Eco Circuit project was sanctioned in December 2015 at the cost of Rs. 76.55 crores.
It has been developed as a 150 km circuit and includes Eco-Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon,
Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach Roads, Walking
trails, Rain Shelters at Pine Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, MoozhiyarDam, Penstock and Kakki
The eco-tourism circuit aims to protect the flora and fauna of Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts
including places like Gavi, Peerumedu

About the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
India’s rich cultural, historical, religious and natural heritage provides great scope to develop tourist
circuits on specific themes to attract the tourists having a special interest in visiting such
places. Recognizing this huge potential the Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched by the Union Ministry
of Tourism in 2014-15. This flagship scheme of the Ministry of Tourism aims at the development of
thematic circuits in a planned and prioritized manner across India.
The Ministry of Tourism has already sanctioned 77 projects at the cost of Rs. 6131.88 Crore to 30 States
and UTs. Of these 30 projects / major components of projects are expected to be completed during the
current financial year, of which 12 projects worth Rs.1024.49 crore, covering the states of Manipur,
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Kerala and
Sikkim have already been inaugurated.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM- SYM)
Feb 16 2019
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) announced in the interim budget 2019 has been
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notified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Features of the PM-SYM
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PM-SYM is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme on a 50:50 basis where prescribed age-specific
contribution shall be made by the beneficiary and the matching contribution by the Central Government.
The salient features of the PM-SYM are:
Each subscriber under the PM-SYM, shall receive minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/- per month
after attaining the age of 60 years.
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If the subscriber dies during the period of receipt of the pension, the spouse of the beneficiary shall
be entitled to receive 50% of the pension received by the beneficiary as a family pension.
If the beneficiary had died due to any cause (before age of 60 years), his/her spouse will be entitled to
join and continue the scheme subsequently by payment of regular contribution or exit the scheme as
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per provisions of exit and withdrawal.

The subscriber must not be a taxpayer.
The scheme is expected to benefit as many as 42 crore workers are estimated to be engaged in the
unorganized sector of the country whose monthly income is Rs 15,000/ per month or less and belong to
the entry age group of 18-40 years who are not be covered under New Pension Scheme (NPS), Employees’
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State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme or Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Government Approves Continuation of CLCS-TUS Scheme for MSMEs
Feb 15 2019
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a three-year extension of the Credit
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Linked Capital Subsidy and Technology Up-gradation Scheme (CLCS-TUS) for Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) with a total outlay of 2,900 crores on 13th February 2019. This scheme will continue
beyond the 12th Five Year Plan for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
What is the CLCS-TUS Scheme?
Under this scheme, an upfront capital subsidy of 15 per cent will be provided to the MSMEs on
institutional finance of up to Rs 1 crore availed by them. This will be done to help the MSMEs in
employing well-established and improved technology in the specified 51 sub-sectors/products
approved.
The scheme aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by integrating various current schemes
aimed at up-grading technology through Credit Linked Capital Subsidy, hand holding for zero defect
zero effect manufacturing, increasing productivity through waste reduction, design intervention,
cloud computing, facilitation of intellectual property and nurturing new ideas.
It will also focus on improving the quality of products and enhancement in productivity. This will
promote a culture of continuous development.
The scheme also incorporates special provisions to increase entrepreneurship for SC/STs, women,
hill states, island territories and the aspirational districts/ LWE (Left-wing extremism) districts.
Comment
The MSME sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy. They not
only provide employment in the rural areas but are also a prelude to industrialization. MSMEs are
complementary to large industries as ancillary units and this sector contributes enormously to the socio-
economic development of the country.
PM Modi serves the 3 Billionth Meal of Akshaya Patra
Feb 14 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi served the three billionth meal of Akshaya Patra, an NGO that works with
the government on Mid-Day Meal Scheme. The Prime Minister Served the food to about 20 schoolchildren
who are the beneficiaries of the mid-day meal scheme at the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir campus in
the holy city of Vrindavan. Prime Minister also unveiled a ceremonial plaque to mark the serving of “3rd
billionth meal” by Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Akshaya Patra Foundation
Akshaya Patra Foundation is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit organisation Funded by International
Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Akshaya Patra Foundation is an implementation partner for
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the governments Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
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Akshaya Patra Foundation has served meals to more than 1.76 million children in twelve states covering
14,702 schools since its inception. In the year 2016, Akshaya Patra commemorated the serving of 2 billion
cumulative meals in the presence of the then President of India Pranab Mukherjee.
Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world’s largest not-for-profit run organisation serving wholesome food
to over 1.76 million children every school day from over 14,000 schools across 12 states in India.
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Improving Research Ecosystem in India
Feb 12 2019
The central government has launched the following schemes to improve the research ecosystem in India:
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship
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To attract the bright and meritorious students into research within the country, the Prime Minister’s
Research Fellowship has been initiated. Students selected for the fellowship are given fellowship for 5
years – Rs.70,000/- per month for the first two years, Rs. 75,000/- per month in the third year and
Rs.80,000 per month in 4th and 5th year with an annual research grant of Rs. 2 lakh.
Setting up of Research Parks
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The Government has approved setting up of Research Parks at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT
Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Gandhinagar and IISc Banglore.
Impacting research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT)
IMPRINT India scheme aims to provide solutions to the most relevant engineering challenges and
translating knowledge into viable technology (products or processes) in ten selected technology domains.
Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY)
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Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana has been launched to promote innovation of a higher order that directly
impacts the needs of the Industry and thereby improves the competitive edge of Indian manufacturing.
Smart India Hackathons
Smart India Hackathons are organized on yearly basis since 2017 to find out digital solutions to various
problems faced by the people and gives hands-on working and research opportunity for engineering
students.
Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC)
Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) have been established in 960 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)
for promoting the innovation ecosystem within their campuses.
Trainee Teacher Scheme
A Trainee Teacher Scheme has been initiated in NITs with the objective to attract, motivate and sponsor
best graduate engineers for part-time M.Tech and PhD programmes.
Further schemes like Colleges with Potential for Excellence (CPE), University with Potential for
Excellence(UPE), Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Areas(CPEPA), Special Assistance
Programme (SAP), Major Research Project (MRP) have been initiated by the government to boost the
research ecosystem in the country.

Health and Wellness Centres- Ayushman Bharat
Feb 10 2019
The Ayushman Bharat scheme has two sub-components:
PM JAY- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which is a health insurance scheme for 10.74 crore
families identified through SECC database.
Health and Wellness Centres: Delivery of the comprehensive Primary health care through Health
and Wellness centres covering prevention, promotion and ambulatory care at the primary level.
Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres
To expand access to Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs),
Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are being strengthened as Health and
Wellness Centres (HWCs) under the Ayushmann Bharat Scheme.
These Health and Wellness Centres aim to provide preventive, promotive, rehabilitative and curative care
for an expanded range of services encompassing reproductive and child health services, communicable
diseases, non-communicable diseases, palliative care and elderly care, oral health, ENT care, and basic
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emergency care.
The Health and Wellness centres provide comprehensive primary health care through:
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Expended Service Delivery.
Continuum of Care – Telehealth/ Referral.
Expanding HR- MLHP & Multiskilling.
Medicines & Expanding Diagnostics.
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Community Mobilisation and Health Promotion.
Robust IT System.
Infrastructure.
Partnership for Knowledge & Implementation.
Financing/ Provider Payment Reforms.
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The services in HWCs will be provided through a Mid-level Health Care Provider (MLHP)/Community
Health Officer (CHO) who is required to undergo a Certificate in Community Health through IGNOU or
public university.
Family Planning for Males
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Feb 10 2019
Due to the orthodoxy and parochial nature of Indian Society, males prefer to lay outside the ambit of the
family planning and the onus lies on the woman. In order to arrest these tendencies the government of
India has undertaken the following steps:
Vasectomy Fortnight is observed across the country in the month of November to increase
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awareness on male participation and promotion of male sterilization.

Training of service providers in No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) has been undertaken to enhance the
pool of service providers.
Condom boxes are set up in facilities to enable people to access condoms in privacy.
The ‘Home Delivery of Contraceptive Scheme’ has been initiated to deliver contraceptives including
condoms to the beneficiaries.
The compensation for male sterilization has been substantially increased under the Enhanced
compensation scheme for sterilization.
A 360-degree media campaign has been undertaken to underline the role of men in family planning
to encourage men to adopt family planning methods.
Under the Mission Parivar Vikas campaign due attention is paid towards extensive mobilization
activities including promotion of male participation and assured vasectomy services.
The national average for the use of male family planning methods (Male sterilization + Condom) is 5.9 %
and 13 states have a better participation rate ththe an national average.
Strengthening the fight against Mental Illness in India

Feb 7 2019
The Mental illness is the most neglected and tabooed aspect of Indian health care system. To address the
burden of mental disorders, the Government of India has undertaken the following steps:
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is under implementation since 1982. District Mental
Health Programme (DMHP) is under implementation in 517 districts of the country for detection,
management and treatment of mental disorders/ illness.
Funds are provided to each district under the DMHP for sensitization training of Community Health
Workers and elected representatives of the community at District Hospital/ Community Health
Centre for awareness generation regarding early signs and community health-seeking behaviour for
mental illness.
The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 provides that the appropriate Government shall take all measures
to ensure that the Government Officials including police officers and other officers of the
Government are given periodic sensitization and awareness training.
Three Central Mental Health Institutions namely National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
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Sciences, Bangalore, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur and
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Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi have been strengthened for augmenting the human
resources in the areas of mental health and to provide quality mental health services in the country.
To increase the number of qualified mental health professionals in the country, the Government,
under the NMHP, is implementing manpower development schemes for the establishment of
Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in
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mental health specialities.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is regularly reviewing and monitoring the functioning of the
three Central Mental Health Institutions and the Institutions supported under manpower development
schemes of NMHP.
Categorisation of Farmers
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Feb 6 2019
In agriculture Census, the operational holdings are categorised in five size classes as shown below:
Marginal: Below 1.00 hectare.
Small: 1.00-2.00 hectare.
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Semi- Medium: 2.00-4.00 hectare.

Medium: 4.00-10.00 hectare.
Large: 10.00 hectare and above.
The India Rural Development Report 2012-13 prepared by the IDFC Rural Development Network notes
that Small farms are more efficient, especially in cultivating labour-intensive crops or tending livestock,
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but land holdings are too small to generate sufficient household income.
To improve the condition of Small and Marginal farmers and to double the income of farmers by 2022,
Government is realigning its interventions from the production-centric approach to farmers’ income-
centric initiatives, with focus on better and new technological solutions.
The interventions include implementation of schemes like, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
(PMKSY), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Soil Health Card, Neem Coated Urea, Rainfed Area
Development under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana (PMFBY), National Agriculture Market scheme (e-NAM), National Food Security Mission (NFSM),
National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil palm (NMOOP), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
(MIDH), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Mission on Agriculture Extension & Technology
(NMAET).
Know India Programme
Feb 6 2019
Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative for Diaspora engagement. The programme aims to
familiarize Indian-origin youth (18-30 years) with their Indian roots and contemporary India.
Features of the Programme

The important features of the Know India Programme are:
Know India Programme is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth.
The programme aims to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress
made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science & technology,
communication & information Technology and culture.
The programme provides a unique forum for students & young professionals of Indian origin to visit
India, share their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with contemporary
India.
The programme has been in existence since 2003 and is open to PIO youth from all over the world.
The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) with preference
to those from Girmitiya countries (Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, T&T, Jamaica etc).
The programme mandates a minimum qualification of graduation or being enrolled for graduation
to be part of the scheme.
Familiarising India
The programme incorporates following aspects to familiarise Youths about Indian Society and culture:
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Understanding of India’s political system, economy, society, and developments in various sectors
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etc.
Visiting places of historical, cultural, religious importance.
Familiarisation with art, music and culture of India.
Visiting industrial sites.
Visiting a village.
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Interaction with non-profit organizations.
Meetings with senior leadership/officials in India.
Visiting a select state in India for 10 days.
The Ministry of External Affairs implements the programme in association with the chosen partner state.
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Implementation of PMJAY
Feb 6 2019
Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY) is a scheme of the government under Ayushman Bharat to
reduce the financial burden on poor and vulnerable groups arising out of catastrophic hospital episodes
and ensure their access to quality health services.
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Implementation of PM JAY
The following steps have been undertaken for the effective implementation of the PM JAY:
The State Governments have been given the flexibility to implement PM JAY either through
insurance companies, or directly through trust/society, or in a mixed mode.
National Health Agency (NHA) has been set up by the Government to implement PM JAY through
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State level Health Agencies.

A robust IT system has been put in place for effective implementation of the Scheme.
Central Grievance Redressal Management System has been set up for receiving grievances. A
system has been put in place to acknowledge, record, escalate & resolve grievances as per well-
defined process through a three-tier grievance redressal structure.
A multi-prong approach has been adopted by putting in place a fraud control mechanism.
PM-JAY scheme would provide poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational categories of
urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data (approx. 50 crore
beneficiaries) with health benefit cover of Rs Five Lakhs per family per year at free of cost. The health
benefits under the scheme include more than 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and
daycare treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
Schemes of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation
Feb 6 2019
The National Minority Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC) is implementing various schemes for
the socio-economic development of the ‘backward sections’ amongst the notified minorities. The schemes
are being implemented through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the respective State
Governments/UT Administration.
Categorisation of Beneficiaries
The NMDFC categorises the beneficiaries under two categories, They are:
Credit Line-1: For those with the annual family income 98,000 for rural areas & Rs.1.20 lacs for urban
areas.
Credit Line-2: For those with higher annual family income eligibility criterion of up to Rs.6.00 Lacs.
Schemes of NMDFC
Credit Schemes
The various credit schemes like Term Loan, Micro Finance, Education Loan and Mahila Samridhi Yojana
are introduced to enhance the livelihood opportunities by promoting income generation activities.
Mahila Samridhi Yojana:
Skill development training is imparted to a group of women in women-friendly trades under the scheme and a
stipend @ Rs.1,000 is available for each woman during the training period.
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During the period of training, the women are formed into Self Help Group, followed by infusion of micro-credit
maximum up to Rs.1.00 lacs per member for the purpose of using the skill developed during the training, for income
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generation activities.
Promotional Schemes
NMDFC is implementing promotional schemes like Vocational Training & Marketing Support for with
preference to women beneficiaries.
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Vocational Training Scheme
Under the Kaushal Se Kushalta scheme skill development training programs of 200 to 250 hrs duration
are organized and Stipend of Rs.1,000 per candidate per month is provided. The schemes
guarantee placement of minimum 70% candidates trained under the scheme.
Marketing Assistance Scheme
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The Marketing Assistance Scheme envisages promoting sale & marketing of their products at
remunerative prices through participation /organizing exhibitions at State/District level.
Conservation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants
Feb 5 2019
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The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the Ministry of AYUSH is implementing following
schemes to encourage farming/cultivation, conservation, processing and promotion of medicinal plants
throughout the country:
National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
The large scale farming/cultivation of medicinal plants is being supported under the ‘Medicinal Plants’
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component of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). The scheme provides support for:
Cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants on farmer’s land.
Establishment of nurseries for the supply of quality planting material.
Post-harvest management.
Primary processing, marketing infrastructure etc.
Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants
The central sector scheme Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants
provides project-based support for following activities:
In-situ conservation through the development of Medicinal Plants Conservation and Development
Areas (MPCDAs).
In-situ/Ex-situresource augmentation.
Ex-situ conservation through the establishment of herbal gardens.
Livelihood linkages with Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) / Panchayats / Van
Panchayats / Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) / Self Help Groups (SHGs).
IEC activities like Training / workshops / Seminars/ Conferences etc.
Research & Development.

Promotion of marketing and trade of medicinal plants produce.
Voluntary Certification Scheme for Medicinal Plants Produce
The scheme is aimed to encourage Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Field Collection Practices
(GFCPs) in medicinal plants and enhance the quality and safety of their produce.
As per information of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), an organization under the Ministry of
Environment, Forests & Climate Change estimated more than 8,000 species of medicinal plants are found
in India.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan
Feb 2 2019
The Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan scheme in
the interim budget 2019 for workers in the unorganised sector.
About the Scheme
The features of the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan scheme are:
Under the scheme, an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided to workers in
the unorganised sector after 60 years of age.
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To avail of the scheme, workers will have to contribute a minimal Rs 100 month per month.
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The scheme is expected to benefit 10 crore workers.
This new pension scheme will run alongside the existing Atal Pension Yojana, which guarantees
returns post-retirement.
The budget also increased gratuity limit from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh from the next fiscal.
The scheme is touted as to become the world’s biggest pension scheme for the unorganised sector in five
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years. The scheme is designed as a tribute to the workers in the unorganised sector who contribute
around 50 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Feb 2 2019
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The interim budget 2019 has announced a farm income support scheme PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-
KISAN). The features of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme are:
The Centre will transfer Rs 6,000 every year to small and marginal farmers.
The scheme will cost Rs 75,000-crore to the exchequer.
The scheme aims to address unrest among cultivators who have suffered due to adverse weather
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and weak prices.

Rs 6,000 will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiary farmers in three
instalments of Rs 2,000 each.
The scheme will benefit 120 million farmers with cultivable land of up to 2 hectares.
Analysis of the Scheme
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The promised transfer of Rs 6,000 every year amounts to an average of Rs 500 per month. The National
Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) in its rural financial inclusion survey 2015-16 had
estimated farmer’s average monthly income from cultivation at Rs 3,140 in its rural financial inclusion
survey 2015-16. Therefore income support of an average of Rs 500 per month comes out to be 16% of a
farmer’s average monthly income from cultivation.
Estimated farmer’s average monthly income
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For the most marginal farmer with 0.01 hectare, the cash transfer is comparable with the estimated
monthly income of Rs 566 from cultivation, but it is relatively less attractive for those with more land.
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Comparing PM-KISAN with Rythu Bandhu scheme of Telangana
Feb 2 2019
The union government announced the PM-KISAN farm support scheme to address the farm sector in
crisis. Similar initiatives have already been announced by states. Here’s a comparison of the centre’s farm
support scheme PM-KISAN with similar schemes from various states.
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PM-KISAN and Rythu Bandhu of Telangana
The Centres Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) would provide an annual grant of Rs 6,000
to farmers. Below is the comparison with Rythu Bandhu of Telangana:
PM-KISAN has a cap of two hectares to make a farmer eligible for the scheme. But the Rythu Bandhu
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of Telangana posses no restrictions on the extent of land one should own. However, there is a
restriction on the acreage to 50 acres in the Rabi season for Rythu Bandhu payouts.
The capping of acreage at five acres under PM-KISAN would be disadvantageous to farmers in the
rain-fed areas, where the farmers, even if they have more land, would still require financial
assistance.
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While the centre’s farm support is ₹6,000 in three equal instalments, farmers get Rs 8,000 in two
instalments ahead of the Kharif and Rabi in Telangana and the government has already promised to
increase it to Rs 10000 in the current year.
Since the intricacies of the PM-KISAN are yet to be declared, it is not clear whether the PM-KISAN
would include tenant farmers in the scheme. Rythu Bandhu incorporates even the tenant farmers
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under the scheme.

KALIA and Krishak Bandhu
The KALIA scheme of Odisha offers annual assistance of Rs 12,500 each to each to farmers and Krishak
Bandhu scheme of West Bengal offers an aid of Rs 5000 to farmers.
Of all, the KALIA scheme of Odisha looks more comprehensive since it covers the landless agricultural
labourers too and also seeks to provide help to vulnerable agricultural households, besides promising
interest-free crop loan.
The schemes of Telangana, Odisha and West Bengal have also incorporated the component of insurance.
The payouts in Odisha and West Bengal are yet to happen.
Implementation Models under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Jan 30 2019
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY) proposes three models through which the states can
implement the scheme. They are
Insurance Model
Under this Model, the premiums are paid to the insurance company, which administers and pays the
claim.
Trust-based model
Under this Model, each State forms its own trust to manage the scheme and claims will be disbursed from
a corpus created from central and State government contributions.
Hybrid model
Under this Model, a part of the claim comes under the insurance model while the balance gets processed
under the trust.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY)
Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY) is a scheme of the government under Ayushman Bharat
which aims to reduce the financial burden on poor and vulnerable groups arising out of catastrophic
hospital episodes and ensure their access to quality health services was conceived.
Under the PM-JAY scheme about 10.74 crore poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational
categories of urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data (approx.
50 crore beneficiaries) will have health benefit cover of Rs Five Lakhs per family per year at free of cost.
The health benefit cover includes more than 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and
daycare treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
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PM-JAY seeks to accelerate India’s progress towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
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and Sustainable Development Goal 3 which calls for ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being for all
at all ages.
Yuva Swabhiman Yojana
Jan 27 2019
The government of Madhya Pradesh has announced the Yuva Swabhiman Yojana to provide employment
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for the unemployed youth from the economically weaker sections of the society.
About the Scheme
The features of the Yuva Swabhiman Yojana scheme are:
It aims to provide employment to the youth belonging to the weaker section of the society mainly in
urban areas of the state.
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The scheme aims to provide 100 days of employment to youngsters from economically weaker
sections of the society in urban areas.
The youths would also be given skill training by the government.
The component of skill training has been added to enable the youth to explore the available opportunities.
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To enhance the job opportunities the government of Madhya Pradesh has also announced changes in
industrial policy with a clause under which industries would be eligible to get the state government
incentives only if they hire 70 per cent staff from Madhya Pradesh.
With this scheme, the government aims to cover those from urban centres who are left out from the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Since those in rural areas are
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covered under MNREGA, the scheme focuses on urban areas.

Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana
Jan 23 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana. The features of the Pravasi
Teerth Darshan Yojana are:
Under the scheme, a group of Indian diaspora will be taken on a government-sponsored tour of
religious places in India twice a year.
The first batch of 40 people participated in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 held in Varanasi.
Those selected would be taken to religious places of all major religions in India.
The government will bear all the expenses including the airfare from their country of residence.
People of Indian-origin aged 45 to 65 can apply can avail the benefits under the scheme.
The Scheme accords first preference to people from Girmitiya countries such as Mauritius, Fiji,
Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.
Girmitiya countries
Girmitiya’s are the descendants of indentured Indian labourers brought to Fiji, Mauritius, South
Africa, East Africa, the Malay Peninsula, Caribbean and South America (Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and
Suriname) to work on sugarcane plantations for the prosperity of the European settlers.
The term Girmitiya was coined by the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi who referred to himself as
first Girmitiya. The countries where these indentured Indian labourers settled are known as Girmitiya
countries.
Madhu Babu Pension Yojana
Jan 21 2019
The government of Odisha announced a hike of Rs 200 per month in the social security pension under
Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).
The Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) is a pension scheme under the Department of Social Security and
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for the disabled, old age persons in the state of Odisha. The
Scheme was instituted by merging the two pension schemes i.e. namely, Revised Old Age Pension Rules,
1989 and Disability Pension Rules, 1985.
Beneficiaries of the Scheme
The Beneficiaries of the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana are:
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Person of 60 years of age and above.
A widow (irrespective of age).
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A leprosy patient with visible signs of deformity (irrespective of age).
A person of 5 years of age or above and unable to do normal work due to his/her deformity or
disability being blind or orthopedically handicapped or hearing and speech impaired or mentally
retarded or with Cerebral Palsy or with Autism or with mental illness or with multiple disabilities.
A widow of AIDS patient (irrespective of age and income criteria)
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An AIDS patient identified by the State/District AIDS Control Society or district AIDS prevention
control Unit.
An unmarried woman above 30 years belonging to a BPL Family
Conditions for the Beneficiaries
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The beneficiaries have to fulfil the following conditions in the absence of specific exemptions:
Individual income from all sources not exceeding Rs.24,000/- per annum irrespective of the family
income.
Has family income from all sources not exceeding Rs. 24,000- per annum or included on the BPL list
(Tahsildar concerned to certify).
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Is a permanent resident/domicile of Odisha.

Has not been convicted of any criminal offence involving moral turpitude.
Is not in receipt of any other pension from the Union Government or the State Government or any
organisation aided by either Government.
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The enhanced pension will come into effect from February 15, 2019, and would benefit 48 lakh elderly,
disabled, widows and destitute women.
Shehri Samridhi Utsav
Jan 19 2019
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is organising a fortnight of events named Shehri
Samridhi Utsav all over the country with an aim to extend the outreach of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana –
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) to the poorest of poor and the most vulnerable.
Dayal Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) aims to uplift the poor folks by enhancing sustainable livelihood
opportunities through skill development. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana integrates:
National Urban Livelihoods Mission(NULM): It is the urban component of the mission and is being
implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
National Rural Livelihoods Mission(NRLM): It is the rural component of the mission and is being
implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Implementation of (DAY-NULM)
The DAY-NULM has taken following initiatives during the tenure of present government:
34 lakh urban poor women were organised into self-help groups.

Subsidised loans have been provided to over 8.5 lakh individuals and
Over 8.9 lakh candidates have been skill trained and certified and over 4.6 lakh have been placed.
16 lakh street vendors have been identified through a survey and half of them have been given
identity cards.
More than 1,000 permanent shelters have been set up, creating space for more than 60,000 urban
homeless
Other Initiatives announced
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has also announced the following new initiatives
Safety net survey
For identify eligible SHG members who are not covered by government programmes.
Shehri Sahabhagita Manch
For regular meetings of the officials of urban local bodies with SHG federations for easy resolution of local
issues and identifying gaps in extending basic services in urban poor settlements.
Union Cabinet approves setting up of 3 New AIIMS
Jan 11 2019
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The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of three new
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AIIMS institutions. The three new institutions would come up at Vijaynagar at Samba of Jammu Region,
Awantipora in Pulwama of Kashmir Region and Rajkot in Gujarat under the pradhan mantri swasthya
suraksha yojana.
The two new AIIMS for Jammu and Kashmir, one each for Jammu Region and Kashmir Region was
announced by the Prime Minister under the Prime Minister’s Development Package and the AIIMS in
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Rajkot, Gujarat was announced by the Finance Minister in his budget speech.
Prime Minister’s Development Package
Prime Minister’s Development Package was announced as a reconstruction plan for J&K.
The Reconstruction Plan aims at expanding economic infrastructure, expanding provision of basic
services, providing thrust to employment and income generation and providing relief and rehabilitation to
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the victims of September 2014 floods and to strengthen Disaster Management Framework of the State.
The reconstruction plan also seeks to strengthen the economic and social infrastructure and provide for
the balanced development of the three regions of J&K.
Benefits of New AIIMS institutions
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The new AIIMS institutions are set up with the following objectives:
Each new AIIMS will add 100 UG (MBBS) seats and 60 BSc (nursing) seats, and the new AIIMS will
have 15-20 super speciality departments.
This wills serve the dual purpose of providing super speciality healthcare to the population closer to
their homes and help in creating a large pool of doctors and other health workers in these regions to
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strengthen the primary and secondary level institutions and facilities being created under the
National Health Mission (NHM).
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are the autonomous institutions set up under the act of
parliament, AIIMS act 1956. They have been declared as Institutes of National Importance. The
educational principles and practices being adopted at AIIMS are those which are best suited to the needs
of the nation.
Atal Solar Krishi Pump Yojana
Jan 5 2019
The government of Maharashtra has decided to give two LED bulbs, a DC fan and a mobile charging
socket as freebies to farmers enrolling under the Atal Solar Krishi Pump Yojana.
Atal Solar Krishi Pump Yojana
The government of Maharashtra introduced the Atal Solar Krishi Pump Yojana to reduce losses due to
non-payment of electricity bills and also promote solar energy. The features of the Atal Solar Krishi Pump
Yojana are:
The government would provide solar pumps at subsidised rates for the farmers.
Under the Scheme, farmers with less than five acres will have to pay 5 per cent of the cost of a 3 HP
solar pump while farmers with more than five acres will get a 5 HP solar pump for Rs 30000.
With the scheme, the government aims to reach out to farmers from remote areas where the agricultural
feeder is not possible.
Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries register refill rate of 80%
Jan 3 2019
The Ujjwala Yojana was first of its kind welfare scheme initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum. But the
viability of the scheme was questioned citing that there would not be refills from the beneficiaries of the
scheme. The current data from the Ministry of Petroleum has put the refill rate at 80%.
Refilling of cylinders under Ujjwala
The data from the Ministry of Petroleum states that around six crore connections were disbursed under
the Ujjwala scheme. There were 23 crore refills under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Almost 80 per cent of the recipients have opted for a refill of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders. The
average refilling was four for the Ujjwala connections and in some cases, there were refills up to 12.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana LPG connections will be provided to BPL families with the
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support of Rs.1600 per connection. The connections will be issued in the name of women of the
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households. The identification of the BPL families will be done through 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census
Data.
The scheme aims to safeguard the health of women & children by providing them with a clean cooking
fuel of LPG, so that they don’t have to compromise their health in smoky kitchens or wander in unsafe
areas collecting firewood.
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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) extended to all poor households
Dec 18 2018
The central Government has decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to all poor
households in the country.
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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is the government’s flagship programme to provide free cooking
gas (LPG) connections. The PMUY scheme targets to reach out to provide free LPG connections to 80
million families by 2020.
With the expansion of the PMUY scheme, all the poor households can avail the benefit from PMUY and it
will not be mandatory to be part of the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) list or the seven identified
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categories under the programme to be eligible for the scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May 2016. The initial target set for the scheme
was to provide 50 million LPG connections to below poverty line (BPL) families by 2019, by giving financial
assistance of Rs 1600 per family. Till now, Under PMUY schemes 58.5 million connections have been given
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across 715 districts. As per the government data, About 80 per cent of the beneficiaries come back for a
second refill and about 45 per cent take three or more refills annually. The government has also recently
launched LPG Panchayats to promote the PMUY scheme.
The vision behind the scheme: The successful implementation of the scheme will ensure universal
coverage of cooking gas in India, which will help in women empowerment and also will protect their
health. The time spent on cooking and drudgery will reduce. Additionally, it will also generate
employment for youth in the rural areas in the supply chain of LPG.
Government raises its contribution in National Pension System to 14% from 10%
Dec 11 2018
Union Cabinet has decided to raise contribution of Central Government to National Pension System (NPS)
corpus of its employees from 10% to 14%. This will increase in eventual accumulated corpus of all central
government employees covered by NPS. There are 18 lakh central government employees at present. The
revenue impact from higher government contribution to employees’ corpus is expected to be around
Rs.2,840 crore for 2019-20 and will be in nature of a recurring expenditure.
Government also has decided to make NPS fully tax free, making it on par with the provident fund
scheme. It has decided to exempt income tax that is applicable on part of NPS corpus that is withdrawn on
retirement. At present, while exiting scheme, 60% of corpus could be withdrawn and 20% of withdrawn
amount is taxable. This portion now has been made tax free. The remaining part that could be used to buy
annuities is anyway tax free. With this decision, NPS has acquired parity with provident fund savings,
which are not taxed at any of three stages of saving, profit accrual or exit.
National Pension System (NPS)
It is easily accessible, low cost, tax-efficient, flexible and portable retirement savings account. It was
launched in 2004 and was initially introduced for new Government recruits (except armed forces). It aims
to institute pension reforms in country and to inculcate habit of saving for retirement amongst the
citizens. Its objective is to provide retirement income to all the citizens. Under it, individual contributes to
his retirement account. Employer can also co-contribute for social security/welfare of individual. It was
extended for all citizens of country from May 2009 including the unorganised sector workers on voluntary
basis. NPS is governed and administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
(PFRDA). Currently, any Indian between age of 18 to 65 years may voluntarily join the NPS. NRI can open
an NPS account, however contributions made by NRI are subject to regulatory requirements as prescribed
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by RBI and FEMA from time to time.
SC approves Centre’s Witness Protection Scheme
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Dec 6 2018
Supreme Court has approved Witness Protection Scheme 2018 and directed Union and State
Governments to enforce the same. This scheme was framed by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in
response to PIL seeking protection for witnesses.
Key Facts
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The apex court held that scheme will become law under Article 141/142 of Constitution till enactment of
parliamentary and state legislations on the subject. It also directed states/UTs to set up the vulnerable
witness deposition complexes (VWDCs) within period of 1 year (by the end of 2019). It also observed that
there is paramount need to have witness protection regime in statutory form. The main reasons for
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establishing these VWDC is large percentage of acquittal in criminal cases is due to witnesses turning
hostile and giving false testimonies, mostly due to lack of protection for them and their families.
Witness Protection Scheme 2018
It has been formulated by Home Ministry on the inputs received from 18 States/UTs, five state legal
services authorities and open sources including civil society, three high courts as well as from police
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personnel. It was finalised in consultation with National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
It aims to ensure that investigation, prosecution and trial of criminal offences does not turn out to be
biased as witnesses are intimidated or frightened to give evidence without protection from violent or
other criminal recrimination.
Essential features
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Identifying categories of threat perceptions

Preparation of Threat Analysis Report by the head of police
Confidentiality and preservation of records, recovery of expenses, etc.
Types of protection measures like ensuring that witness and accused do not come face to face
during investigation etc. protection of identity, change of identity, relocation of witness
Three types of witnesses categorises
Threat extends to life of witness or his family members during investigation, trial or thereafter.
Threat extends to safety, reputation or property of witness or his family members, during
investigation, trial.
Threat is moderate and extends to harassment of witness or his family member’s, reputation or
property during investigation, trial or thereafter.
Categorised witnesses under the scheme can file application for seeking protection order before
competent authority of concerned district where offence is committed. This competent authority will be
chaired by District and Sessions Judge. Head of police in the district will be its member and head of
prosecution in the district as its member secretary.

When this authority receives application, it has to call for Threat Analysis Report (TAR) from ACP/DSP in
charge of the concerned Police Sub-Division. The authority is also empowered to order protection
measures based on TAR such as identity protection, change of identity and relocation of witnesses.
RBI to introduce Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions
Dec 6 2018
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced to introduce ‘Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions’ to
provide cost-free mechanism to redress grievances of customers related to digital transactions. The
scheme will be notified by end of January 2019. It will cover services provided by entities falling under
RBI’s regulatory jurisdiction. The scheme is being implemented taking into consideration rise in digital
mode for financial transactions which is gaining traction in the country. There is emerging need for
dedicated, cost-free and expeditious grievance redressal mechanism for strengthening consumer
confidence in this channel.
Framework for limiting customer liability
RBI has also decided to come out with framework for limiting customer liability in respect of unauthorised
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electronic payment transactions involving prepaid payment instruments (PPI). It already has issued
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instructions on limiting customer liability in respect of unauthorised electronic transactions involving
banks and credit card issuing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). This framework will bring all
customers up to same level with regard to electronic transactions made by them and extend benefit of
limiting customer liability for unauthorised electronic transactions involving PPIs issued by other entities
not covered by extant guidelines. The guidelines will be issued by end of December 2018.
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PRASAD Scheme: Centre includes Gangotri, Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, Amarkantak in MP and
Parasnath in Jharkhand
Dec 5 2018
Union Government has included Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttrarakhand, Amarkantak in Madhya
Pradesh and Parasnath in Jharkhand under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage
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Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) to develop pilgrimage and heritage destinations in the country. With the
new additions, the number of sites under PRASAD has now reached to 41 in 25 states.
PRASAD Scheme
It was launched in 2014-15 by Union Ministry of Tourism. It aims at integrated development of pilgrimage
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destinations in planned, prioritised and sustainable manner to provide complete religious tourism
experience. It focuses on the development and beautification of the identified pilgrimage destinations.
Objectives
Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effect upon employment generation and
economic development.
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Enhance tourist attractiveness in sustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in

the religious destinations.
It also seeks to promote local art, culture, handicraft, cuisine, etc.
Infrastructure development under this scheme includes
Development of entry points (road, rail and water transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism
facilities like Information/interpretation centers, ATM/ money exchange.
Development of eco-friendly modes of transport, lighting and illumination with renewable energy
sources, drinking water, parking, toilets, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft
bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity etc.
Funding
Under it, Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments for
promoting tourism at identified destinations. For components within public funding under this scheme,
Central Government will provide 100% fund. For improved sustainability of project, it also seeks to involve
Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well.
Government launches PAISA Portal under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban
Livelihoods Mission
Nov 27 2018
Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched ‘PAiSA’ – Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest
Subvention Access during National Workshop on Municipal Finance and Urban Planning held in New
Delhi.
PAISA Portal
It is centralised electronic platform for quicker processing of loans under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
– National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). It aims to connect directly with beneficiaries and
ensure there is greater efficiency in the delivery of services. It has been designed and developed by
Allahabad Bank, the nodal bank under the scheme. All 35 States and Union Territories (UTs) & all
scheduled commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Cooperative Banks are expected to be on
board the PAiSA portal the year end.
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
It is Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty
Alleviation. Its objective is to uplift urban poor folks by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities
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through skill development.
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Its intended beneficiaries are urban poor (street vendors, slum dwellers, homeless, rag pickers);
unemployed and differently abled. It provides for employment through Skill Training and Placement
through City Livelihood Centers to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households.
It also provides social mobilization and institution development through formation of Self-Help Groups
(SHG) for training members and hand holding, an initial support of 10, 000 is given for each group.
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It also provides subsidy to urban poor i.e. interest subsidy of 5% – 7% for setting up individual micro-
enterprises with loan of up to 2 lakhs and for group enterprises with loan limit of up to Rs.10 lakhs.
It fully funds cost of construction of shelters for urban homeless. It also provides for development of
vendor markets and also promotion of skills for vendors through setting up infrastructure and special
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projects for rag picker and differently abled etc.

CCEA approves Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services
(ACROSS) scheme
Nov 23 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved
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continuation of nine sub-schemes of umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling

Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” during 2017-2020. The scheme aims at improving skill of
weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive Research & Development.
ACROSS Scheme
The scheme pertains to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Its
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objective is to provide reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society. It also aims at
improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive R & D. It
consists of nine sub-programmes which are multi-disciplinary and multi institutional in nature and will
be implemented in integrated manner. It seeks to addresses different aspects of weather and climate
services, which includes warnings for cyclone, storm surges, heat waves, thunderstorms etc. Each of these
aspects is incorporated as nine sub-schemes under umbrella scheme ACROSS and is implemented in
integrated manners.
Benefits of Scheme
It will provide improved weather, climate and ocean forecast and services, thereby ensuring transfer of
commensurate benefits to the various services. It will also provide a sizable number of scientific and
technical staff along with requisite administrative support, thereby generating employment. It will
generate employment opportunities to many people as large number of agencies like the Krishi Vigyana
Kendras of ICAR, Universities and local municipalities are roped to ensure last-mile connectivity of the
weather based services to the end –user.
Background
Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has mandate to carry out R&D activities to develop and improve
capability to forecast weather, climate and natural hazard related phenomena. Towards this direction, it
has undertaken several initiatives to formulate specific schemes like weather and climate modelling,
monsoon-research, climate change science & climate services etc. These schemes involve multi-institutes
wherein each unit has designated role for accomplishing aforesaid tasks. As result, all these schemes with
specific objectives and budget are implemented in an integrated manner and are put together under the
umbrella scheme “ACROSS”.
UP Government launches Women Empowerment Resolution Campaign
Nov 23 2018
Uttar Pradesh Government recently launched Women Empowerment Resolution Campaign to develop
leadership capacities in women and make them vocal for their rights. It was launched by Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on November 20, 2018.
Women Empowerment Resolution Campaign
The purpose of this campaign is to ensure the empowerment of women through different programs in the
state Under it, the women employees of the state government will go to their house to know about
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schemes introduced by Center and the state government for women. Issues like education, self-
employment, health, sanitation and nutrition will be included under this campaign. For the operation of
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the programs, a 11-member team will be formed at each district and block level of states. There will be
women belonging to six women employees and five self-help groups.
Government launches Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) Program
Nov 22 2018
Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) Program of Ministry of Human Resource Development’s (HRD)
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Innovation Cell was launched in New Delhi by Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar. HRD Ministry has
established Innovation cell at AICTE with purpose to systematically foster culture of Innovation in all
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country.
Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) Program
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IIC Program is significant step in institutionalising innovation and developing a scientific temperament in
the country. The purpose of formation of network of IICs is to encourage, inspire and nurture young
students by exposing them to new ideas and processes resulting in innovative activities in their formative
years.
More than 1000 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have already formed IICs in their campuses and
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enrolled for IIC network managed by MHRD’s Innovation cell to promote innovation through
multitudinous modes leading to an innovation promotion eco-system in their campuses. Through this
initiative, India hopes to get good rank in global innovation ranking in the next 2-3 years.
Innovation Cell has undertaken many initiatives for educational advancement in higher education for
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encouraging best practices in innovation and advance research. For this, it has implemented programs
like Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievement (ARIIA), Smart India Hackathon (SIH)- 2019,
etc.
Prime Minister launches Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge
Nov 20 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge on resolving seven
identified Ease of Doing Business problems with use of cutting edge technologies. It was launched during
programme organized by PM for interaction with select CEOs from Indian & foreign companies.
Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge
The objective of this challenge is to tap potential of young Indians, startups and other private enterprises
to provide solutions to complex problems using current technology. It is in pursuance of Government’s
resolve to make India one of the easiest places to conduct business in the world. Government has made
efforts to ensure that India consistently improves its business environment. This challenge is aimed at
attracting innovative ideas on artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics,
blockchain and other cutting edge technology to reform government processes. The platform for this
grand challenge will be on Start Up India portal.

Background
In World Bank’s Doing Business Report (DBR, 2019) released in October 2018, India has recorded jump of
23 positions against its rank of 100 in 2017 to be placed at 77th rank among 190 countries. As result of
continued efforts by the Government, India has improved its rank by 53 positions in the last two years and
65 positions in the last four years (2014-18). In 2014, India was ranked 142nd among 190 nations. World
Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index ranks 190 countries based on 10 parameters, including starting a
business, construction permits, getting electricity, getting credit, paying taxes, trade across borders,
enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.
Government launches LEAP and ARPIT programmes for higher education faculty
Nov 14 2018
Union Ministry off Human Resource Development launched two new initiatives viz. Leadership for
Academicians Programme (LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT) for higher
education faculty. ARPIT is unique initiative of online professional development of 15 lakh higher
education faculty. LEAP is three weeks flagship leadership development training programme for second
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level academic functionaries in higher education institutions,
Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP)
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It is three weeks (2 weeks domestic and 1 week foreign training) flagship leadership development training
programme for second level academic functionaries in public funded higher education institutions. Its
main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads who are potentially likely to assume leadership
roles in the future.
It will make Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) perform their roles of developing better students who
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will be future torch bearers. It will provide senior faculty required leadership and managerial skills
including skills of problem-solving, team building work, handling stress, communication, conflict
management, understanding complexity and challenges of governance in HEIs and general
administration.
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It will be implemented through 15 National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) top ranked Indian
Institutions namely, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IISER Kolkata, NIT Trichy, JNU;
IIT (BHU), Delhi University, TISS Mumbai, University of Hyderabad, NIEPA, Jamia Milia Islamia, BHU and
AMU.
The foreign universities identified for training collaboration are also within top 100 in world global
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rankings. It includes University of Michigan, Harvard University, Oxford University, University of

Cambridge, Purdue University, University of Chicago, NTU Singapore, Monash University, University of
Pennsylvania and University of Virginia.
Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT)
It is a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty
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using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform SWAYAM. Under it 75 discipline-specific
institutions are identified and notified as National Resource Centres (NRCs) in phase I.
These institutions will be tasked to prepare online training material with focus on latest developments in
discipline, methodologies for transacting revised curriculum and pedagogical improvements. The courses
will cover diverse range of topics.
Each course will be 40 hour module with 20 hours of video content and 20 hours of non-video content. It
will also have built-in assessment exercises and activities as part of the academic progression. There will
be a terminal assessment either online or written examination at end of the course.
All faculties after successfully completing the online refresher course will be certified. All in-service
teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority will register and complete these refresher courses
which will help them in career advancement.
ARPIT will be every year exercise and NRCs will continuously develop new refresher module in their
earmarked discipline each year. The training materials will be uploaded and made available through
SWAYAM. In inaugural year 2018 itself, NRCs are expected to cater to around 13 lakh faculty of total 15
lakh faculty in higher education.

Government approves operationalisation strategy for Operation Greens
Nov 6 2018
Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) approved operationalisation strategy for Operation
Greens. Operation Greens was announced by Union Government in Budget 2018-19 to stabilise supply of
Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops. It is aimed at ensuring availability of TOP crops throughout the
country round the year without price volatility.
Strategy comprises series of measures
Short term Price Stabilisation Measures
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) will be nodal agency to
implement price stabilisation measures. MoFPI will provide 50% of subsidy two components of
transportation of TOP Crops from production to storage and hiring of appropriate storage facilities for
TOP Crops.
Long Term Integrated value chain development projects
Capacity Building of FPOs & their consortium
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Quality production
Post-harvest processing facilities
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Agri-Logistics
Marketing / Consumption Points
Creation and Management of e-platform for demand and supply management of TOP Crops
Assistance and eligibility
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The assistance under this strategy will comprise of grants-in-aid at rate of 50% of the eligible project cost
in all areas, subject to maximum Rs 50 crores per project. Eligible organisations under it will include State
Agriculture and other Marketing Federations, cooperatives, companies, Farmer Producer Organizations
(FPO), Self-help groups (SHGs), food processors, logistic operators, supply chain operators, retail and
wholesale chains and central and state governments.
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Operation Greens
It was announced in Union Budget 2018-19 on line of Operation Flood to promote FPOs, agri-logistics,
processing facilities and professional management. It aims to promote farmer producers organisations,
processing facilities, agri-logistics and professional management. It also aims to aid farmers and help
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control and limit erratic fluctuations in the prices of tomatoes, onions and potatoes (TOP). It is essentially
price fixation scheme that aims to ensure farmers are given the right price for their produce. The idea
behind it is to double the income of farmers by the end of 2022.
Its major objectives are:
Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in TOP clusters.
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Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of suitable

agro-logistics, and creation of appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centres.
Enhance value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production
clusters and their FPOs,
Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain.
Set up of market intelligence network to collect and collate real time data on demand and supply and
price of TOP crops.
Odisha Government launches Saura Jalnidhi scheme
Nov 3 2018
Odisha Government has launched Saura Jalnidhi scheme to encourage use of solar energy in irrigation by
farmers. Under this scheme, farmers will be given 90% subsidy and 5,000 solar pumps. This will provide
irrigation benefits in 2,500 acres of the state. The beneficiary of this scheme will be farmers who have
valid farmer identity cards and have minimum 0.5 acres of agricultural land.
Saura Jalnidhi scheme
The scheme was launched as part of state government’s endeavor to increase the use of solar photovoltaic
pump sets in those areas so that irrigation facilities can be provided where power system is bad. For this
scheme, state government has made a provision of Rs 27.18 crore in the financial year 2017-18.
In the first phase, this scheme will be available in those areas where electricity is not available for running
the pump set. This scheme will generate 1.52 lakh human day employments annually and provided
livelihood to around 5,000 families and also reduce carbon footprints.
Under this scheme, farmers will be provided with a well-equipped solar pump irrigation system in
convergence mode. It will help to reduce burden of input cost on farmers and also increase agricultural
income. It will promote the use of green energy and reduce pollution.
Ministry of Environment launches Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali campaign
Oct 23 2018
Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched Harit Diwali-Swasth
Diwali campaign aimed to reduce adverse environmental conditions especially pollution in the country
after post Diwali celebrations due to excessive bursting of crackers which contributes significantly to air
and noise pollution.
Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali campaign
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This campaign was initiated in 2017-18 to enlighten children about harmful fire crackers and motivate
them to celebrate Diwali in environment-friendly manner and not to buy fire crackers, instead buy gift,
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food items, or sweets for poor and underprivileged children living in their locality.
Under this campaign, the MoEFCC will undertake various activities for creating awareness among various
stakeholders and encourage people to participate in combating air pollution. This campaign was
extremely successful and the air quality had not deteriorated post Diwali in 2017 unlike what was
experienced in 2016.
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2018 Campaign: Following its earlier precedence, MOEFCC has initiated similar campaign, but has
extended pan-India. It also merged this year’s campaign with “Green Good Deed” movement that has been
initiated as social mobilization for conservation and protection of environment. All schools and colleges
have been encouraged to be part of this campaign.
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Background
Air pollution is serious health issue in the country especially in northern parts during winter seasons. The
air pollution in northern region is mainly due to dust, burning of kharif crop residue on large scale in
certain states, burning of garbage, construction activities and prevailing climatic conditions. This air
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pollution has serious impacts on health of children aged people and people suffering from respiratory
ailments. Diwali festival also falls during same period and as matter of traditional practice people have
been celebrating this festival by bursting crackers. Crackers contains combustible chemicals that include
potassium chlorate powdered magnesium, aluminum, salts of barium, copper, sodium, lithium, strontium
etc. and emits hazardous smoke of these chemicals along with sound. This smoke and sound has health
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impacts on children, aged people and also animal and birds. Apart from hazardous smoke, large amount of
waste is also generated after bursting of crackers. Thus, keeping in view the above detrimental effects and
and importance of the festival, MoEFCC had initiated a Harit–Diwali campaign.
Government launches Swasth Bharat Yatra national campaign for food safety
Oct 17 2018
The Union Government launched national campaign ‘Swasth Bharat Yatra’ on occasion of World Food Day
(observed on 16 October) to sensitise people about eating safe food and be healthy. The campaign has been
launched in association with states and led by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Swasth Bharat Yatra national campaign
Under it, pan-India cycle rally is being organized to create consumer awareness about eating safe and
nutritious food for becoming healthy and combating food adulteration. . In this rally, about 7,500 cyclists
are expected to participate in over 18,000 km travelling across six tracks through almost every state and
UT over 100 days to propagate a powerful message ‘Eat Right India’. The cyclathon will culminate in the
national capital on January 27, 2019. This campaign will not only mobilise masses but also create large
pool of local community to sustain this movement.
Government launches Youth Road Safety Learners Licence Programme

Oct 16 2018
Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has launched Youth Road Safety Learners Licence
programme in New Delhi today. It is Public–private partnership (PPP) initiative in collaboration with
Diageo India and Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE).
Youth Road Safety Learners Licence Programme
It is first-of-its-kind training programme in the country. It attempts to bring formal and structured
training program for young, first-time drivers as they apply for learner’s license. Its long-term objective is
at improving road safety awareness amongst young adults by inculcating behavioural change and
creating awareness about responsible driving habits.
This programme will help Government to achieve its target of reducing road accidents by 50% by 2020. It
will help to main-stream road safety in formal education system. The programme has immersive and
interactive module led by senior faculty members of IRTE covering varied aspects of responsible driving
including defensive driving, ill effects of driving under influence of alcohol, speeding and wearing of
helmets spread over two days..
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Background
India accounts for 12.5% (over 1.45 lakh fatalities a year) of global road accidents, with one road accident
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occurring every four minutes. Alarmingly, 72% victims involved in such road mishaps are between age
groups of 15-44 years with speeding, reckless and drunk driving being the top reason accounting for 1.5%
of road traffic accidents and 4.6% of fatalities.
Delhi Government launches Chief Minister’s Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme
Oct 15 2018
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Delhi government has launched Chief Minister’s Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme that seeks to
attract young leaders across the country to work with it on addressing some of the most pressing urban
challenges. It was announced by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
Chief Minister’s Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme
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The fellowship aims to provide unique opportunity to young leaders across India to work within the Delhi
government to address some of the most pressing urban challenges in India. It also seeks to attract youth
who are passionate about public service and are willing to work for two years. Fellows selected under this
programme will be assigned to work with ministers or senior officials across various departments Delhi
government such as health, education, water, transport, art and culture. The fellows will be paid
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remuneration of Rs 1.25 lakh per month and Rs 75,000 per month to Associate Fellows.
Government opens new series of sovereign gold bonds scheme for subscription
Oct 15 2018
Union Government has opened new series of sovereign gold bonds scheme for subscription. Under this
scheme, sovereign gold bonds will be issued every month from October 2018 to February 2019. This bond
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will be sold through Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited, Post Office, Stock Exchange (NSE and
BSE).
Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme
It is aimed at providing alternative to buying physical gold. Under it, bonds are denominated in units of
one gram of gold and multiples thereof. These gold denominated bonds are restricted for sale to resident
Indian entities, including individuals, Hindu undivided families (HUF), trusts, universities and charitable
institutions.
The minimum subscription for individual and HUF is 1 gram and maximum is 4 kg. For trusts and similar
entities, maximum subscription is 20 kg per fiscal. Price of bond is fixed in rupees on basis of simple
average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited
for last 3 working days of week preceding the subscription period.
The tenor of SGB bonds is 8 years with provision of premature cancellation after 5 years on interest
payment dates. Investors in SGB bonds have been provided with option of holding them in physical or
dematerialised form. RBI has notified rate of interest of 2.50% per annum on SGB bonds is payable on half
yearly basis.
The bonds can be used as collateral for loans and loan-to-value ratio is set equal to ordinary gold loan
mandated by RBI from time to time. Individual investing in it are exempted from capital gains tax arising
on redemption of SGB. The indexation benefits are also provided to long-term capital gains arising to any
person on transfer of bond.
Crop damages in wild animal attacks put under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna on pilot basis
Oct 8 2018
Union Government has decided to cover damages to crops in wild animal attacks under Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bima Yojna in select districts on an experimental basis. In this regard, Government has amended
provisions of crop insurance scheme in consultation with various stakeholders after review of its working
for the last two years. The amended provisions of the scheme have been implemented from October 2018.
New Provisions
Government has brought certain horticultural crops under ambit of PMFBY on experimental basis.
Damages due to individual fields due to incidents of localised disasters like water logging, land slide, cloud
bursts, hailstorms and fire too are brought under scheme. Henceforth, insurances firms will also have to
spend 0.5% of their earnings from annual premium to advertise provisions of the scheme.
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The amended provisions of the scheme also stipulate fines in cases of delay in clearing insurance claims
for crop damages. In case firm delays insurance clearances beyond two months, it will have to pay an
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annual interest of 12%. Similarly State government too will have to pay interest of 12% in case of delay in
release of state’s share of subsidy in premium to insurance firms.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
It is farmers’ welfare scheme launched in 2016 to ensure faster insurance services or reliefs to farmers. It
aims to reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure early settlement of crop assurance claim for
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the full insured sum. It had replaced earlier two schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS)
and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) by incorporating their best features and
removing their inherent drawbacks (shortcomings).
Objectives of PMFBY
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Provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in event of natural calamities, pests &
diseases.
Stabilise income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
Ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
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Encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.

Beneficiaries
It includes all farmers growing notified crops in notified area during season who have insurable interest in
crop are eligible. It also provides insurance benefits to landless labourers. It is also compulsory for loanee
farmers availing crop loans for notified crops in notified areas and voluntary for non-loanee farmers.
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Key Features of Scheme

Under this scheme, farmers need to pay uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all
Rabi crops. In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, farmers have to pay premium of only 5%.
The premium rates are to be paid by farmers are very low and balance premium will be paid by
Government. Moreover, there is no upper limit on Government subsidy, so farmers will get claim against
full sum insured without any reduction. The scheme also covers yield losses due to non-preventable risks,
such as natural fire and lightning, storm, stailstorm, cyclone, typhoon, tempest, hurricane, tornado. It also
covers risks due to flood, inundation and landslide, drought, dry spells, pests and diseases. It also covers
post-harvest losses are also covered.
Udder this scheme, it mandatory for use of technology such as smart phones, drones etc to capture and
upload data of crop cutting to reduce delays in claim payment to farmers. Remote sensing will be also
used to reduce number of crop cutting experiments. The scheme is implemented on Area Approach basis.
In this case, defined area (i.e. unit area of insurance) is village or above it can be geo-mapped and geo-
fenced region having homogenous risk profile for notified crop.
Odisha Government launches Nirman Kusuma programme

Oct 8 2018
Odisha Government has launched ‘Nirman Kusuma’ programme for providing financial assistance to the
children of construction workers for their technical education in the state. The scheme was launched by
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneshwar, state capital.
Nirman Kusuma programme
The scheme aims to help fulfil dreams of construction workers’ children by providing financial assistance
for their education in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics. Under it, ITI student is
entitled to get financial assistance of Rs. 23,600 and diploma student to get Rs. 26,300 per annum. Total of
1,878 students from the state will get benefit from the programme.
Besides this programme, state government has also increased financial assistance for girl students by
20%. Female students from standard 6th to post graduation level will be provided financial assistance.
State government also has doubled death benefits for the construction workers. The families of
construction workers’ will now get compensation of Rs. 2 lakh, increased from earlier Rs. 1 lakh. Similarly,
accidental benefit for construction workers’ also has been doubled from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh.
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Digi Yatra: Government releases policy on biometric based digital processing of passengers at
airports
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Oct 5 2018
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has released policy on biometric based digital processing of passengers at
airports called Digi Yatra. The initiative seeks to promote paperless and hassle-free air travel. It will be
operational by end of February, 2019 at Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports. In later phase, Airports
Authority of India (AAI) will roll out this initiative at Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune and Vijayawada airports by
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April 2019.
Digi Yatra
Under it, there will be one-time verification at departure airport while travelling for first time using ID.
After successful verification, facial recognition biometric will be captured and stored in Digi Yatra ID.
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With this initiative, ticket booking, airport entry and boarding pass security check-in will be made digital.
For this system, passengers will be registered through centralized system and will be given Digi Travel ID.
This ID will include details such as names of passengers, their e-mail id, mobile number and any other
identity card in case of non-basis. Travelers can also use this ID when booking tickets.
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This initiative will bring benefits to passengers and all stakeholders involved in process including airport
operator who will be having travel information in advance for better resource planning and real-time data
of passengers within terminal. This will enable the operator to take proactive action to avoid congestion.
Udyam Abhilasha: SIDBI launches national level entrepreneurship awareness campaign
Oct 4 2018
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Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched Udyam Abhilasha (उद्यम
अभिलाषा), a national level entrepreneurship awareness campaign. It was launched in 115 Aspirational
Districts identified by NITI Aayog in 28 States.
Udyam Abhilasha
The campaign will run from 3 October to 8 October, 2018 across India and reach out to around 15,000
youth. It will create and strengthen cadre of more than 800 trainers to provide entrepreneurship training
to aspiring youths across these districts to enter admired segment of entrepreneurs.
For implementing this campaign, SIDBI has partnered with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, a
Special Purpose Vehicle, (CSC SPV) under Ministry of Electronics & IT through their CSCs. It will also tie-
up with Banks, NABARD, NBFCs, SFBs, District Industries Centres, State Government etc.
CSC Village Level entrepreneurs (VLEs) will play role of catalyst under this campaign for these aspiring
entrepreneurs. VLEs will provide training, support aspirants to establish new units, assisting them in
availing loans and make them aware about various Government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Mudra
Yojana, SUI etc. and educate them in business literacy.
Objectives of Udyam Abhilasha
Inspire rural youth in aspirational districts to be entrepreneurs by assisting them to set up their
own enterprise.
Impart trainings through digital medium across the country,
Create business opportunities for CSC-VLEs.
Focus on women aspirants in aspirational districts to encourage women entrepreneurship.
Assist participants to become bankable and avail credit facility from banks to set up their own
enterprise.
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
SIDBI is principal development financial institution for promotion, financing and development of Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India. It was established on April 2, 1990 through an Act
of Parliament (thus, it is statutory body). It is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It facilitates and
strengthens credit flow to MSMEs and address both financial and developmental gaps in MSME eco-
system across the country.
Government approves Rs 8,606 crore for 60 projects under scheme of Border Infrastructure and
Management
Sep 27 2018
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Union Government has approved Rs 8,606 crore for 60 projects being implemented under umbrella
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scheme of Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM). The projects are being implemented in 111
border districts in 17 states having the international borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan,
Myanmar and Bangladesh. It will help to meet special development needs of people living in those areas
within 50 kms of the international border. India shares borders with Pakistan (3,323 km), China (3,488 km),
Nepal (1,751 km), Bhutan (699 km), Myanmar (1,643 km) and Bangladesh (4,096 km).
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Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme
The scheme include construction of roads, schools, primary health centres, promotion of rural tourism,
border tourism, cleanliness mission, promotion of sports activities, supply of drinking water, protection of
heritage sites, community centres, connectivity, drainage, to enable sustainable living in border areas. It
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also includes construction of helipads in remote and inaccessible hilly areas which do not have road
connectivity, skill development training of farmers for use of modern and scientific technique in farming,
organic farming are some of the other areas where the projects are being implemented.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: PM launches world’s largest healthcare scheme
Sep 24 2018
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), under
Ayushman Bharat umbrella at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The scheme aims to provide annual health insurance
cover of Rs 5 lakh to 10.74 crore beneficiary families i.e. over 50 crore beneficiaries across India. It is touted
as world’s largest healthcare scheme that will serve beneficiary population that equals 27-28 European
countries and almost equal to population of Canada, Mexico and US put together. The scheme will become
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operational from September 25, 2018 i.e. on birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
PMJAY is government-sponsored health insurance scheme, that will provide free coverage of up to Rs 5
lakh per family per year in any government or empanelled private hospitals all over India. It will cover
beneficiaries families identified on the basis of Socio Economic Caste Survey (SECC) 2011 in 444 districts
of 30 states/Union Territories.
Note: Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, Punjab and Delhi (UT) are the states which have still not signed MoUs for joining
this schemes.
National Health Agency (NHA) is the apex body for implementing this scheme. States will be required to
form State Health Agency (SHA) to implement scheme and at the district level also structure for its
implementation will be set up. Around 13000 hospitals both public and private in the country have been
coordinated for implementation of the scheme.
PMJAY will be funded with 60% contribution from Centre and remaining from the states. NITI Aayog will
be working as partner for this scheme for operationalizing robust, modular and interoperable IT platform
which will involve a paperless and cashless transaction.

Key Features of PMJAY
PMJAY is entitlement based scheme with entitlement decided on basis of deprivation criteria in the SECC
database. There will be no cap on family size and age under this scheme. The benefit cover under it also
includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.
It also takes into consideration all pre-existing medical conditions. It will provide reimbursement for bed
charges and drugs and diagnostics two days before, during and 15 days after hospitalisation. Beneficiary
will be also paid transport allowance for hospitalisation defined under it.
The payment for treatment will be done on package rate which will be defined by Government in advance
basis. The package rates will include all costs associated with treatment. States and UTs have flexibility to
modify these rates within limited bandwidth.
PMJAY allows national portability i.e. resident of any part of country is entitled for free hospitalization at
empaneled hospital anywhere in the country. It will strengthen healthcare services in India by targeting
poor and vulnerable population of the country.
The scheme allows beneficiary to take cashless benefits from any public or private empanelled hospitals
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across the country. ID documentation required for verifying beneficiary under this scheme may be
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Aadhaar card or election ID card or ration card. Aadhaar is not mandatory. Beneficiaries will QR codes
having letters for verification through scanning.
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Tamil Nadu Government announces scheme for protection of exotic Neela Kurinji plants
Sep 22 2018
Tamil Nadu government has announced Scheme for protection of exotic Neela kurinji (Strobilanthus
kunthianus) plants that flower only once in 12 years. This scheme comes following complaints that these
rare and ecologically unique flowers are being packaged and sold on the commercial basis.
Neelakurinji plant
Neelakurinji is a tropical plant species. It is native to Shola forests in Western Ghats. It is also seen in
Shevroys Hills in Eastern Ghats, Anamalai hills and Agali hills in Kerala and Sanduru hills in Karnataka. It
grows at height of 30 to 60 cm on hills slopes at an altitude of 1300 to 2400 meters where there is no tree
forest. The flowers of Neelakurinji are purple-blue in colour and blooms once in 12 years. The flower has no
smell or any medicinal value. It is because of these flowers, Nilgiri hills in southern tip of Western Ghats are
called blue mountains. It is rarest of rare plant species that grows in Western Ghats and does not grow in
any other part of the world. It has been categorized as endangered species. In ancient Tamil literature,
kurinji flowers symbolize love. Paliyan tribal people living in Tamil Nadu use this flower bloom as reference
to calculate their age.
Government launches Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children portal
Sep 21 2018
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and
Children (CCPWC) portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) to check objectionable online content. The portal will
allow citizens to lodge complaints on objectionable online content related to child pornography, child
sexual abuse material and sexually explicit material such as rape and gang rape.
Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) portal
The portal will enable citizens to report complainants in without disclosing their identity. This will help
victims, complainants and also help civil society organizations and responsible citizens to anonymously
report complaints pertaining to objectionable online content involving women and children.
It also allows complainants to upload objectionable content and URL to assist in investigation by state
Police. The complaints registered through this portal will be handled by police authorities of respective
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State/UTs. It also has other features such as report and track option allowing victim or complainant to
track his/her report using his/her mobile number.
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National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) will proactively identify such objectionable content on receiving
complainants and take up with intermediaries for its removal. For this NCRB has already been notified as
Central Government nodal agency to issue notices under Section 79(3)b of Information Technology (IT)
Act.
CCEA approves Revised Cost Estimate of Dam rehabilitation and Improvement Project
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Sep 20 2018
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Revised Cost Estimate of Dam
Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). It has been increased to Rs. 3,466 crore from earlier Rs.
1968 crore. CCEA also gave approval for two-year time extension for project from July 2018 to June 2020.
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Revised Funding pattern

Out of total revised cost of Rs.3,466 crore, Rs.2,628 crore will be funded by World Bank and Rs.747 crore
will be funded by DRIP States or Implementing Agencies (IAs) and balance Rs.91 crore will be funded by
Central Water Commission (CWC).
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
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The project aims to improve safety and operational performance of 198 Dams from seven states (69 from
Tamil Nadu), along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach. It will also
improve safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and mitigate risks to ensure safety
of downstream population and property.
DRIP objectives
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Component I: Rehabilitation of Dam and its appurtenant structures.

Component II: Institutional Strengthening.
Component III: Project Management.
Primary beneficiaries of this project are both urban and rural communities dependent on reservoir and
downstream communities, who are prone to risk associated with dam failure or operational failure. The
institutional strengthening component of this project will increase effectiveness of Dam Safety
Organisations to take the lead to make dams safe from structural and operational point of view through
capacity building of staff and officials.
The project envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 198 existing dam projects located in seven states
viz. Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam
Limited) and Jharkhand (Damodar Valley Corporation).
Employee’s State Insurance rolls out Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna
Sep 20 2018
The Employee’s State Insurance (ESI) has rolled out Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna for providing
unemployment allowance to workers rendered jobless due to changing employment pattern. It was
announced at 175th ESI Corporation meeting chaired by Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar in New
Delhi.
Need
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna was launched keeping in mind change in employment pattern. The current
scenario of employment in India has been transformed from long employment to fixed short term
engagement in the form of contract and temping. So, there was need to provide assistance to employees in
case they get unemployed for sometime and search new job.
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna
It aims to financially support those who lost their jobs or rendered jobless for whatsoever reasons due to
changing employment pattern. Its beneficiaries will be insured persons covered under Employees’ State
Insurance Act, 1948 for period of two years continuously.
Under it, relief will be payable in cash directly to bank account of insured persons in case of
unemployment. This financial assistance will be given to insured persons even while they search for new
engagement. Beneficiary insured workers will be paid money, from their own contribution towards ESI
scheme, in cash through bank account transfer.
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Under this scheme, workers will be able to draw 47% of their total contributions towards ESIC after
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remaining unemployed for at least three months from date of leaving their previous jobs. They can choose
to receive the cash at one go or in instalments. It will be applicable to all factories and establishments
employing at least 10 workers.
Employee’s State Insurance (ESI)
ESI is self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers. It is autonomous
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corporation by statutory creation under Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It is
managed by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) according to rules and regulations stipulated
there in the ESI Act 1948. It was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
Explained: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan
Sep 17 2018
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Union Cabinet recently approved new umbrella scheme “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan
Abhiyan” (PM-AASHA) to give major boost to pro-farmer initiatives of Government. The Scheme is aimed
at ensuring remunerative prices to e farmers for their produce as announced in Union Budget for 2018.
The scheme was launched in keeping with Government’s commitment and dedication for Annadata. It will
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help to protect farmers’ income which is expected to go long way towards the welfare of farmers.
Government has already increased the MSP of kharif crops by following the principle of 1.5 times the cost
of production. It is expected that the increase in MSP will be translated to farmer’s income by way of
robust procurement mechanism in coordination with the State Governments.
Three Components of PM-AASHA
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Price Support Scheme (PSS).

Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS).
Price Support Scheme (PSS)
Under it physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds and copra will be done by central modal agencies with
proactive role of state governments. NAFED, Food Cooperation of India (FCI) will also take up PSS
operations in states and districts. The procurement expenditure and losses due to procurement will be
borne by Union Government as per norms.
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
It will cover all oilseeds for which minimum support price (MSP) is notified. Pre-registered farmers will be
direct paid difference between MSP and selling or modal price for his produce in notified market yard
through transparent auction process. All payments under it will be done directly into registered bank
account of farmers. It will involve any physical procurement of crops as farmers are paid difference
between MSP price and sale or modal price on disposal in notified market. Central Government’s support
of central government for PDPS will be given as per norms.
Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS)

It will allow participation of private sector in procurement operation needs on pilot basis. Learnings from
these outcomes will help to increase ambit of private participation in procurement operations. Initially it
will be applicable for procurement of oilseeds. States will have option to roll out this scheme on pilot basis
in selected districts and APMCs of district involving participation of private stockiest.
The pilot district and selected APMCs will cover one or more crop of oilseeds for which MSP is notified.
The scheme shall substitute PSS/PDPS in pilot districts as it is similar to PSS scheme and involves physical
procurement of notified commodity. The selected private agency will procure commodity at MSP in
notified markets during notified period from registered farmers in accordance with PPSS Guidelines,
whenever prices in market fall below notified MSP and whenever authorised by state/UT government to
enter the market. The maximum service charges up to 15% of the notified MSP will be payable.
Existing Procurement Schemes
Moreover, other existing schemes of Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) for procurement
of paddy, wheat and nutri-cereals or coarse grains and Ministry of Textile for cotton and jute procurement
will be continued for providing MSP to farmers for these crops.
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CCEA approves continuation of Capacity Development Scheme

Sep 14 2018
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
continuation of Capacity Development Scheme for period 2017-18 to 2019-20. It is ongoing Central Sector
Scheme of Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI).
Capacity Development Scheme
Its objective is to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for making available
credible and timely official statistics for policy makers and public at large.
Two Sub-schemes under it
Economic Census: It includes listing of all non-agricultural establishments is undertaken
periodically, which forms the basis for conducting detailed socio-economic surveys. The last (6l)
Economic Census was conducted during January 2013 to April 2014. Government is now aiming to
conduct this census once every three years in future.
Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS): It seeks to strengthen State and sub-State level
statistical systems and infrastructure to facilitate development of robust national system. Under it,
funds are released to States and UTs after detailed examination of their proposals.
Major ongoing activities carried out under this scheme
Augmenting resources for bringing out important statistical products such as Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Statistical
classifications, etc.
Conducting various Socio-Economic surveys, capacity building and strengthening statistical
coordination and improving Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), a continuous survey to assess quarterly labour data in urban
areas and annual labour data for the whole country (urban and rural areas).
Three new surveys Time Use Survey (TUS), Annual Survey of Service Sector Enterprises (ASSSE),
and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) will be also undertaken for better
statistical coverage of sectors/areas.
First Tribal Circuit Project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme inaugurated in Chhattisgarh
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Sep 14 2018
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Union Ministry of Tourism has inaugurated India’s first tribal circuit project connecting 13 tourism sites
in Chhattisgarh under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The circuit connects Jashpur, Kunkuri, Mainpat,
Kamleshpur, Maheshpur, Kurdar, Sarodadadar, Gangrel, Kondagaon, Nathiya Nawagaon, Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot,
and Tirthgarh in Chhattisgarh.
Tribal circuit project
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Major components sanctioned under tribal circuit project in Chhattisgarh includes developing eco log
huts, craft haats, souvenir shops, open amphitheatre, tribal interpretation centres, workshop centres,
tourist amenities centres, viewpoints, nature trails, solar illuminations etc. These components will
improve the existing tourist facilities, enhance the overall tourist experience and help in getting more
visitors which in return will increase job opportunities in the area.
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Background
Development of tribes and tribal culture is one of the prime area of focus for the Tourism Ministry. It is
carrying out an array of activities for development and promotion of tourism in the tribal region. Under
tribal circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme, TourismMinistry has sanctioned four projects to
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Nagaland, Telangana and Chhattisgarh for Rs. 381.37 crore.

Chhattisgarh was considered for the first tribal circuit theme for acknowledging sovereignty of tribes and
to promote rich and diverse primitive assets in the state. Chhattisgarh is known for its exceptional scenic
beauty and rich cultural heritage. Tribes make up over one-third of state population whohave retained
their culture and traditions for centuries.
Swadesh Darshan scheme
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The scheme was launched by Union Tourism Ministry with an objective to develop theme-based tourist
circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value,
competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit,
North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit,
Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
It is 100% centrally funded scheme for the project components undertaken for public funding. It also has
provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of
Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
The funding of projects under this scheme varies from state to state. It is finalised on basis of detailed
project reports prepared by Programme Management Consultant (PMC) which is national level consultant
for implementing the scheme. So far, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth Rs. 5997.47 crore
to 31 states and Union Territories under this scheme.
Government launches Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme
Sep 14 2018
Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched Dairy Processing & Infrastructure
Development Fund (DIDF) Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10881 crore. Under this fund, first installment of
Rs. 440 crore was given to National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) Scheme
This scheme was approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in September 2017 with
aim to boost dairy sector. It is managed by NDDB and will be implemented from 2017-18 to 2028-29. Milk
unions, multi-state milk cooperatives, state dairy federations, milk producer companies and NDDB
subsidiaries can avail loan under this scheme after meeting eligibility criteria.
Under this scheme, eligible milk organisations will be provided financial assistance in the form of a loan at
6.5% interest for building an efficient milk procurement system and other dairy processing infrastructure.
This loan will be reimbursed over period of 10 years. It also has provision of interest subsidy on loans.
The loan proceeds will be provided for putting in place efficient milk procurement system by setting up of
chilling infrastructure and installation of electronic milk adulteration testing equipment. It will be also
used for creation, modernisation and expansion of processing infrastructure and manufacturing faculties
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for value-added dairy products.
The scheme will benefit 95,00,000 farmers in about 50,000 villages. In addition to this, it provide direct
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and indirect employment to many skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers. It will also help in creating
additional milk processing capacity of 126 lakh litre per day, milk drying capacity of 210 MT per day, milk
chilling capacity of 140 lakh litre per day.
Ministry of Minority Affairs launches National Scholarship Portal Mobile App
Sep 14 2018
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Union Ministry for Minority Affairs has launched the country’s first National Scholarship Portal Mobile
App (NSP Mobile App). It aims to provide smooth, accessible and hassle-free scholarship system for
students from poor and weaker sections.
NSP Mobile App
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The mobile app will be beneficial for beneficiary students in many ways as they will get all information
regarding various scholarships on this mobile app, they will be able to apply for scholarships sitting in
their home. Using it, students can also upload necessary documents and can check the status of their
application, scholarship disbursement etc. Students from far-flung, hilly areas and North East will be the
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mostly benefitted from this app.

Background
Ministry of Minority Affairs has completely gone online to provide benefits of every scheme directly to the
needy without any obstacle and eliminating middlemen. Transparent and hassle-free scholarship system
has helped in this endeavor by going online. All the scholarships are being given directly into bank
accounts of needy students under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode through National Scholarship
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Portal which has removed any scope for duplication and leakage. Moreover, Central Government’s
“Empowerment without Appeasement” policy has ensured that record about 3 crore students belonging to
poor and weaker sections of Minorities have been benefitted from various scholarship programmes. The
beneficiaries include about 1 crore 63 lakh girls
PM Narendra Modi announces hike in remuneration for ASHA, Anganwadi workers
Sep 12 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced landmark increase in remuneration for ASHA and
Anganwadi workers. The announcement will be effective from October 2018. It was made during video
bridge interaction with lakhs of ASHA, Anganwadi and ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife). It was organised
as part Poshan Maah being observed in September every year.
Increase in remuneration
ASHA workers: The routine incentive given by Union Government to ASHA workers has been doubled. In
addition, all ASHA workers and their helpers will be provided free insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri
Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Anganwadi workers: Those receiving Rs. 3000 so far, will now receive Rs. 4500. Similarly those receiving
Rs. 2200, will now get Rs. 3500. The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers also has been increased from Rs.
1500 to Rs. 2250. In addition, Anganwadi workers and helpers using techniques such as Common
Application Software (ICDS-CAS), will get additional incentives ranging from Rs. 250 to Rs. 500 based on
performance.
Delhi Government launches India’s first scheme for doorstep delivery of essential government
services
Sep 11 2018
Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi Government has launched scheme for doorstep delivery of 40 essential
government services like caste and marriage certificates, driving license and new water connections. It is
fist home delivery scheme of various essential government services in the country. It will help to deal with
corruption in delivery of essential government services and promote transparent governance.
Under this scheme, Delhi government will provide 40 services such as caste certificate, driving licence at
doorstep of people in the first phase. Eventually, more services will be added to the list in later phases.
These essential government services will be delivered by mobile sahayaks with fee of Rs 50.
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For implementation of this scheme, Delhi government has intermediary agency which has set up call
centres and hired mobile sahayaks (facilitators). For availing doorstep delivery of services, Delhi citizens
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need to call centralised number to set up home visit with mobile sahayak.
The mobile sahayak will be equipped with all necessary equipment such as biometric devices and camera.
These sahayak will help user fill out application, pay fee and collect documents needed for service. Then
completed certificate will then be posted to applicant.
For certificates that mandate visit to office concerned, such as test for driving licence, applicant will be
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required to personally visit to office after sahayak helps with initial application at home. This scheme will
cover doorstep delivery of various certificates including caste, new water connection, income, driving
licence, ration card, domicile, marriage registration, duplicate RC and change of address in RC, among
others.
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Government launches National Mission on Government eMarketplace

Sep 7 2018
Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry has launched National Mission on Government eMarketplace
(GeM) for increasing awareness and accelerating use of GeM by major central Ministries, State
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Governments and their agencies. GeM provides online, end to end solution for procurement of commonly
used goods and services for all Central Government Departments and State Governments. Public Sector
Units and affiliated bodies
National Mission on GeM
The mission aims to promote inclusiveness, transparency and efficiency in public procurement and
achieve cashless, contactless and paperless transaction. This will help to increase overall efficiency and
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lead to cost saving on government expenditure in procurement.

It will cover all central government departments, states and public sector undertakings in mission mode.
It will create awareness about GeM, train buyers and sellers, get them registered in GeM and increase
procurement through GeM. It will also promote inclusiveness by empowering various categories of sellers
and service providers such as MSMEs, start-ups, domestic manufacturers, women entrepreneurs, and
Self-Help Groups.
It will also highlight value addition via transparency and efficiency in public procurement, including
corruption-free governance in sync with Central Government’s objective of ‘Minimum Government,
Maximum Governance’.
Government eMarketplace (GeM)
It is an online marketplace to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and
agencies of the Government. The platform offers online, end to end solution for procurement of commonly
used goods and services for all central government departments and state governments, public sector
units and affiliated bodies. It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement of
goods and services and eliminate corruption. It was launched in August 2018 and so far it has crossed Rs
10,800 crore in terms of value and 6.96 lakh in terms of volume of transactions. The GeM platform has
more than 1.35 lakh sellers, offering 4.43 lakh products and around 26,500 organisations as buyers.
Government extends Atal Pension Yojana indefinitely
Sep 7 2018
Union Cabinet decided to indefinitely extended Atal Pension Scheme, which had lapsed in August 2018. It
also has broadened its scope by keeping it open-ended. The extension was given by taking into
consideration of mass participation.
New Provisions
To further incentivize people’s participation in the scheme, age criterion for participation has been
revised. Earlier, people of age 18 to 60 years were entitled to enroll in this scheme. But now it has been
relaxed further to 65 years, taking into consideration rise in average age-expectancy,
Henceforth the scheme will expand its focus to target individuals, instead of households. Moreover, all
accounts opened after August 2018 will have accident insurance limit of Rs 2 lakh, double than earlier Rs 1
lakh limit. The overdraft facility of the scheme was also increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
It is a social security scheme that aims to provide affordable universal access to essential social security
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protection to unorganized work force of country, which constitute more than 85% of the workforce. It had
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replaced earlier government-backed pension Swavalamban scheme targeted at the unorganised sector. It
was launched in June 2015.
It is available to all citizens of India in age group of 18-40 years (making minimum period of contribution
by subscriber is 20 years). There is no exit to scheme before maturity age. In case of death of subscriber,
spouse of subscriber is entitled for same amount of pension till his or her death.
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Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Tourism Ministry sanctions Rs. 80.37 crore for developing cruise
tourism in Kerala
Sep 6 2018
Ministry of Tourism sanctioned Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project under Swadesh Darshan
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Scheme for development of rural circuit in Kerala. Under this project, Ministry of Tourism will be
developing three cruises with budget of Rs. 80.37 crores.
Three approved cruise are
Malabari Cuisine and Culinary Cruise (Muthappan Cruise): It will start from Valapattanam and
cover distance of 40 km to reach Munambu Kadavu in Valapattanam River.
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Valapattanam River- Theyyam Cruise: It will begin from Valapattanam and will go up to
Pazhayangadi in Valapattanam River.
Mangrove Cruise: It will be running on Kuppam River covering distance of 16 Km from
Pazhayangadi to Kuppam.
The project will be focusing on development of water-based thematic cruise experiences in and around
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Valapattanam and Kuppam Rivers of Kannur District to tap potential of water tourism of Kerala. The
cruises under it will be operated under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Ministry of Tourism will provide funds for development of basic infrastructure facilities such as passenger
terminals, boat terminals, jetties, boat race gallery, food courts, performance areas, bio toilets, wifi facility,
drinking water facilities, floating markets for local produce among others.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The scheme was launched by Union Tourism Ministry with an objective to develop theme-based tourist
circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value,
competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit,
North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit,
Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
It is 100% centrally funded scheme for the project components undertaken for public funding. It also has
provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of
Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
The funding of projects under this scheme varies from state to state. It is finalised on basis of detailed
for implementing the scheme.
HRD Ministry launches Innovation Cell at AICTE
Aug 31 2018
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has established Innovation Cell at AICTE premises in
New Delhi. It aims to systematically foster culture of innovation in all Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) across the country.
Innovation cell
Its primary mandate is to encourage, inspire and nurture young students by exposing them to new ideas
and processes resulting in innovative activities in their formative years fostered through network of
innovation clubs in HEIs. It will undertake major programs such as Network of Innovation Clubs (NIC),
Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2019,
National Student Startup Policy (NSSP). It will prescribe basic framework for structure, formation,
structure and smooth running of ICs in each HEIs and share list of different activities which ICs need to
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undertake for entire academic year.
Government launches third edition of Smart India Hackathon 2019
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Aug 30 2018
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has third edition of Smart India Hackathon 2019
(SIH-2019). Smart India Hackathon is world’s biggest open innovation model which aims to provide
students with platform to solve some of pressing problems faced by people in their daily lives. It also
seeks to inculcate culture of product innovation and mindset of problem-solving among young children.
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Key Highlights
SIH-2019 is expected to witness participation from over one lakh students from around 3000 institutions
across the country. It will provide students opportunity to work on challenges faced by public sector
organisations and union ministries. For the first time, SIH-2019 in the series of such events will also
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include problem statements from private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Similar to its prequel editions, SIH- 2019 will have two sub-editions viz. software edition which will be 36-
hour software product development competition and hardware edition which will be five days long
hardware product development competition.
SIH-2019 will also see students from IITs, IISc, NITs, AICTE and UGC approved institutions compete to
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creatively solve problems and offer technical solutions. It will provide platform for both students who will
get chance to create world class solutions for some of world’s top organisations and these top
organisations will also get chance to meet brightest young minds and brand themselves from hiring
perspective.
Benefits of SIH
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Provide opportunity to brand your organization nationally

Provide recognition and visibility to organizations across all technical institutions in India
Young techies from all over the country will get platform to offer out-of-the-box solutions to solve
problems
Serve as world’s biggest Open Innovation Movement
Provide opportunity to work with some of the best talent in the country
Technology students across India can compete to creatively solve problems and offer technical
solutions
Harness expertise of lakhs of students from IISc, IITs, NITs and AICTE/UGC approved institutions
Background
The earlier two editions of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) had turned out to be a huge success. SIH 2017 had
seen problem statements coming from 29 union ministries of India. Among the top ideas, 20 projects were
mentored and creatively developed and they will be now handed over to concerned ministries for actual
deployment. SIH 2018 has seen participation of 27 union ministries and 17 state governments. It also had
introduced a special Hardware edition for first time.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: First project North East Circuit: Imphal and Khongjom launched
Aug 16 2018
The first project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme ‘North East Circuit: Imphal and Khongjom’ was
inaugurated in Manipur. The project covers two sites i.e. Kangla Fort and Khongjom in Manipur. Under
this project, Union Tourism Ministry has carried out works such as restoration and improvement of outer
and inner moat of old Govindajee Temple and rejuvenation of sacred ponds, reconstruction of old rampart,
among others.
Key Facts
Kangla Fort is one of the most important historic and archaeological site of Manipur located in the heart
of the capital city Imphal. It had served as tradition seat of past Meetei rulers of Manipur till 1891. The old
Govindajee Temple is the largest Hindu, Vaishnav temple in Imphal city in Manipur. It is located next to
Kangla Fort, palace of the former rulers of the then Manipur Kingdom. Its outer and inner moat and other
relics are perfect reflections of the rich art and architectural heritage of Manipur.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The scheme was Union Tourism Ministry with an objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the
country. These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness
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and sustainability in an integrated manner. It is 100% centrally funded scheme for the project components
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undertaken for public funding. It also has provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector. The
funding of projects under this scheme vary from state to state. It is finalised on the basis of detailed
for implementing the scheme.
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Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme: West Bengal Government removes lifts family income ceiling
Aug 15 2018
West Bengal Government has announced to remove annual family income ceiling in eligibility criteria to
be beneficiary under state’s UN award winning Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme. This will help more girls to
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chase their dreams with Government support. Currently only girls belonging to families with annual
family income not more than Rs 1.20 lakh were entitled to get the benefits of this scheme. State
government is also planning to set up “Kanyashree University” under this scheme for girls soon.
Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme
It is conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at improving status and well-being of girl child by
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incentivising schooling of teenage girls and delaying their marriages until the age of 18. It was launched
by Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal Government (Women Development and Social Welfare department)
in October 2013. It was aimed at increasing educational attainment of girls, prevention of child marriage
and financial inclusion.
Objectives: Improve lives and status of the adolescent girls in State. Provide financial help to girls from
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disadvantaged families to pursue higher studies (now it will cover every girl from state). Prevent child
marriage. Improved outcomes in terms of their health (especially facilitate the prevention of infant and
maternal mortality). Contribute towards empowerment of girls in the state. Bring immeasurable benefits
for the larger society as a whole.
Targeted Beneficiaries: All girl children within age of 13 to 19 in the state. Girls regularly attending
institutions for education or vocational or sports training. Girls of Child Care Institutes registered under
Juvenile Justice Act (JJ), 2000 within age of 18-19 years.
Components of Scheme
Annual Scholarship of Rs. 500: It is for unmarried girls aged 13-18 years enrolled in classes VIII-XII
in government recognized regular or equivalent open school or equivalent vocational or technical
training course.
One time Grant of Rs. 25,000: It is for girls turned 18 at time of application, enrolled in government
recognized regular or open school and colleges or pursuing vocational or technical training or sports
activity or is inmate of Home registered under JJ Act.
Progress: So far around 50 lakh girls from the state have been benefited by scheme and removal of ceiling
will help another three lakh more girls annually. Since its launch, it has helped to reduce number of school
drop out of girls by nearly 11.5%.The scheme was awarded United Nations Public Service Award in June 2017.
Ashish Kumar Bhutani appointed CEO of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Aug 14 2018
Government has appointed senior bureaucrat Ashish Kumar Bhutani as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). He has been appointed to post till May 2020. He is IAS officer
(1992 batch) of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
It is farmers’ welfare scheme launched in 2016 to ensure faster insurance services or reliefs to farmers. It
was formulated in line with One Nation–One Scheme theme by replacing earlier two schemes National
Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS)
by incorporating their best features and removing their inherent drawbacks (shortcomings). It aims to
reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure early settlement of crop assurance claim for the full
insured sum.
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Objectives: Provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in event of natural calamities,
pests & diseases. Stabilise income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. Ensure flow of credit
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to the agriculture sector. Encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
Beneficiaries: All farmers growing notified crops in notified area during season who have insurable
interest in crop are eligible under this scheme. It also provides insurance benefits to Landless labourers. It
is compulsory for loanee farmers availing crop loans for notified crops in notified areas and voluntary for
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non-loanee farmers.
Under this scheme, farmers need to pay uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all
Rabi crops. In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, farmers have to pay premium of only 5%.
The premium rates to be paid by farmers are very low and balance premium will be paid by Government.
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Moreover, there is no upper limit on Government subsidy, so farmers will get claim against full sum
insured without any reduction.
It covers yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as natural fire and lightning, storm, stailstorm,
cyclone, typhoon, tempest, hurricane, tornado. It also covers risks due to flood, inundation and landslide,
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drought, dry spells, pests and diseases. It also covers post-harvest losses are also covered.
Udder this scheme, it mandatory for use of technology such as smart phones, drones etc to capture and
upload data of crop cutting to reduce delays in claim payment to farmers. Remote sensing will be also
used to reduce number of crop cutting experiments. The scheme is implemented on Area Approach basis.
In this case, defined area (i.e. unit area of insurance) is village or above it can be geo-mapped and geo-
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fenced region having homogenous risk profile for notified crop.

Government notifies rules for unlocking Rs 66,000 crore compensatory afforestation funds
Aug 14 2018
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified rules for utilisation of
more than Rs 66,000 crore afforestation funds by states/UTs and for setting up authorities to monitor its
use for afforestation and conservation. The rules have been framed two years after Compensatory
Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016 to this effect was enacted.
Key Facts
The fund is accumulated amount which user agencies have been depositing as compensation for diverting
forest land for non-forest purposes such as setting up industries or creating infrastructure, over the past
10 years. Since rules for utilisation of fund have been notified, unspent amount will now be transferred to
National Compensatory Afforestation Fund (NCAF) at Centre and respective State Compensatory
Afforestation Funds in phased manner, depending on its utilisation. The national and state compensatory
afforestation funds are both non-lapsable and have been established under Public Account of India and
Public Account of each state. They can be utilised for only activities listed under the CAF Act.
Key Features of Rules

The rules specify that 80% of compensatory afforestation amount will be utilised by states for plantations,
assisted natural regeneration of forests, pest and disease control in forest, forest fire prevention, soil and
moisture conservation works and improvement of wildlife habitat, among other things from list of 13
permissible activities. The remaining 20% will be used for 11 listed works to strengthen infrastructure
related forest and wildlife protection. The list includes third-party monitoring of works, development of
certification standards, forest certification and casual hiring of local people to assist forest department
staff. It also specifies that working plan will be taken up in consultation with the gram sabha or village
forest management committee.
Background
Though Parliament had enacted Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016 to utilise money, it
could not be implemented in absence of enabling rules within Act for two years. As result, only Rs 14,418
crore out of Rs 80,716 crore were disbursed to states/UTs under temporary and time-consuming
mechanism. The remaining Rs 66,298 crore therefore has been lying unspent with ad hoc Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) created by Supreme Court order in
2009. Among states, Odisha has highest share (Rs 9,725 crore) in accumulated fund, followed by
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Chhattisgarh (Rs. 7,288 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 6,353 crore) and Jharkhand (Rs 5,193 crore).
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CCEA approves continuation of Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students for studying in India
scheme
Aug 10 2018
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved continuation and revision of Centrally
Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for Other Backward Classes Students for studying in India
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(PMS-OBC) till 2020.
PMS-OBC is flagship scheme of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, in operation since 1998-99. It
fully centrally sponsored scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to OBC students studying at
post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education.
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Revised PMS-OBC
The revision in PMS-OBC scheme aims to ensure effective implementation and better monitoring of the
schemes. It will cover larger numbers of eligible and deserving poor OBC students who will be able to
pursue higher studies. It will also ensure effective implementation, achieve de-duplication and enhanced
monitoring.
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Under revised PMS-OBC, annual parental income ceiling has been increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Now onwards, 30% of funds will be earmarked for girl students and 5% for students with disabilities.
Disbursement of scholarships will be now through Aadhaar seeded bank accounts. Central assistance for
scheme will be released according to Notional Allocation since its funds are limited. Henceforth, concept
of Committed Liability will not apply to States/UTs for releases.
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CCEA approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Aug 10 2018
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) beyond 12th Five Year Plan period ((2012–2017)). It will help in connecting 38,412
habitations at estimated cost of Rs. 84,934 crore. For this, fund sharing pattern between centre and states
will be same (Thus, central government share will be Rs 54,900 crore and states’ share is Rs 30,034 crore).
Key Facts
Initially targets of PMGSY were to be achieved by March 2022, however, sunset date of achievement of
PMGSY-I was pre-poned to March, 2019, with enhanced fund allocation and changed funding pattern i.e.
in ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern and 3 Himalayan
States (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir) for which it is 90:10.
PMGSY-II and habitations under identified LWE blocks (100-249 population) covered by March 2020.
Under, PMGSY-II, against target length of 50,000 km works of upgradation almost 32,100 km road length
have been sanctioned in 13 states, which have transited to PMGSY-II. 12,000 km road length has been
completed up to March, 2018 against the sanctions issued.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

The scheme was launched on 25 December 2000. It aims to provide single all-weather road connectivity to
all eligible unconnected habitations in rural areas with population of 500 persons and above (in plain
areas) and 250 persons and above (in hilly states, desert areas, tribal areas and selected tribal and
backward districts). Union Ministry of Rural Development is nodal ministry for implementation of
Scheme.
For this scheme, 75 paise per litre has been earmarked out of cess levied on high speed diesel. It
considers habitation as unit for providing connectivity and not revenue village. The scheme encourages
use of green technologies and non-conventional materials (like waste plastic, geo-textiles, fly-ash, iron and
copper slag etc) for constructing rural roads.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Government, NABARD and NWDA ink revised MoA for 99
projects
Aug 8 2018
Union Government, NABARD and National Water Development Agency (NWDA) have signed revised
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for funding of central share of 99 prioritized irrigation projects under
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) through Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF).
Key Facts
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The revised MoA will enable Ministry of Water Resources to release Central Assistance to prioritized
projects under PMKSY as per requirements from time to time. For this, Department of Economic Affairs,
Ministry of Finance has modified certain existing mechanism of funding of these 99 projects under LTIF,
with reference to source of funds, liability towards servicing of coupon on bonds, repayment pattern of
loan and rate of interest on loan, etc.
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
PMKSY was launched in July 2015 with overarching vision to ensure access to some means of protective
irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country and to produce ‘per drop more crop’, thus bringing
much desired rural prosperity. It was formulated by amalgamating earlier schemes viz. AIBP, Integrated
Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of
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National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It is implemented by Ministries of Agriculture,

Water Resources and Rural Development. It has outlay of Rs 50000 crore with implementation period of
over five-year till April 2020.
Objectives of PMKSY
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Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.

Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani).
Enhance adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop).
Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water.
Enhance recharge of aquifers.
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Introduce sustainable water conservation practices.

Government approves 122 new research projects under IMPRINT scheme
Aug 6 2018
Union Ministry of Hume Resource Development (MHRD) has approved 122 new research project proposals
worth Rs 112 crore for funding under its IMPRINT-II (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology)
scheme. These projects were approved at IMPRINT-II Apex Committee meeting chaired by HRD Minister
Prakash Javddekar in New Delhi.
Key Facts
The 122 approved new research projects aims to advance research in energy, healthcare, security and
defence domains in the high education institutions. Of the selected 122 new projects, 81 are sponsored by
industry. The selected proposals include 35 (ICT), 18 (Advanced Materials), 17 (Healthcare Technology), 12
(Energy Security), 11 (Security & Defence), 9 (Sustainable Habitat), 7 Water Resource & River Systems, 5
(Environment & Climate), 4 (Manufacturing) and 4 (Nano Technology).
IMPRINT Scheme
IMPRINT is first of its kind MHRD supported scheme to address major science and engineering challenges
and boost original scientific and technological research in 10 technology identified domains in the
country. It was launched in November 2015 with an aim to develop new engineering education policy and
create road map to pursue engineering challenges. These 10 domains are Health Care, Computer Science and
ICT, Advance Materials, Water Resources and River systems, Sustainable Urban Design, Defence, Nano-
technology Hardware, Environmental Science and Climate Change and Energy Security.
IMPRINT provides overarching vision that guides research into areas that are predominantly socially
relevant. Initially under IMPRINT-I, IITs and IISC, were asked to identify major areas where India is facing
engineering and technology challenges. Now its scope also has been expanded private institutions along
with IITs and IISc under IMPRINT-II and jointly funded and steered by MHRD and Department of Science
and Technology (DST). The implementation of 142 projects under IMPRINT-I are already underway. These
projects have received support from several ministries, councils and departments in addition to MHRD.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Government achieves 5 crore Free LPG Connections Target
Aug 4 2018
Union Government has announced that it has reached target of providing 5 crore free LPG connections
under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) almost eight months ahead of schedule (i.e. in 27 months
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instead of 35 months)
Key Facts
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Uttar Pradesh (87 lakh), West Bengal (67 lakh), Bihar (61 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (45 lakh), Rajasthan (37
lakh) and Odisha (30 lakh) are six states that have accounted for nearly 65% of connections provided under
PMUY and 47% of overall beneficiaries are from weaker sections of society i.e., SC/STs. World Health
Organisation (WHO) has recognised PMUY as one of decisive intervention by Government to address
indoor air pollution which accounts for nearly 10 lakh deaths in year in the country.
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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Union Government launched PMUY in May, 2016 with tagline of Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan. It aims at
providing clean-cooking fuel to poor households, who are otherwise vulnerable to various health hazards
associated with indoor air pollution and bringing in qualitative charges inliving standards.
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Implementation: PMUY is implemented by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through its Oil
Marketing Companies (OMCs) i.e., IOC, BPCL and HPCL through their network of distributors across the
country. PMUY is under implementation in the all the States/UTs. Through it, cash assistance is given to
beneficiaries to get a deposit-free new connection. It is first welfare scheme implemented by Ministry of
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Petroleum.
Beneficiaries of PMUY: They are are identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) List-2011
and in such cases where names are not covered under SECC list, beneficiaries are identified from seven
categories which includes SC/ST households, beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana, PMAY (Gramin),
Forest Dwellers, Most Backward Classes, Resident of Islands/River Islands and Tea Garden & Ex-tea
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Garden Tribes.
Target: Initially, Government had set target to provide deposit free LPG connections under PMUY to 5
crore BPL households by 31 March 2019. Considering its huge success, government had revised target to 8
crores with budgetary allocation of Rs. 12,800 crore.
Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam: Andhra Pradesh Government launches unemployment allowance
scheme
Aug 3 2018
Andhra Pradesh Government has approved Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam, an unemployment allowance
scheme to provide Rs 1000 per month unemployed youth in state. It was announced by Andhra Pradesh IT
Minister Nara Lokesh who is also son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam Scheme
The scheme aims to provide Rs 1000 per month unemployed youth in the state. The allowance will directly
credited in bank accounts of selected beneficiary through biometric authentication in transparent
manner. It will not be applicable to those paying provident fund.
The scheme will benefit 12 lakh youth in the 22-35 years age group from state. Registration for enrolling
into scheme will start from either third or fourth week of August 2018. The website for the same will be
launched in which the unemployed youth would register their details
Simultaneously, State Government impart skill development and train youth in fields of their interests. It
is also planning to roll out apprenticeship programme by integrating state and central schemes through
which the youth can get on-job training and upgrade their skills.
Government launches Seva Bhoj Yojna
Aug 2 2018
Union Ministry of Culture launched Seva Bhoj Yojna, a new scheme to provide financial assistance on
purchase of specific food items by Charitable Religious Institutions (CRIs) for free distribution among
people. Under this scheme, Centre’s share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Interstate GST
charged on raw food materials purchased by the religious institutions will be refunded.
Seva Bhoj Yojna
The scheme aims to reimburse Central Government share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and
Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) to lessen financial burden of religious and charitable institutions
providing food, prasad, langar (Community Kitchen), Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to
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public and devotee
Beneficiaries: Religious and charitable institutions such as temples, gurudwara, mosque, church, dharmik
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ashram, dargah, matth, monasteries etc. having existence for at least five years and serve free food to at
least 5000 people in month. Grant will be given to such institutions if they are covered under Section 10
(23BBA) of Income Tax (IT) Act or are institutions registered as Society under Societies Registration Act
(XXI of 1860) or as Public Trust under any law for time being in force of statuary religious bodies or
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institutions registered under Section 12AA of IT Act
Selection: All eligible religious and charitable institutions first must registered with Darpan portal of NITI
Aayog and get Unique ID generated by it. Thereafter, they shall enroll themselves in CSMS Portal on the
Ministry of Culture’s website in prescribed format. The applications will be examined by committee
constituted for purpose. On basis of recommendation of committee, competent authority in Ministry of
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Culture will register these institutions for reimbursing claim of CGST and Central Government share of
IGST paid on mentioned specific items.
Cabinet approves Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme
Aug 2 2018
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Union Cabinet has approved first extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS) for another five years
from 2018 to 2023 to support Indian Entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects
abroad. The scheme also has been liberalized, allowing any Indian company, irrespective of ownership
eligible to benefits of it.
Implementation
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Under CFS, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) selects specific projects keeping in view strategic interest
of India and sends same to Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). The strategic importance of project to
deserve financing is decided on case to case basis, by Committee chaired by Secretary, DEA and with
members from Department of Expenditure and Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance;
MEA; Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Home
Affairs. Deputy National Security Adviser (Dy NSA) is also a member of this Committee. Once project is
approved by Committee, DEA issues formal letter to Export-Import (EXIM) Bank conveying approval for
financing of project.
The Scheme is presently being operated through EXIM Bank, which raises resources from market to
provide concessional finance. Union Government provides counter guarantee and interest equalization
support of 2% to EXIM Bank to offer concessional finance to any foreign Government or its owned or
controlled entity, if any Indian entity, succeeds in getting contract for execution of project. EXIM Bank can
extend credit at rate not exceeding LIBOR (avg. of six months) + 100 bps. The repayment of loan is
guaranteed by foreign government.
Background
Prior to introduction of CFS, Indian entities were not able to bid for large projects abroad since cost of
financing was very high for them and bidders from other countries such as China, Japan, Europe and US
were able to provide credit at superior terms (i.e. lower interest rate and longer tenures giving advantage
to bidders from those countries). Union Government is executing CFS since 2015-16 to support Indian
entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad. CFS has enabled India to
generate substantial backward linkage induced jobs, demand for material and machinery in India and also
created lot of goodwill for India.
Government launches National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme
Jul 28 2018
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organisation
(WHO) has launched National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme to control viral hepatitis C on the
occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28). The programme aims to combat viral hepatitis and reduce
mortality and morbidity associated with it.
National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme
The programme aims at both prevention and treatment of hepatitis which is among leading causes of liver
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cancer, cirrhosis of liver and acute liver failure. It aims to treat minimum of 3 lakh hepatitis C cases over a
period of three years for eliminating deadly condition by 2030.
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The programme is part of National Health Mission. Under it, expensive antiviral for hepatitis B and C
infections will be made available free of cost at all government hospitals. It will set up and upgrade
facilities for diagnosis and treatment primarily of hepatitis B and C. These designated treatment centres
will provide free anti-viral to hepatitis C patients. They will also provide hepatitis B vaccine to babies born
to mothers carrying the virus within 24 hours of birth.
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Key strategies under the Program
Preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation.
Safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices, sanitation and hygiene, safe drinking water
supply, infection control and immunization
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Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis.

Promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B and C through
standardized testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C.
Co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments.
Building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health
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Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres to scale program till lowest level of the healthcare
facility in a phased manner.
Government extends Prime Minister’s Research Fellows Scheme all potential researchers
Jul 27 2018
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Union Government has announced that Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme will be open to
all potential researchers from 2019 and not limited to candidates from IISc, IITs, NITs, IIEST and IISERs.
The decision was made after Government failed to find adequate number of candidates for PMRF this
year. Only 135 fellowships were finally offered against 1,000 positions.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme
The scheme was announced in the Budget Speech 2018-19. It will be implemented for period of seven years
beginning 2018-19 at total cost of Rs. 1650 crore. Under it, best students who have completed or are in
final year of B. Tech/Integrated M.Tech/M.Sc courses in Science and Technology streams will be offered
direct admission in PhD programme in IITs/IISc. Maximum of 3000 Fellows would be selected in three
year period, beginning 2018-19.
Monthly fellowship: Selected students through selection process laid down in PMRF Guidelines will be
offered monthly fellowship of Rs.70,000 for first two years, Rs.75,000 for 3rd year and Rs.80,000 in 4th
and 5th years.
Research grant: Each selected fellow students will be also provided research grant of Rs.2.00 lakh for
period of 5 years to cover their foreign travel expenses for presenting research papers in international
conferences and seminars.

Atal Innovation Mission: NITI Aayog and MyGov launches Innovate India Platform
Jul 27 2018
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission and MyGov has jointly launched ‘#InnovateIndia Platform’
(https://innovate.mygov.in/innovateindia/). It is citizen centric platform that aims to serve as common
point for all innovation happening across the nation.
Innovate India Platform
It creates much-needed innovations platform for registering both grassroots and deep-tech innovators at
national level. It will help those who are searching for critical innovation for benefit of the economy as well
as national social needs. It is open to all Indian citizens. Using it, users can view, comment, share, and rate
innovations crowdsourced on #InnovateIndia platform. They can view leaderboard which is calculated
based on votes on each innovation. It allows citizens to share their organizations or someone else’s
innovation on platform by login to MyGov website. These innovations also can be shared on various social
media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
AIM is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the
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country. It is mandated to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country and
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revolutionizing innovation eco-system – touching upon entire innovation life cycle through various
programs.
Objectives
Develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of economy.
Provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness.
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Create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country.
The sub-schemes of AIM include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers
(AICs), for providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding ultra-
low cost solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal Vikas
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Challenges.
MyGov Portal
It is citizen engagement platform launched by Central Government in 2014 to promote active
participation of citizens in country’s governance and development. Its objective is to create common
platform for Indian citizens to crowdsource governance ideas from citizens. It allows users (citizens) to
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discuss and contribute on various government projects and plans. It is hosted and managed by the
National Informatics Centre (NIC).
POSHAN Abhiyaan: 2nd meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges held in New
Delhi
Jul 26 2018
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Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) had organized 2nd meeting of National Council
on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan in New Dehli. It was chaired by NITI Aayog Vice
Chairman Rajiv Kumar.
Key Highlights of Meeting
National Council approved inclusion of 32 new districts under POSHAN Abhiyaan in the current year. This
will help to saturate all districts of Union Territories (UTs) that were left out under Phase-I and Phase-II. It
will also provide full coverage to those states, where up to 5 districts had been left. Thus facilitating in
saturation of 8 new States/UTs and taking total number of States/UTs covered under POSHAN Abhiyaan
to 23. It also gave in-principle approval to guidelines for construction of anganwadi centres in urban areas
and slums under aanganwadi services. During the meeting, WCD Ministry presented three modules from
online course for nutrition developed with assistance of National Institute of Nutrition. These courses will
be hosted independently by WCD Ministry and National Institute of Nutrition portals. It was also
announced to celebrate month of September as National Nutrition Month every year.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) was launched in
Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan in March 2018. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for
pregnant women, mothers and children.
Targets: It aims to reduce level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of
various nutrition related schemes. It also targets stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young
children, women and adolescent girls) and low birth rate.
Components: Its large component involves gradual scaling-up of interventions supported by ongoing
World Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition
Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country by 2022. The Abhiyaan will monitor and
review implementation of all such schemes and utilize existing structural arrangements of line ministries
wherever available.
Rs. 904.80 Lakhs received as part of CSR under National Culture Fund
Jul 25 2018
Ministry of Culture has announced that it has received Rs. 904.80 Lakhs for conservation and
maintenance work of historical monuments as contributions part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
under National Culture Fund (NCF). It also has revenue collected through various sources like ticketing,
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Parking, photography, filming, and from holding cultural events from selected centrally protected
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monument which has been deposited in Consolidated Fund of India.
National Culture Fund (NCF)
NCF was established as Trust under Charitable Endowment Act, 1890 as funding mechanism distinct from
existing sources and patterns of funding for arts and culture in India. It aims at inviting individuals as well
as private institutions in the task of promoting, protecting and preserving India’s cultural heritage.
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It is managed and administered by council headed by Union Culture Minister and decides the policies. Its
Executive Committee is headed by Secretary, Ministry of Culture which actualizes those policies. All
projects undertaken by NCF are completed within specified period in accordance with MoU signed by it
with concerned donor organization.
Union Government had granted one-time corpus fund to NCF, apart from this, there is no fund allocated
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by to. It receives contributions and voluntary donations as endowments from many other sources.
Donations and contributions to NCF are eligible for 100% tax deduction under Income Tax Act, 1961
subject to limits and conditions prescribed.
NITI Aayog signs SoI with Lupin Foundation for Collaborating in Aspirational Districts
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Jul 24 2018
NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with Lupin Foundation to collaborate in Aspirational
Districts Programme to create templates for concerted development policy. Under this collaboration, both
parties will partner to improve indicators in education, health and nutrition, financial inclusion and skill
development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure in Aspirational Districts.
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Terms of SoI
Lupin Foundation with NITI Aayog will work in three states (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and
Rajasthan) to facilitate creation of deal template to develop economic strength, technological viability and
moral leadership across three districts in these states as part of Phase I of the cooperation.
Phase I of this cooperation will focus on districts of Dholpur (Rajasthan), Nandurbar (Maharashtra) and
Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh). It will help to develop comprehensive district-level action plan with integrates
various initiatives and interventions.
Lupin Foundation will work towards three main pillars of ensuring integrated developmental policy in
model states. They are social development (initiatives for health, education and women empowerment),
economic empowerment (focus on interventions in spheres of agriculture, animal husbandry and skill
enhancement) and infrastructure development (establish durable infra in form of internal roads, school
buildings and water resources).
Aspirational District Programme
The programme was launched in January 2018 aims to quickly and effectively transform some of most
underdeveloped districts of the country. It envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of
composite index based on five parameters health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion, skill
development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure.
It focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fully in burgeoning economy. It seeks to
bring these indicators in selected districts at par with the better performing districts in the country.
Broad contours of the programme are Convergence of Central and State Schemes; Collaboration of
Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers and District Collectors and Competition among districts driven by
Mass Movement or Jan Andolan.
Explained: Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0
Jul 24 2018
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is flagship programme of Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) that
aims to enrich Rural India. The second edition (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0) was launched in April, 2018.
Currently 748 institutions are participating under the scheme. In phase II, 605 institutions were selected.
Out of these 313 are technical Institutions and 292 are Non-Technical Institutions. 143 institutions had
taken part in phase-1.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan
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The scheme aims to link higher education institutions with set of atleast five villages, so that they can
contribute to economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.
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Under this scheme, higher education institutions will participate in development activities, particularly in
rural areas.
Objective of the scheme are
To engage faculty and students of higher educational institutions in understanding rural realities.
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Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies or devise
implementation methods for innovative solutions as required by people.
To allow higher educational institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth
implementation of various Government Programs.
The scheme is inspired by vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging
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knowledge base and resources of premier Institutions of the country to help build the architecture of
Inclusive India. It also aims to create virtuous cycle between society and inclusive university system, with
latter providing knowledge base, best practices for emerging livelihoods and upgrade capabilities of both
public and private sectors.
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Under it, institutes through their faculty and students, will carry out studies of living conditions in
adopted villages, assess local problems and needs, workout possibilities of leveraging technological
interventions and need to improve processes in implementation of various government schemes, prepare
workable action plans for the selected villages.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Government cuts minimum annual deposit requirement to Rs 250
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Jul 23 2018
The Union Government has reduced minimum yearly deposit required under popular girl child savings
scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to Rs 250 from Rs 1,000 earlier. This has been lowered to enable more
people to enjoy benefits of this scheme. In this regard, Government has amended Sukanya Samriddhi
Account Rules, 2016.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
It was launched as a small savings scheme under Beti Bacho Beti Padho (BBBP) in January 2015. It aims to
motivate parents to open an account in name of girl child for her welfare and meet expense requirements
of higher education and marriage. Under this scheme, parent or legal guardian of a girl child can open an
account in her name until she attains the age of ten years. The account can be opened via post office or
commercial banks.
Deposits can be made in this account up to 14 years from date of opening of account. After this period, the
account will only earn interest according to applicable rates. The minimum deposit that can be made
every year into account is now Rs 250 and maximum amount on yearly basis is Rs 1.50 lakh.
The girl child can withdraw 50% of the money in the account after reaching age of 18 for higher education
(18 years limit for preventing child-marriages). The amount deposited in it will get interest rate of 9.1%
and there will be no income tax for this. The account will remain operative until the girl child reaches 21
age.
Government selects 734 athletes for Khelo-India scholarships
Jul 23 2018
Sports Authority of India (SAI) under Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has cleared 734 athletes
for the scholarship under the Khelo India Talent Development Scheme. They were selected High Powered
Committee of SAI. Through this programme, the athletes will get training at government-accredited
residential academies. They will be provided with annual stipend of Rs. 1,20,000 on quarterly basis to meet
their out of pocket expenses, treatment of injuries and other expenses.
Sports academies
The High Powered Committee for the first time also has accredited various private, state and SAI
academies to create strong ecosystem for nurturing talent. It includes 21 non-SAI academies as well. The
rationale behind it is to develop more such academies so that young athletes can get access to best
training without having to travel long distances.
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Khelo India Talent Development Scheme
The scheme was introduced by Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs to revive sports culture in India at
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grass-root level. Its objective is to build strong framework for all sports played in our country and
establish India as great sporting nation. It aims to help scout young talent from schools in various
disciplines and groom them as future sports champions. Under it, talented players are identified in
priority sports disciplines at various levels by High-Powered Committed and each selected player is
provided annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for 8 years.
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Government launches Student Police Cadet Programme
Jul 21 2018
Ministry of Home Affairs sponsored Student Police Cadet (SPC) Programme was launched nationally in
Gurugram, Haryana. It was launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Union
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Human Resources Minister Prakash Javadekar. The programme aims to build bridge between Police and
larger community through school students by inculcating values and ethics in them through classes in
school and outside.
Student Police Cadet (SPC) Programme
The programme focuses on students of class 8th and 9th. It will be implemented first in government
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schools, in both urban and rural areas and later expanded to private schools. It takes special care to ensure
that it does not increase workload of the students. It does not have any prescribed text book and also any
exam. Only one class is proposed in a month under its schedule.
Programme will broadly cover two topics
Crime prevention and control: Topics covered under it include road safety, fight against social evils,
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community policing, safety of women and children, fight against corruption and disaster
management.
Values and ethics: Topics covered under it include values and ethics, empathy and sympathy,
tolerance, patience, attitude, respect for elders, team spirit and discipline.
Handbook: Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) with support of National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has prepared handbook for imparting instructions. It will
also enable learning through group discussions and audio-visual mediums.
Implementation: It will be steered by state level committee headed by Principal Secretary, Home
Department with Principal Secretary, Education and Director General of Police (DGP) as members.
Besides, similar committee will be formed at district level, headed by District Magistrate with District
Inspector of Schools and Superintendent of Police (SP) as members.
Funding: Central Government has released amount worth Rs.67 crores to states for implementation of
programme. Besides, amount of Rs 50,000 has been earmarked for each school for educational aids,
training and contingency.
Haryana Government launches Paudhagiri Campaign for planting of saplings

Jul 17 2018
Haryana Government has launched ‘Paudhagiri campaign’, an unique program to increase green cover in
the state. It was launched by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar by planting ‘maulsari’ sapling in Tau
Devi Lal Sports Complex premises of Gurugram. The campaign aims increase green cover in the state,
help in stabilising environment and improve overall climatic conditions, thus help in checking global
warming.
Paudhagiri campaign
Under this campaign, 22 lakh students studying in Class 6th to 12th of all government and private schools
will plant sapling each, during three months of monsoon ( July, August and September). State forest
department will provide sapling to every student.
Students can plant saplings either in courtyard of their house, field or park or school or at any open space
available in their proximity. Every student planting sapling will take care of it for next three years. They
can name plant according to their likes.
State Government will give incentive of Rs 50 in every six months from government, after student upload
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his selfie with his or her plant on App planted by him or her. Student will get total Rs 300 in three years
for looking after sapling.
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Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018
Jul 14 2018
Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) has launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen
2018 (SSG 2018) in New Delhi, a rural cleanliness survey to rank all states and districts on basis of
qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
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Key Facts
The objective of SSG 2018 is to undertake ranking of states and districts on basis of their performance
attained on key quantitative and qualitative Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) parameters. The
rankings will be based on taking into account set of comprehensive cleanliness parameters.
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The criteria of SSG-2018 include survey of public places, citizens’ perspective of cleanliness, their
recommendations and data from SBM-G. As part of it, 6,980 villages in 698 districts across India will be
covered. It will cover total 34,000 public places namely schools, anganwadis, public health centres,
haat/bazaars/religious places in these villages.
The SSG 2018 will assign 65% weightage to findings and outcome and 35% to service level parameters to
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be obtained from Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the MDWS. The weights to
different elements of SSG are direct observation of sanitation in public places (30%), citizen’s feedback on
sanitation parameters (35%), service level progress on sanitation progress in the country as per SBMG-
MIS (35%).
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The SSG 2018 will be conducted by independent survey agency in all districts from 1st to 31st August 2018.
It will also take feedback from over 50 lakh citizens on SBM related issues through direct interaction as
well as online feedback. The top performing states and districts are expected to be awarded on 2nd
October 2018.
Entire Men’s Hockey team included in Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Jul 12 2018
The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has included entire Men’s
Hockey team of India under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This is first instance that entire
team has been made beneficiary of the scheme as earlier only individual athletes from different sports
were included as beneficiaries of the scheme.
Key Facts
The decision to include hockey was taken after India’s performance had improved as they had finished
runners up in Champions Trophy in Netherlands. The 18 team members will be provided with monthly
allowance of Rs. 50,000 each under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The women’s team may
be also included in the TOPS after reviewing its performance in the upcoming World Cup and following
Asian Games.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
TOPS was launched by Ministry of Sports within the ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).
It aims at identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for upcoming Olympic Games. It will
provide selected sportspersons customized training at institutes having world class facilities and also
other necessary support is being provided to the elite athletes. It will also provide a benchmark for
selection of athletes on par with international standards.
Under it, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and federations, which are members of Mission Olympic Cell
(MOC), will be nodal agencies for disbursal for fund. They will make payments directly to beneficiary
person and institution concerned on behalf of athletes. Abinav Bindra Committee was constituted to
identify and support potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games under the scheme.
51 lakh houses approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in 3 years: Government
Jul 9 2018
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has announced that over 51 lakh houses have been
approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in the three years of its implementation. Out of 51
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lakh sanctioned houses, over 28 lakhs houses are already in various stages of construction. Over 8 lakh
houses have already been completed.
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Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
PMAY(U) aims provide affordable houses to all poor in urban areas by 2022. It is new version of Prime
Minister’s Housing For All by 2022 vision. Its objective is to construct two crore houses across nation. It
covers entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities.
Intended beneficiaries of scheme are Poor people (BPL) and People living under Economically Weaker
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Sections (EWS) and LIG (Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of country. It also targets
people living under MIG (middle income Group). Government provides subsidy ranging between Rs. 1 lakh
to 2.30 lakh to people from above categories in order to make them secure.
Government to launch Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge under PMAY-U
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Jul 9 2018
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is going to launch Global Housing Construction
Technology Challenge as part of technology sub-mission of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-
U). The challenge aims to accelerate PMAY-U’s target of providing ‘housing for all’ as the scheme is
moving at pace far slower than its rural counterpart.
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Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge

Through this global challenge, MoHUA will invite ideas for innovative technologies for mass housing
projects that can help build houses faster, cheaper and of better quality with sustainable green materials.
The selected technologies will be tried and tested to be found suitable to geographical conditions of six
different urban areas selected across the country with varying terrains such as hilly, plain, or earthquake-
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prone etc.
Four parameters in challenge are time, cost, quality, and sustainability. The winning technologies will be
used to build 1,000 houses, multi-storey or otherwise, depending on area type, in each of these places. The
technology will chosen in such a way that it is scalable so that it can be used to construct cheaper and
faster mass housing in similar areas.
Significance
The global challenge will invite best innovative ideas from across globe for alternative technologies that
go beyond brick-and-mortar building model used widely in Indian construction. The winning
technologies, selected based on criteria laid down by a technical committee of MoHUA under this
challenge, will be used to build mass houses in tie-up with states, for economically weaker sections and
low-income groups under affordable housing project vertical of PMAY-U. Such houses will be constructed
in varying geo-climatic zones across the country. The winning technologies will be used to construct
houses within the next six to seven months, as against the one-year period required to finish such a
project.
Background
Under PMAY-U, around 8 lakh houses have been constructed since its launch in June 25, 2015. It does not
even account for 10% of revised MoHUA target of providing 1.2 crore houses by 2022. As against this,
under rural component of the scheme, PMAY-Gramin, 48.26 lakh houses have been built, with pace almost
on course of meeting target of 2.95 crore houses by 2022.
Cabinet approves Umbrella Schemes for Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates
Jul 5 2018
The Union Cabinet has approved continuance of 8 existing schemes of Ministry of Home Affairs for relief
and rehabilitation of migrants and repatriates upto March 2020 under Umbrella scheme Relief and
Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates. The schemes will provide relief and rehabilitation assistance
to refugees, displaced persons, civilian victims of terrorist, communal, Left Wing Extremism (LWE)
violence and cross border firing and mine and IED blasts on Indian territory and riot victims of various
incidents etc.
8 schemes are
Central Assistance for one-time settlement of displaced families from Pak Occupied Jammu and
Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb settled in J&K.
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Rehabilitation Package and up-gradation of infrastructure of Bangladeshi Enclaves and Cooch Behar
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District after transfer of enclaves between India and Bangladesh under Land Boundary Agreement
(LBA).
Relief assistance to Sri Lankan refugees staying in camps in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Grant-in-Aid to Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) for 5 years for administrative and social
welfare expenses of Tibetan settlements.
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Grant-in-Aid to Tripura Government for maintenance of Brus lodged in relief camps of Tripura.
Rehabilitation of Bru and Reang families from Tripura to Mizoram.
Grant of enhanced relief of Rs. 5.00 lakh per deceased person, who died during 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots.
Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims, Family of Victims of Terrorist, Communal, LWE
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Violence and Cross Border Firing and Mine and IED blasts on Indian Territory.
Background
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had launched 8 schemes at different points of time to enable
migrants and repatriates, who have suffered on account of displacement to earn reasonable income and to
facilitate their inclusion in mainstream economic activities.
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NITI Aayog releases First Delta Ranking of Aspirational Districts

Jun 30 2018
The NITI Aayog has released first Delta ranking for 108 aspirational districts to measure their incremental
progress across five developmental areas during two month period of April and May 2018. For these
rankings, total 49 key performance indicators were mapped across five developmental areas: health and
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nutrition, education, financial inclusion and skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic
Infrastructure.
Key Facts
In the first edition of Delta rankings, 108 districts out of total 112 had participated. The districts started
entering data from April 1, 2018 in the “Champions of Change” dashboard. Some of the data points for this
ranking were sourced from ministries of central government, including those of financial inclusion, skill
development and three indicators of basic infrastructure. Most of the data points, however, have been self-
reported by the various districts themselves.
Performance of districts
Most improved aspirational districts: Dahod (Gujarat, rank: 1st), West Sikkim district (Sikkim, 2nd).
Ramanathapuram district (Tamil Nadu, 3rd) and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh, 4th) and YSR Kadapa
district (Andhra Pradesh, 5th).
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Least improved aspirational districts: Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir), Begusarai (Bihar), Ranchi
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(Jharkhand), Simdega (Jharkhand) and Khagaria( Bihar) were listed as first to fifth aspirational districts,
respectively, in least improved states.
Significance of Delta rankings
The purpose of Delta rankings is to spur sense of competition among dynamic teams in aspirational
districts. It will also serve as tool to identify sectors and indicator specific challenges so that Team India,
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which is driving Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme can take immediate corrective
measures.
The ranking takes step further and looks into specific aspects of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and analyses how districts have performed across important sectors. This grouping and positioning will
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aidDistrict Magistrates or Collectors to focus more on these sectors and improve their ranking in future.
Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme
The programme launched in January 2018 aims to quickly and effectively transform some of most
underdeveloped districts of the country. The programme envisages rapid development of selected
districts on basis of composite index based on five parameters health and nutrition, education, financial
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inclusion, skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. It focuses closely
on improving people’s ability to participate fully in burgeoning economy. It seeks to bring these indicators
in selected districts at par with the better performing districts in the country. Broad contours of the
programme are Convergence of Central and State Schemes; Collaboration of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’
Officers and District Collectors and Competition among districts driven by Mass Movement or Jan Andolan.
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Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign: Madhya Pradesh awarded for reducing maternal
mortality
Jun 30 2018
Madhya Pradesh was awarded by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for reducing maternal
mortality under Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign (Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva
Abhiyan-PMSMA). The state was awarded for registering unprecedented 48-digit decline in maternal
deaths from 2014 to 2016 as per report of Registrar General of India (RGI).
Key Facts
The maternal mortality rate in Madhya Pradesh was 221 in 2011-13, which has now dropped down further
to just 173. This accounts to significant 22% decline in the last three years in the state. State Government’s
various awareness programmes like institutional delivery, Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM),
Anganwadi workers, knock-out campaigns etc. have played pivotal role in reducing maternal mortality
rate and this decline will be more noticeable in the coming years.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
PMSMA or Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign was launched by Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare to provide free health check-ups to pregnant women at government health centres and hospitals
in both rural and urban areas. It is national programme that aims to provide pregnant ladies free ante-
natal services (ANC) and required treatment for free on 9th of every month. Private practitioners will play
a critical role in supplementing the efforts of the Government.
Objectives of PMSMA
Provide healthy life to the pregnant women.
Lowering the maternity mortality rate and infant mortality rate.
Making pregnant women aware of their health issues and diseases.
Making sure safe delivery and healthy life of the baby.
Intended Beneficiaries: The programme is applicable only for pregnant women in their pregnancy period of 3
to 6 months (i.e. in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy). It is expected to provide free antenatal care
to about 3 crore pregnant women across the country.
Facilities: The programme will provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care on 9th of every
month (fixed day). Under it all kinds of medical checkups are provided completely free to pregnant
women. Besides, free checkups including blood pressure, sugar level, weight, haemoglobin test, blood test
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and screening will be also provided. These checkups can take place at medical centres, government and
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private hospitals and private clinics across the country.
Colour Coding: One of the critical components of this programme is mark women differently using
different colour stickers based on their health problems so that doctors can easily detect the problem.
Women will be marked differently using different colour stickers based on their health problems so that
doctors can easily detect the problem. Red Sticker for women with high risk pregnancy, Green Sticke for
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women with no risk factor detected.
President launches Solar Charkha Mission
Jun 28 2018
President Ram Nath Kovind launched Solar Charkha Mission under which Government will disburse
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subsidy of Rs 550 crore to thousands of artisans, generating employment in rural areas. It was launched
during the event of Udyam Sangam (National MSME Conclave) on the occasion of World MSME Day
(observed on 27 June).
Key Facts
Under this mission, Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) will cover 50 clusters across
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the country including in the Northeast and each cluster will employ 400 to 2,000 artisans. Its ultimate
aim is to generate employment in rural areas and contribute to the green economy. It also aims at linking
five crore women across the country to the initiative. The mission is expected to create one lakh jobs
during the first two years.
Women Entrepreneurs Platform: NITI Aayog signs SoI with Financial Institutions & Social
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Organisations
Jun 28 2018
NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEP) has signed five separate Statement of Intent (SoIs)
with Financial Institutions & Social Organisations to create opportunities and support women
entrepreneurs. These organisations are Shri Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank Limited, Indiabulls Housing
Finance Limited, SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited, Sreemanta Sankar Mission and the Self Employed
Women’s Association (SEWA).
Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEP)
WEP was launched by NITI Aayog on the occasion of International Women’s day (March 8, 2018). Its
objective to b build vibrant ecosystem for women across country to help realise their entrepreneurial
aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their
businesses.
It also aims to power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through an enabling network of industry
collaborations, partnerships, mentors and peer-to-peer connect. It also seeks to address bottlenecks faced
by both aspiring and established women entrepreneurs by streamlining information across government
and private sector schemes and initiatives with informative, interactive website as a dedicated resource
and knowledge base.
WEP aspires to substantially increase number of women entrepreneurs to create and empower dynamic
new India by opening up avenues of growth and opportunity for women entrepreneurs. These aspirations
of women entrepreneurs are manifested in three pillars on which WEP is built: Ichha Shakti: Motivating
aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise; Gyaan Shakti: Providing knowledge and ecosystem
support to women entrepreneurs to help them foster entrepreneurship; Karma Shakti: Providing hands-
on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up businesses.
The WEP platform operates within broader framework of industry collaborations and partnerships, which
cut across sectors in economy. It will provide unique services such as credit evaluation of women-led
startups by CRISIL and potential equity investments through an Rs. 10 crore fund established by DICE
Districts
Van Dhan Scheme: Government proposes to set up 3,000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000
SHGs
Jun 27 2018
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The Union Government has proposed to set up 3000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000 Self Help Groups
(SHGs) across the country under its Van Dhan Scheme. This will help in empowering tribals by providing
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them skill up-gradation and capacity building training for value addition of forest produce for
modernizing traditional tribal-rural economic system.
Van Dhan Scheme
The scheme was launched by Prime Minister on 14th April, 2018 during the celebrations of Ambedkar
Jayanti at Bijapur Chattisgarh. It aims at targeting livelihood generation for tribals by harnessing non-
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timber minor forest produces (MFP), the true wealth of forest (i.e. Van Dhan). For this, it will provide them
skill up-gradation and capacity building training for value addition of forest produce. Value addition
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will ensure remunerative prices to tribals.

It also aims at building upon traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribals by adding technology & IT for
value addition. It also aims to promote MFPs-centric livelihood development of tribal gatherers and
artisans It will promote and leverage collective strength of tribals (through SHGs) to achieve scale.
Implementation: It will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Central Level and Tribal
Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) as nodal agency at National Level by
providing training and technical support. At State level, state nodal agency for MFPs and district
collectors will play pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level.
Van Dhan Vikas Kendra: TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led multi-purpose kendras
predominantly forested tribal districts. These kendras will be cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30 tribal
MFP gatherers each. They will provide skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of
primary processing and value addition facility. Locally these kendras will be managed by Managing
Committee (an SHG) consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in cluster. Big corporates will help to
create secondary level value addition facility at district level and tertiary level value addition facility at
state level under the PPP model.
Gujarat Government launches Suryashakti Kisan Yojana
Jun 25 2018
Gujarat government has launched Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY), solar power scheme for farmers
enabling them to generate electricity for their captive consumption as well as sell surplus power to grid
and earn extra buck. It is claimed to be first such scheme in the country, where farmer will produce his
power and sell surplus to State power utility.
The pilot project of the scheme will kickoff from July 2018 and about 137 feeders will be set up. It will cover
as many as 12,400 farmers from 33 districts. The project cost is around Rs 870 crore and it will generate
175 MW.
Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY)
The scheme aims at empowering farmers of state to generate their own electricity using solar energy and
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help doubling their income. Under it, farmers of state having existing electricity connection will be given
solar panels as per their load requirements. It envisages setting up of separate feeders for agricultural
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solar energy consumption.
Cost Sharing: The State and Central governments will give 60% subsidy on cost of project. The farmer is
required to take 5% cost, while 35% will be provided to him as affordable loan with interest rates of 4.5 to
6%.
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Duration of scheme: It is 25 years, which is split between 7-year period and 18-year period. For first 7
years, farmers will get per unit rate of Rs 7 (Rs 3.5 by state power utility + Rs 3.5 by state government). For
the subsequent 18 years they will get rate of Rs 3.5 for each unit sold.
7-Star Gram Panchayat Rainbow scheme: Haryana rank its panchayats on basis of 7 social
parameters
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Jun 20 2018
Harayana Government has launched 7-Star Gram Panchayat Rainbow scheme to give star rankings to its
panchayats on the basis of seven social parameters. Under this scheme, as many as 1,120 villages of the
state have achieved rankings since its launch in January 2018. Ambala has topped star ranking followed by
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Gurugram and Karnal.

Key Facts
Under this scheme, seven social parameters under which panchayats will be judged are sex ratio,
education, hygiene, environment preservation, governance and social participation. Stars of different
colours (mentioned below) are awarded to panchayats depending upon their performance in each
parameter.
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Gram panchayats scoring maximum in all parameters will be recognized as Indradhanush Gram
Panchayats. They will get special grants for development works from Development and Panchayats
Department of the State Government depending upon their performance.
Villages winning six stars will be entitled to get additional developmental works worth Rs 20 lakh. Villages
with 5 stars rating will get additional developmental works worth Rs. 15 lakh. Villages with 4 stars will get
additional developmental works worth Rs 10 lakh.
Various Colour Stars
Pink star: It will be awarded to those panchayats that make outstanding performance in improving sex
ratio.
Green star: It is for protection of environment, white star for cleanliness,
Saffron star: It is for crime-free villages.
Sky colour star: It will be awarded to village that will have no drop out.
Golden star: It is for good governance.
Silver star: It will be awarded for participation in development of villages.
Rewards
Villages for achieving each parameter will be rewarded Rs 1 lakh. Villages having equal or more girl
population will be given Rs 50,000 as bonus with their reward money. Similarly, villages which adopt
Swachhta Mission will be given additional Rs 50,000 as reward.
NHRR Project: Government launches India’s first Nationwide Healthcare Establishment Census
Jun 20 2018
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched National Health Resource Repository
(NHRR) Project. It is country’s first ever healthcare establishment census to collect data of all public and
private healthcare establishments.
NHRR Project
NHRR Project aims to strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop platform for citizen and
provider-centric services by creating robust, standardized and secured IT-enabled repository of India’s
healthcare resources. The census will be conducted under Collection of Statistics Act 2008.
It will comprehensively collect information of both, private and public healthcare establishments
including Indian Railways, ESIC, Defence and Petroleum healthcare establishments. It will capturing data
on over 1,400 variables of over 20 lakh healthcare establishments like hospitals, clinics, doctors, diagnostic
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labs, pharmacies and nursing homes.
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The exercise will involve approximately 4,000 trained professionals who will approach every healthcare
establishment for information collection. For this census, Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) has
been actively engaging with key stakeholders including leading associations, allied ministries and several
private healthcare service providers. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is technology partner for
this project mainly for data security.
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Expected outcomes of NHRR project
It will provide comprehensive data on all health resources including private doctors, health facilities,
chemists and diagnostics labs. It will establish NHRR for evidence based decision making – aligned with
Digital India mission. It will enhance coordination between central and state government for optimization
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of health resources, making live and realistic state Project Implementation Plans (PIPs). It will also
improve accessibility of data at all levels, including State Head of Departments, thus, decentralize decision
making in healthcare sector at district and state level for effective implementation government policies. It
will enable advanced research towards ongoing and forthcoming healthcare challenges arising from other
determinants of health like – disease, environment etc.
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Government launches National Digital Library of India

Jun 20 2018
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched National Digital Library of India
(NDLI) on the occasion of National Reading Day (observed on June 17) in New Delhi. NDLI’s objective is to
make digital educational resources available to all citizens of the country to empower, inspire and
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encourage learning.
National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
NDLI is project of Ministry of HRD under the aegis of National Mission on Education through Information
and Communication Technology (NMEICT) to develop a framework of virtual repository of learning
resources with a single-window search facility.
NDLI has been developed by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. It is single window platform
that collects and collates metadata from premier learning institutions in India and abroad, as well as other
relevant sources. It is open to all at free of cost.
It is digital repository 17 million-plus items containing textbooks, articles, videos, audio books, lectures,
simulations, fiction and all other kinds of learning media) in 200-plus languages from more than 170
institutions.
It has been designed to hold content of any language and provides learning and research interface support
for leading Indian languages. It is arranged to provide support for all academic levels including
researchers and life-long learners from all disciplines and in all popular form of access devices and also to
differently-abled learners.
Government to expand BPO promotion scheme for rural youth to 1 lakh seats
Jun 19 2018
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) is planning to expand its India BPO Promotion
Scheme to 1 lakh seats from current 48,000 seats. It will also set up 5th and India’s largest National data
centre (NDC) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with capacity of 5 lakh virtual servers. NDCs host government
websites, services and apps, are currently operational at four locations Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi and
Bhubaneswar. These initiatives will help to create new job opportunities and also ensure that people in
smaller towns find employment closer home.
India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS)
The scheme was approved under Digital India Programme to incentivize BPO/IT- ITES operations sector
in the country. It was launched in 2014. The scheme aims to incentivize establishment of BPO firms and
their extension to Tier II and Tier III cities (as per census 2011) to provide employment, distributed across
various states in proportion to population of state with financial support in form of Viability Gap Funding
(VGF).
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society of MeitY is nodal implementing
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agency of the scheme. It will be implemented to incentivize setting up of BPO/ITES operations across the
country (excluding certain cities and north eastern states which are covered separately under North-East
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BPO Promotion Scheme).
Objectives of IBPS
Create employment opportunities for the youth, by promoting IT/ITES industry particularly by
setting up BPO/ITES operations.
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Promotion of investment in IT/ITES sector in order to expand base of IT Industry and secure
balanced regional growth.
Incentives: Under this scheme, financial support up to 50% of expenditure towards Capital Expenditure
(Capex) and/or Operational Expenditure (Opex) is provided subject to upper limit of Rs. 1 Lakh/seat.
Moreover, special incentives is given for employing women and persons with disability (PwDs),
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employment generation beyond target and wider dispersal within state. It also gives special consideration
for hilly areas and rural areas and also to local entrepreneurs.
Government launches Swajal Scheme in 115 Aspirational districts
Jun 15 2018
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Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched Swajal Scheme in 115 Aspirational districts of India
to provide clean drinking water. It will involve outlay of Rs. 700 crores through flexi-funds under existing
National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) budget.
Swajal Scheme
Swajal is community owned drinking water scheme or programme for sustained drinking water supply.
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Under it, 90% of project cost is taken care by the Government and remaining 10% is contributed by
beneficiary community. The operations and management of the project is taken care by the local villagers.
Under this scheme, government aims to provide villages with piped water supply powered by harnessing
solar energy. Moreover, hundreds of rural technicians will be trained under this scheme for operation and
maintenance of Swajal units.
Aspirational districts
The Union Government had selected 115 backward (aspirational) districts for rapid transformation by
2022 in line with Government’s vision to create ‘New India’. NITI Aayog had selected these districts on six
socio-economic parameters, pertaining to health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion and skill
development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. Under this initiative, Government
focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fully in burgeoning economy
These 115 backward districts include 35 districts affected by Left Wing Extremists (LWE) violence, 55
districts just affected by LWE and another 15 including districts in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast
affected by terrorism. Government has embarked upon major policy initiative for rapid transformation of
these 115 districts that are lagging on specific development parameters. For this government will leverage
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), aided by technology to bring radical transformation of these

aspirational districts
20 States sign MoU for implementing Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission
Jun 15 2018
Twenty States have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare (MoHFW) for implementing Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-
NHPM). The MoUs were exchanged during Health Ministers’ conclave held in New Delhi. During the
conclave, aspects of NHPM, like operational guidelines, model tender document for selection of insurance
companies and implementation support agencies for trusts were discussed.
Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM)
AB-NHPM aims to target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on
Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. It will cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year,
taking care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size
and age in the scheme. The scheme integrates two on-going centrally sponsored schemes viz. Rashtriya
Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).
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Benefit cover: It includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It will cover all pre-existing conditions
from beginning of the policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to the
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beneficiary.
Cashless benefits: The scheme allows the beneficiary to take cashless benefits from any public or private
empanelled hospitals across the country. The payment for treatment will be done on package rate which
will be defined by Government in advance basis. The package rates will include all the costs associated
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with treatment.
Role of state governments: They are allowed to expand the scheme both horizontally and vertically. They
are also free to choose modalities for implementation. They can implement through insurance company or
directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model. States/UTs will have also flexibility to modify these
rates within limited bandwidth.
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Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, Ayushman
Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level. It will be
chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.
Ten new iconic sites selected under Phase III of Swachh Iconic Places of Swachh Bharat Mission
PD
Jun 13 2018
The Union Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has selected 10 more iconic sites under Phase III of
Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) of Swachh Bharat Mission. The third phase of SIP was launched at Mana village
which is situated close to Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand.
Key Facts
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These 10 new sites under Phase III have joined 20 other iconic places selected under Phase I & II where
special sanitation work is already underway. 10 new iconic sites are: Raghavendra Swamy Temple
(Andhra Pradesh), Hazarduari Palace (West Bengal), Brahma Sarovar Temple (Haryana), Vidur Kuti (Uttar
Pradesh), Mana village (Uttarakhand), Pangong Lake (J&K), Nagvasuki Temple (UP), Ima Keithal market
(Manipur), Sabarimala Temple (Kerala) and Kanvashram (Uttarakhand).
Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)
SIP is an initiative of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission and was
launched in 2016. It was initiated as project to implement Prime Minister’s vision to take iconic places and
their surroundings to higher standards of cleanliness (swachhata), so that all visitors benefit and also take
away home message of cleanliness.
Implementation of SIP: It is collaborative project of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation with three
other central Ministries: Ministry of (M/o) Housing and Urban Affairs, M/o Culture, and M/o Tourism. It
also involves local administrations in concerned states and public sector and private companies are also
sponsoring partners.
Initiatives taken up under SIP: Improved sewage infrastructure, installation of Sewage Treatment Plant
(STP), drainage facilities, improved sanitation facilities, water vending machines, solid and liquid waste
management (SLWM) set-up, structure restoration, lighting arrangements, beautification of parks, roads
maintenance, better transport facilities in approach and access areas besides at the main sites.
Phase I iconic places are: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, CST Mumbai, Kamakhya Temple, Golden Temple,
Maikarnika Ghat, Meenakshi Temple, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Jagannath Temple, Taj Mahal and Tirupati
Temple.
Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Charminar, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Convent and
Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Kalady, Gommateswara, BaidyanathDham, Gaya Tirth and Somnath
temple.
Explained: Seva Bhoj Yojna
Jun 12 2018
The Union Ministry of Culture has launched Seva Bhoj Yojna, a new scheme to provide financial assistance
on purchase of specific food items by Charitable Religious Institutions (CRIs) for free distribution among
people. Under this scheme, Centre’s share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) charged on the raw
food materials purchased by the religious institutions will be refunded.
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Seva Bhoj Yojna
The scheme aims reimburse Central Government share of CGST and Integrated Goods and Service Tax
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(IGST) of Charitable Religious Institutions (CRIs) who provide food, prasad, langar (Community Kitchen),
Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to public and devotees. This will help to lessen the
financial burden of such Charitable Religious Institutions.
Beneficiaries: CRIs such as Temples, Gurudwara, Mosque, Church, Dharmik Ashram, Dargah, Matth,
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Monasteries etc. having existence for at least five years and serve free food to at least 5000 people in
month. Such institutions will be given grant under the scheme if they are covered under Section 10
(23BBA) of Income Tax (IT) Act or are institutions registered as Society under Societies Registration Act
(XXI of 1860) or as Public Trust under any law for time being in force of statuary religious bodies or
institutions registered under Section 12AA of IT Act
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Selection: All eligible institutions must registered with Darpan portal of Ministry of Culture. The
applications will be examined by committee constituted for purpose. On basis of the recommendation of
committee, competent authority in Ministry of Culture will register CRIs for reimbursing claim of CGST
and Central Government share of IGST paid on mentioned specific items.
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Government launches 5000 Wi-Fi Choupals in partnership with CSC

Jun 12 2018
The Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeITY) launched 5000 Wi-Fi Choupals in
villages in partnership with common service centres (CSCs). It was jointly inaugurated by Union
Electronics and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi.
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Wi-Fi Choupals
The aim of Wi-Fi Choupals is to transform rural Internet connectivity through BharatNet. They focuses
on developing rural Wi-Fi infrastructure and to host suitable applications to provide various ICT services
at an affordable cost. They will provide 60,000 WiFi hotspots in rural areas enabling people effective
Internet access for their various digital processes. Wi-Fi Choupals are in addition to broadband
connectivity provided gram panchyats through optical fibre network under BharatNet.
BharatNet
BharatNet is Centre’s rural internet connectivity programme which is implemented by Bharat Broadband
Network Limited (BBNL). It is world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programme using Optical fibre. It
seeks to connect all of India’s households, particularly the rural areas, through demand, affordable
broadband connectivity of 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps to realise vision of Digital India. The project is being funded
by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Government extends timeline of Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project
Jun 8 2018
The meeting of Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has revised cost and deadline of World Bank funded
Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP) to Rs.3466 Crore till June 2020. The meeting was held
under Chairpersonship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure to consider proposal of Ministry of Water
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. It was attended by officials of Ministries of Power,
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Environment and Forest, NITI Aayog and officers of Central Water
Commission (CWC).
Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP)
DRIP is a state sector scheme with central component to improve safety and operational performance of
selected dams, along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach. The
project was launched in 2012 by Central Water Commission (CWC) under Ministry of Water Resources,
River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation with assistance from World Bank. Originally the scheme was
scheduled for six years with closure in June 2018 with total original cost of Rs. 2100 crore with state
component of Rs. 1968 crore and central component of Rs. 132 Crore.
Objectives of DRIP
Rehabilitation of old dams in country experiencing distress and are in need of attention for ensuring
their structural safety and operational efficiency.
Strengthening institutional capacity and project management in this area.
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Bring greater awareness on dam safety issues and finding novel solutions to address them by
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pooling best knowledge, technologies and experience available around world.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana: Odisha’s Health Insurance Scheme for
Journalists
Jun 2 2018
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is a new Health Insurance Scheme for the journalists
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launched by the state government in Odisha. This scheme provides Rs. 2 Lakh per annum health insurance
cover to all working journalists of the state.
Key Facts
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana has come into effect from June 1, 2018 and will
initially cover around 3200 journalists and their family members from various media groups.
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The insurance coverage will be applicable for cashless treatment in government and private
hospitals.
The scheme will also cover the injuries and illness faced by journalists while performing their duties.
Name of Scheme
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The scheme has been named after Gopalbandhu Das (1877-1928) a prominent social worker, reformer,
political activist, journalist, poet and essayist of Odisha. His contribution to art, culture and society to
Odisha earned him the epithet of Utkalmani (jewel of Odisha). His contribution to journalism in the state
was short but remarkable. In the decade of 1910, he had launched a monthly literary magazine called
Satyabadi through which he tried to educate the masses.
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Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): Government approves construction 1.5 lakh affordable
houses
Jun 1 2018
The Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved construction of another 1.5 lakh affordable
houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) for benefit of urban poor. Decision in this regard was
taken at 34th meeting of Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee. It approved investment of Rs
7,227 crore with Central assistance of Rs 2,209 crore.
Key Facts
Of the 1.5 lakh sanctioned affordable houses, Andhra Pradesh tops the list of houses with 56,512 units,
followed by Uttar Pradesh (26,060), Madhya Pradesh (17,920), Jharkhand (14,526) and Maharashtra
(13,506). With this, cumulative houses under PMAY(U) would be 47,52,751 houses. Since the launch of the
scheme in 2015, over 45 lakh affordable houses have been approved for construction from 2015 to 2018.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
PMAY(U) aims provide houses to all poor in urban areas by 2022. It is new version of Prime Minister’s
Housing For All by 2022 vision. Its objective is to construct two crore houses across nation. It covers
entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities.
Intended beneficiaries of scheme are Poor people (BPL) and People living under Economically Weaker
Sections (EWS) and LIG (Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of country. It also targets
people living under MIG (middle income Group). Government will provide subsidy ranging between 1 lakh
to 2.30 lakh to people from above categories in order to make them secure.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Government inks $500 million loan agreement with World
Bank
Jun 1 2018
Government (Union Finance Ministry) has signed US $500 million (Rs 3,371 crore) loan agreement with
World Bank to provide additional financing for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) rural road
projects. The loan has maturity of 10 years along with 3 year grace period. It will provide additional
financing for PMGSY Rural Roads Project to build 7,000 km of climate resilient roads, out of which 3,500
km will be constructed using green technologies.
Key Facts
World Bank has supported PMGSY since its inception in 2004. So far it has invested over US $1.8 billion in
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loans and credits mostly in economically weaker and hill states across North India viz. Bihar, Himachal
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It has helped to built and
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improved about 35,000 km of rural roads and benefited about 8 million people with access to all-weather
roads.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
PMGSY fully funded centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2000. It aims to provide single all-weather
road connectivity to all eligible unconnected habitations in the rural areas with population of 500
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persons and above (in plain areas) and 250 persons and above (in Hilly States , desert Areas, Tribal
areas and selected Tribal and Backward Districts). Union Ministry of Rural Development is nodal
ministry for implementation of Scheme.
For this scheme, 75 paise per litre has been earmarked out of cess levied on high speed diesel. It
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considers habitation as unit for providing connectivity and not a revenue village. The scheme encourages
use of “Green Technologies” and non-conventional materials (like waste plastic, geo-textiles, fly-ash, iron
and copper slag etc) for constructing rural roads.
Mission Raftar: Ministry of Railways organizes one day workshop to raise speed of trains
May 31 2018
PD
Ministry of Railways conducted one day workshop Mission Raftaar aimed at raising average speed of
freight trains and coaching trains in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by Minister of State (MoS)
for Railways Rajen Gohain and Chairman of Railway Board Ashwani Lohani. It was attended by all
members of Railway Board along with General Managers of Zonal Railways & Senior Railway officers were
present on occasion.
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Mission Raftar
The mission aims at doubling average speed of freight trains and increasing average speed of coaching
trains by 25kmph over a five year period. It was launched as part of strategy of Indian Railways to keep
pace with growing competition from competing modes viz. road and airlines etc. Under it, specific actions
and policy decisions have been initiated on railways for addressing different factors inhibiting average
speeds.
Under it, major constraints to rail mobility such as non-uniform sectional speeds have been identified and
multi-pronged strategy has been developed to overcome the existing impediments due to fixed
infrastructure, movable infrastructure, operational practices and institutional mechanisms.
Significance
The mission will help to reduce travel time for passengers, transit time for cargo, reduce operational cost,
improve revenues and railway’s market share and also reduce pollution as railways in considered
environment friendly and economical mode of transport. Principal routes of railways on Golden
Quadrilateral (Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkatta) along with diagonals which carry approximately 58% of
freight traffic and 52% of coaching traffic has been taken up for initial emphasis of the mission.
Tata Trusts signs MoU with Government to provide development support in Naxal-hit districts
May 28 2018
Tata Trusts has signed MoU with Government to provide development support in eight worst Naxal-
affected districts in Chhattisgarh. These eight worst Naxal-affected districts are covered under
Transformation of aspirational districts Programme of NITI Aayog.
Key Facts
The eight worst Naxal-hit districts chosen for programme and will be helped by Tata Trusts are Kanker,
Rajnandgaon, Bijapur, Bastar, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma. Tata Trusts will provide
government technical and human resource assistance to Government to special development programme.
It will help government in conducting surveys and providing ground level and technical support in raising
living standards of citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all.
Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme
NITI Aayog had launched this programme in January 2017 with an aim to quickly and effectively
transform some of most underdeveloped districts of the country. Over 100 districts from across the
country were chosen to implement ambitious programme.
The programme envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of composite index based on
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health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion, skill development, agriculture and water resources
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and basic infrastructure. It focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fully in burgeoning
economy. It seeks to bring these indicators in selected districts at par with the better performing districts
in the country.
NITI Aayog signs SoI with Sushant Singh Rajput to promote Women Entrepreneurship Platform
May 26 2018
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NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with noted media personality and entrepreneur Sushant
Singh Rajput to collaborate and support its flagship Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) initiative.
In his new role, actor turned entrepreneur will support NITI’s initiative for women entrepreneurs, to fund
women-led startups to establish a vibrant, enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem for women of the country.
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He will also promote Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) digital payments app for cashless economy by
appearing in various video, print and social media campaigns of NITI Aayog. He will also support NITI
Aayog in promoting Women Transforming India Awards 2018 with theme ‘Women and
Entrepreneurship’.
Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
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NITI Aayog had launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in March 2018 on the occasion of the
International Women’s Day.
Objectives
Build ecosystem for women across India to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up
innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses.
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Power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through enabling network of industry collaborations,

partnerships, mentors and peer-to-peer connect.
WEP helps aspiring women entrepreneurs in three different ways which is manifested as its three pillars.
They are
Ichha Shakti: Motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise.
Gyaan Shakti: Providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them
foster entrepreneurship.
Karma Shakti: Providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up
businesses
Government launches Samagra Shiksha scheme to improve quality of school education
May 25 2018
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched Samagra Shiksha scheme to
improve quality of school education. The scheme aims at improving quality of education, enhancing
learning outcomes and using technology to empower children and teachers. The scheme subsumes three
existing schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shikskha Abhiyan (RMSA) and
Teacher Education (TE) to treat school education holistically, from pre-school to Class XII.
Samagra Shiksha scheme
Samagra Shiksha Scheme aims at unifiying learning from pre-school to class 12 levels by treating
education holistically as continuum from pre-school to class 12. It encapsulates elements of previous
scheme and focuses on digital education by giving emphasis on integration of two Ts – Teacher and
Technology.
Objectives of scheme
Provision of quality education
Enhancing learning outcomes of students
Bridging social and gender gaps in school education
Promoting vocationalisation of education
Strengthening teacher education institutions like SCERTs and Diets to improve quality of teachers
Providing annual grant of Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per school for strengthening of libraries
Significance
Samagra Shiksha is first integrated scheme extending unified support to states from pre-school to senior
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secondary levels. It is paradigm shift in conceptual design of school education by treating school
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holistically as continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary and senior secondary levels.
The scheme builds on grade-wise, subject-wise Learning Outcomes and largest National Achievement
Survey (NAS)-2017-18 to strategize district level interventions for improving quality of education. It will
help to shift focus of student learning from content to competencies.
The scheme envisages active participation of all stakeholders especially parents, school management
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committee (SMC) members, community and state functionaries towards efforts to ensure quality
education to children.
It also extends benefits of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme, under which girls from
disadvantaged sections are provided education with hostel facility from class 6-8 to class 6-12.
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The scheme focuses on strengthening teachers, the crucial pillar of education system by making SCERTs
and DIETs nodal agencies for teacher training. These institutions will be strengthened to emphasize
integration of in-service and pre-service training structures in states to make it need-focused and
dynamic. This will strengthen quality of teaching in schools across levels.
UJALA scheme: EESL distributes over 30 crore LED bulbs across the country
PD
May 20 2018
State run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has distributed over 30 crore light emitting diode (LED)
bulbs across country under zero-subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme. The
distribution of 30 crore LED bulbs has led to energy savings of over 38,952 million kWh, annually,
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amounting to energy savings of Rs. 15,581 crore.

Key Facts
The implementation of scheme has increased penetration of LED in domestic market to 10% from mere
0.4% earlier. It has also increased India’s share in global LED market to 12% from a mere 0.1%. It has
increased annual LED domestic production rom 30 lakh bulbs to over 6 crore bulbs, simultaneously
creating 60,000 jobs.
Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) Scheme
It is zero-subsidy scheme that aims promote efficient lighting, enhance awareness on using efficient
equipment which reduce electricity bills and preserve environment. It is LED based Domestic Efficient
Lighting Programme (DELP). Its purpose is to help reduce electricity bills of consumers and also
contribute to energy security of India.
The scheme was launched in January 2015 and is currently largest LED distribution programme in the
world. It is being implemented by EESL, a joint venture of PSUs under Ministry of Power. Under it, LED
Bulbs are distributed. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10
times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings.
Benefits: Electricity savings, Reduction of load, Reduction of consumer bills and Greenhouse gas emission
reductions. It also serves Government’s mandate of energy efficiency as key mitigation strategy.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Cabinet approves Micro Irrigation Fund under NABARD
May 17 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved initial corpus of Rs.5,000 crore for setting
up of dedicated Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development) under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
Key Facts
The allocation of MIF under PMKSY will be made in instalments of Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore in
2018-19 and 2019-20. Under it, NABARD will extend loans to state governments during this period. The
lending rate under MIF has been proposed at 3% lower than cost of raising fund by NABARD. States will
pay back loans in total seven years period, including grace period of two years. The total financial
implication on interest subvention from MIF will be about Rs. 750 crore.
Benefits
The dedicated MIF will supplement efforts of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Component of PMKSY in an
effective and timely manner. It will help to bring about 10 lakh ha of land under irrigation through
innovative composite, community and cluster based micro irrigation projects with additional investment
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in MIF.
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The MIF will facilitate states to mobilise resources for their initiatives, including additional (top up
subsidy) in implementation of PMKSY-PDMC to achieve annual target of about 2 Million ha per year
during remaining period of 14th Finance Commission under PDMC component of PMKSY as recommended
by Group of Secretaries.
Implementation Strategy
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States may access MIF for innovative integrated irrigation projects, including projects in Public Private
Partnership (PPP) mode. They may also use it for incentivizing micro irrigation through additional (top
up) subsidy over and above one available under PMKSY-PDMC Guidelines and for covering additional
areas.
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Farmers Producers Organization (FPO), Cooperatives and State Level Agencies can also access funds with
Guarantee of State Government or equivalent collateral. Farmers Co-operatives can also access this fund
for innovative cluster based Community Irrigation Projects.
Advisory Committee will be constituted to provide policy direction and ensure effective planning,
coordination and monitoring projects along with Steering Committee for examining and approving these
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projects from state governments.

Coverage
Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) will have pan India coverage. States lagging behind in adoption of micro
irrigation will be encouraged to take advantage of fund for incentivizing farmers. Besides, community
driven and innovative projects will be taken up by state will be provided loans to bring additional coverage
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of micro irrigation.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. AIBP, Integrated Watershed
Management Programme (IWMP) and On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of National
Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It is implemented by Ministries of Agriculture, Water
Resources and Rural Development.
Objectives of PMKSY
Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.
Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani).
Enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per
drop).
Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water.
Enhance recharge of aquifers.
Introduce sustainable water conservation practices.
Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Deoghar, Jharkhand

May 17 2018
The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in
Deoghar, Jharkhand under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). It will serve dual purpose of
providing super speciality health care to population and help to create large pool of doctors and other
health workers in this region to be available for primary and secondary-level institutions and healthcare
facilities being created under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Key Facts
AIIMS at Deoghar will consist of hospital with capacity of 750 beds, trauma centre facilities, medical
college with in-take of 100 MBBS students per year and nursing college with an int-ake of 60 B.Sc
(Nursing) students per year. It will also have residential complexes and allied facilities and services,
broadly on pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi. It will also have 20 Speciality and Super Speciality Departments
including 15 Operation Theatres. It will also consists of Ayush Department with 30 beds for providing
treatment facilities in the traditional system of medicine.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in availability of
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affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medical education in
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country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from different government colleges. It is
funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating infrastructure on health.
Under PMSSY, Government is planning to set up 20 AIIMS across the country. So far AIIMs have been
established in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur (Chattisgarh), Jodhpur (Rajasthan),
Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Patna (Bihar).
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Work of AIIMS Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri
(Andhra Pradesh) is in progress. Construction work also has been awarded for AIIMS, Gorakhpur (Uttar
Pradesh). AIIMS have also been sanctioned in Bathinda (Punjab), Guwahati (Assam), Bilaspur (Himachal
Pradesh).
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Atal Pension Yojana’s subscriber base crosses 1 crore mark: PFRDA

May 16 2018
According to Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the subscriber base of Atal
Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 1 crore subscribers mark since its launch in May 2015. Till date, the
scheme has collected Rs. 3,950 crore of contribution from subscribers. It has generated around 9.10%
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compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) since inception till March 2018.
Top ten states in APY mobilisation are: Uttar Pradesh (1,401,631), Bihar (1,061,660), Tamil Nadu (814,917),
Maharashtra (758,695), Karnataka (686,504), Andhra Pradesh (686,504), West Bengal (551,471), Madhya
Pradesh (498,111), Rajasthan (497,962) and Gujarat (486,465).
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
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APY was launched in June 2015 with aim to provide affordable universal access to essential social security
protection to unorganized work force of country, which constitute more than 85 per cent of the workforce.
It had replaced earlier government-backed pension Swavalamban scheme targeted at the unorganised
sector.
It is available to all citizens of India in age group of 18-40 years (making minimum period of contribution
by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.
1000 to Rs. 5000 per month, depending on his contribution, from age of 60 years. There is no exit to
scheme before age of 60. In case of death of subscriber, spouse of subscriber is entitled for same amount of
pension till his or her death.
Government launches full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme
May 15 2018
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched full-fledged Green Skill
Development Programme (GSDP). It aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors
in the country through 30 courses by 2021 for sustainable conservation and management of natural
resources. GSDP-ENVIS mobile application was also launched to provide more information and applying
to courses under GSDP programme.
Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP)
GSDP was launched as pilot project in 2017 by MoEFCC in partnership with National Skill Development
Agency (NSDA) to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to
sustainable development. Under it, skilling of youth (especially 10th and 12th dropouts) will be undertaken
for increasing availability of skilled workforce in environment and forest sector to provide them gainful
employment or self-employment.
The green skills under it will be imparted in more than 30 programmes in diverse fields identified, which
will be conducted in 84 institutions across country. Moreover, vast network and expertise of
Environmental Information System (ENVIS) hubs and Resource Partners (RPs) will be utilized for
implementation of this programme.
In the first stage, pool of master trainers and specialists is being created, who can further train youth
across the country. All skilling courses under this programme will be National Skills Qualifications
Framework (NSQF) compliant. The MoEFCC will give certificates indicating skilling levels to all successful
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candidates.
Significance
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The programme endeavours to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and
commitment to sustainable development. It will go long way in reaping demographic dividend in the
country and filling the skill gaps in environment and forest sector. It will help in attainment of Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Biodiversity Targets
(NBTs) and Waste Management Rules 2016).
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Explained: Samarth Scheme
May 15 2018
Recently, a meeting of stakeholders on Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector)
under Skill India Mission was held in New Delhi to familiarize the stakeholders about scheme and its
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guidelines. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani. It was attended by
the senior officials of Textiles Ministry, institutions and organizations under it, representatives of textile
industry, State Governments, training institutions among others.
Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector
It is scheme of Ministry of Textiles, approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in
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December 2017. Its broad objective is to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in textile
sector covering entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving.
The scheme is intended to provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications
Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement efforts of industry in
creating jobs in textiles sectors. It targets to train 10 lakh persons (9 lakh in organised and 1 lakh in
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traditional sector) over period of 3 years (2017-20) with an budgetary outlay of Rs. 1300 crore.
Biometric process are used under this scheme for selection of candidates for training purpose. Moreover,
government is also creating attendance system integrated with centralized Management Information
System (MIS) to ensure real time attendance.
4 states, 1 UT sign MoUs for implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme
May 15 2018
Four States and one Union Territory have signed first MoU with National Health Mission, Government of
India for implementing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission
(PMRSSM). These states/UTs are Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and
Chandigarh (UT).
These MoUs were signed during Ayushman Bharat Northern Region’s first workshop on PMRSSM at
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Through these MoUs, these four states and UT will formally commit to
implement PMRSSM. The MoU clearly outlines roles of Central and State/UT Governments for
implementation of PMRSSM. Similar regional workshops are also planned in due course of time across the
country to sign MoU with States/UTs for rolling out of PMRSSM in each region.
Ayushman Bharat scheme
It is Centrally Sponsored health insurance scheme of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Beneficiaries: The scheme will target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population
based on Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. Beneficiaries can avail of services
anywhere in India. This will help to bring a visible relief to the target families by mitigating financial risk
arising out of catastrophic health episodes.
Insurance cover: It will provide Rs. 5 lakh insurance cover per family per year, taking care of almost all
secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme.
Benefits covered: Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It also covers all pre-existing conditions from
beginning of policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to beneficiary. The
beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities.
Wellness Centres: Under it, government will set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres across the country by 2022
that will leverage on comprehensive primary health care for preventive, promotive and curative care.
These centres will provide preventive, promotive, and curative care for non-communicable diseases,
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dental, mental, geriatric care, palliative care, etc.
Mission Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States for
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implementation of scheme, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC)
will be set up at apex level. It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.
Role of State Governments: They are allowed to expand scheme both horizontally and vertically. They are
also free to choose modalities of its implementation. They can implement through insurance company or
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directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model.
Payments for treatment: It will be done on package rate (to be defined by the Government in advance)
basis. The package rates will include all costs associated with treatment. For beneficiaries, it will be
cashless, paper less transaction. States/ UTs will have the flexibility to modify these rates within a limited
bandwidth keeping in view their specific requirements.
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Atal Tinkering Marathon: Top 30 Innovations showcased

May 11 2018
Atal Tinkering Marathon’s Top 30 Innovations to be supported through industry partnerships were
showcased on the eve of the National Technology Day. They were showcased through a booklet compiling
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the work done by the children, the mentors, teachers and schools.
Atal Tinkering Marathon
Atal Tinkering Labs of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog had organized an Atal Tinkering
Marathon in an effort to identify India’s best student innovators. It was six month long nationwide
challenge across six different thematic areas, namely, clean energy, water resources, waste management,
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healthcare, smart mobility and agriculture-tech.

Under it, Students of top 30 innovations will be trained on business and entrepreneurship skills, including
intellectual property, effective communication, making an elevator pitch etc. These top 30 innovations
have been identified from 20 different States/UTs from across India.
AIM is flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in country. Its mandated
is to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country and revolutionize innovation
eco-system.
Objectives
Its sub-schemes include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), for
providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding ultra-low cost
solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal Vikas Challenges.
Government launches Digital India Internship Scheme portal

May 10 2018
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has launched the website of
Digital India Internship Scheme. The portal will facilitate students to apply online for internship. It was
launched by Information Technology Minister Ravi Prasad Shankar in New Delhi.
Digital India Internship Scheme
Objectives
Provide opportunity for student to secure first hand and practical work experience under guidance
of qualified and experienced Supervisor and Mentor.
Ensure active participation of students in learning process through experimentation and putting
into practice the knowledge acquired in the classrooms.
Under this scheme, 25 interns will be inducted for period of three months. These interns will be paid a
stipend of Rs. 10, 000 per month.
Eligibility: Indian students from recognized universities in India who have secured at least 60%
marks in the last held degree or certificate examination. Students pursuing B.E/B.Tech or M.E/M.Tech
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or dual degrees and are in their course of study can apply for internships on the portal.
Duration of Internship: It will be offered two times in year i.e. summer Internship during May and June
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an winter Internship during December and January. The minimum duration of internship will be of two
months and extendable up to three months, depending on the performance of the candidate.
Proposed broad areas for Internship: R&D, Cyber Laws & Cyber Security, e-Governance, Digital Literacy
(HRD), International Cooperation & Industrial Promotion, Hardware Industry and Digital Payments and
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Electronic Testing.
Government to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts across country
May 8 2018
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is going to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in tribal districts across
the country. About 3000 such kendras are proposed to be set up in two years in all forested Tribal
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Districts. Initially, it will be taken up on priority in 39 districts with more than 50% tribal population and
then gradually will be expanded to other Tribal Districts across the country.
Van Dhan Yojana
It aims at mainstreaming tribal community by promoting primary level value addition to Non Timber
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Minor Forest Produce (MFP) at grassroots level. It also aims to promote MFPs-centric livelihood
development of tribal gatherers and artisans. Through this initiative, the share of tribals in the value chain
of Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from present 20% to around 60%.
Implementation: It will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Central Level and TRIFED as
nodal agency at National Level. At State level, state nodal agency for MFPs and district collectors will play
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pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level.

Van Dhan Vikas Kendra
TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in the tribal areas.
These kendras will be cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30 tribal MFP gatherers each. They will provide
skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary processing and value addition
facility. Locally the Kendras will be managed by a Managing Committee (an SHG) consisting of
representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in cluster.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: India inks $200 million loan agreement with World Bank
May 8 2018
The Union Government has signed $200 million loan agreement with World Bank for National Nutrition
Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) for 315 districts across all states and union territories. The loan proceeds will
be used for reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4% to 25% by 2022 under POSHAN
Abhiyaan.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) was launched in
Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan in March 2018. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for
pregnant women, mothers and children.

It targets to reduce level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of
various nutrition related schemes. It also targets stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young
children, women and adolescent girls) and low birth rate. It will monitor and review implementation of all
such schemes and utilize existing structural arrangements of line ministries wherever available.
Its large component involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by ongoing World Bank
assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition
Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country by 2022.
Work Bank Load
The World Bank loan will be used for improving coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to
pregnant and lactating women and children under 3 years of age. It will be also used for project in
improving skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers, instituting mechanisms of
community mobilization and behaviour change communication, strengthening systems of citizen
engagement and grievance redress.
It will be also used for establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and
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management of services for better outreach to beneficiaries during critical 1,000 day window for nutrition
impact. It will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and provide performance
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based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results.
Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana: CCEA approves continuation of Umbrella Scheme in
agriculture sector
May 4 2018
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Umbrella Scheme, Green
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Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana in agriculture sector beyond 12th Five Year Plan from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
The Umbrella scheme comprises of 11 Schemes and Missions.
Key Facts
The 11 schemes and missions were clubbed together under one umbrella scheme ‘Green Revolution –
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Krishonnati Yojana in 2017-18. They aim to develop agriculture and allied sector in holistic and scientific
manner to increase income of farmers by enhancing production, productivity and better returns on
produce. They primarily focus on creating and strengthening of infrastructure of production, reducing
production cost and marketing of agriculture and allied produce. These schemes will be now continued for
three financial years, i.e., 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 with an expenditure of Rs.33,269 crore.
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Schemes part of Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): It aims to promote holistic growth of
horticulture sector and also enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security and income
support tofarm Households.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM): It aims to increase production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse
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cereals and commercial crops, through area expansion and productivity enhancement in suitable manner
in identified districts of country. It will also restore soil fertility and productivity at individual farm level
and enhance farm level economy. It also includes National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
which aims to augment availability of vegetable oils and to reduce the import of edible oils.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It aims at promoting sustainable agriculture
practices best suitable to specific agro-ecology focusing on integrated farming, appropriate soil health
management and synergizing resource conservation technology.
Submission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE): It aims to strengthen ongoing extension mechanism of
State Governments, local bodies etc. in achieving food and nutritional security and socio-economic
empowerment of farmers. It also seeks to institutionalize programme planning and implementation
mechanism, forge effective linkages and synergy amongst various stake-holders, support HRD
interventions, promote pervasive and innovative use of electronic and print media, inter-personal
communication and ICT tools, etc.
Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP): It aims to increase production of certified and
quality seed to increase SRR and upgrade the quality of farm saved seeds. Under it, seed multiplication
chain will be strengthen and also new technologies and methodologies in seed production, processing,
testing etc. will be promoted to strengthen and modernizing infrastructure for seed production, storage,
certification and quality etc.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM): It aims to increase reach of farm mechanization to
small and marginal farmers and to regions where availability of farm power is low. Under it, ustom Hiring
Centres to offset adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high cost of individual
ownership will be promoted. Hubs for hi-tech and high value farm equipment, create awareness among
stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities will be also created under it.
Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plan Quarantine (SMPPQ): It aims to minimize loss to quality and
yield of agricultural crops from ravages of diseases, insect pests, nematodes, weeds, rodents, etc. and
shield agricultural bio-security from incursions and spread of alien species. It will also facilitate exports of
Indian agricultural commodities to global markets and promote good agricultural practices, particularly
with respect to plant protection strategies and strategies.
Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census, Economics and Statistics (ISACES): It aims to undertake
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agriculture census, study of cost of cultivation of principal crops and undertake research studies on agro-
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economic problems of the country.
Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (ISAC): It aims to provide financial assistance for
improving the economic conditions of cooperatives, remove regional imbalances and speed up cooperative
development in agricultural marketing, computerization, processing, storage and weaker section
programmes. It also will help cotton growers fetch remunerative price for their produce through value
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addition besides ensuring supply of quality yarn at reasonable rates to decentralized weavers.
Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM): It aims to develop agricultural marketing
infrastructure and promote innovative and latest technologies and competitive alternatives in agriculture
marketing infrastructure. It also seeks to provide infrastructure facilities for grading, standardization and
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quality certification of agricultural produce. Under it nationwide marketing information network will be
established to integrate markets through common online market platform to facilitate pan-India trade in
agricultural commodities, etc.
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP-A): It aims to bring farmer centricity and service orientation to
programmes. Under it reach & impact of extension services will be enhanced and access of farmers to
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information &services throughout crop-cycle will be improved. It will also enhance and integrate existing
ICT initiatives of Centre and States and also enhance efficiency and effectiveness of programs through
making available timely and relevant information to farmers for increasing their agriculture productivity.
CCEA renames Multi-sectoral Development Programme as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram
May 4 2018
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved proposal for renaming and
restructuring of Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram
(PMJVK). It also has approved its continuation during the remaining period of the 14th Finance
Commission.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)
PMJVK aims to address development deficits in identified minority concentration areas. The identification
of these areas will be done on the basis of presence of substantial population of notified Minority
Communities based on Census, 2011. It will also provide better socio economic infrastructure facilities to
minority communities particularly in field of education, health and skill development as compared to
present situation. This will lead to lessening of gap between national average and minority communities
with regard to backwardness parameters.
PMJVK will be implemented in Minority Concentration District Headquarters, Minority Concentration
Block(MCBs), Minority Concentration Towns(MCTs) falling in 308 districts of 32 States/UTs. It will also be
implemented in Backward Clusters of Minority Concentration Villages (CoMCV) which will be identified
on proposal of States/UTs as per criteria of the scheme.
Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP)

MsDP was launched in 2008-09 in 90 identified Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) having at least
25% minority population and below national average with objective of developing assets for socio-
economic and basic amenities. It was designed primarily to address developmental gaps and deficits in
identified backward minority concentration areas by topping up of existing Centrally Sponsored Schemes
of various Central ministries and departments without any change in norms, guidelines and funding
pattern. It was one of Core of Core Schemes under National Development Agenda in Report of Sub-Group
of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes constituted by NITI Aayog.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana: Cabinet approves setting up of 20 AIIMS
May 3 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved plan to set up 20 All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country and upgrade 73 medical colleges. The decisions
are part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which has been extended by two years
till 2020 with financial outlay of Rs.14,832 crore.
Key Facts
The decision to extend PMSSY is aimed at meeting shortfall in healthcare professionals and facilities
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across the country. Setting up of new AIIMS in various states under PMSSY will transform health
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education and training and also help to address shortfall of healthcare professionals. It will lead to
employment generation for nearly 3,000 people in various faculty and non-faculty posts in each of AIIMS.
Six of 20 AIIMS have already been established. The construction of new AIIMS will be fully funded by
Central government and it will also bear operations and maintenance expenses of these facilities.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
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PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in availability of
affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medical education in
the country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from different government colleges. It is
funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating infrastructure on health.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandan Yojana: Cabinet doubles investment limit for senior citizens
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May 3 2018
The Union Cabinet has approved doubling of investment limit from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh under
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). It also extended time limits for subscription from ay 2018
to March, 2020.
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These decisions were taken as part of Government commitment to financial inclusion and social security.
It will boost social security initiatives for senior citizens and enable them upto Rs.10,000 pension per
month.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
PMVVY aims to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and
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above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. It is implemented
through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). The intended beneficiaries of the scheme are elderly
persons aged 60 years and above.
The scheme provides an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten
years, with an option to opt for pension on monthly, quarterly or half yearly and annual basis. The
differential return, i.e. difference between return generated by LIC and assured return of 8% per annum is
borne by Government as subsidy on annual basis.
GOBAR-DHAN Scheme launched to promote wealth and energy from waste
May 1 2018
The Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro
Resources) – DHAN scheme at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal. It was launched under
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) by Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharti.
Key Facts
The GOBAR-DHAN Scheme aims to positively impact village cleanliness and generate wealth and energy
from cattle and organic waste. It also aims at creating new rural livelihood opportunities and enhancing
income for farmers and other rural people. Under it, villagers will be mobilized to create self-help groups
(SHGs) and creative societies that will help in clean energy and green jobs initiative.
The scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to useful compost,
biogas and bio-CNG, thus keeping villages clean, increasing income of rural households and generation of
energy from cattle waste. It is an important element of ODF-plus strategy under Swachh Bharat Mission
(Gramin). The scheme envisages implementation of 700 bio-gas units in different states of the country in
2018-19.
Background
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) comprises two main components for creating clean villages. They are
creating open defecation free (ODF) villages and managing solid and liquid waste in villages. The Ministry
of Drinking Water & Sanitation now is focusing on ODF-plus activities, including measures to enhance
solid and liquid waste management after over 3.5 lakh villages, 374 districts and 16 States/UTs of the
country were declared ODF.
Significance of Scheme
It will be hugely beneficial for country as India is home to highest cattle population in world which
produces around 3 million tonnes of dung. It will encourage farmers to consider dung and other waste not
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just as waste but as source of income.
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It will provide many benefits to rural people by keeping villages clean and sanitized, improving livestock
health and increasing farm yields. Under it, biogas generation will help to increase self-reliance in energy
utilized for cooking and lighting.
It will augment income of farmers and cattle herders. It will create new opportunities for jobs linked to
waste collection, transportation, biogas sales etc.
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It will also provide stable fuel supply in market for oil companies and accessible credit in market through
government schemes and banks for entrepreneurs.
Government launches Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW for 3 years
May 1 2018
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Ministry of Power has launched Pilot Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW on
competitive basis for 3 years. The main purpose of scheme is to revive commissioned power plants which
are unable to sell electricity in absence of valid power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Key Facts
Under this scheme, these plants will be allowed to bid for power supply. Under it, power will be procured
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from generators with commissioned projects under medium term but without Power Purchase
Agreement.
PFC Consulting Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of state-run Power Finance Corporation) has been
appointed as Nodal Agency and PTC India Limited as aggregator.
PTC India will sign three-year (mid-term) Agreement for power procurement with successful bidders and
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Power Supply Agreement with Discoms. Under pilot scheme, a single entity can be allotted maximum
capacity of 600 MW.
The scheme will assure minimum off-take of 55% contracted capacity. The Tariff will be fixed for 3 years
without any escalation. This scheme is expected to revive power demand which has affected generators
not having Power Purchase Agreements.
Significance
The scheme will help nearly 12 GW commissioned thermal power plants get medium-term power
purchase agreement (PPA) which is pre-requisite for getting coal linkage. Presently out of 40 GW stressed
coal based power generation capacity, 28 plants of 24 GW worth Rs 1.44 lakh crore are commissioned.
Nearly half of these capacities (12 GW) do not have coal linkage because of no PPAs.
PM Narendra Modi launched Van Dhan Scheme
Apr 28 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Van Dhan Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Tribal
Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) during the celebrations of Ambedkar
Jayanti (April 14) at Bijapur, Chattisgarh. PM also inaugurated first model Van Dhan Vikas Kendra under
the scheme in Bijapur.

Van Dhan Scheme
The scheme aims at economic development of tribals involved in collection of Minor Food Produces
(MFPs) by helping them in optimum utilization of natural resources and provide them sustainable
livelihood. Under it, 10 Self Help Groups (SHGs) of 30 Tribal gatherers will be constituted.
The SHGs will then be trained and provided with working capital to add value to products they collect
from forest. They will be able to market their products, by working under leadership of collector, not only
within states but also outside states.
TRIFED will be provide all required training and technical support to SHGs. They will be trained on
sustainable harvesting, collection, primary processing and value addition. They will be formed into
clusters to aggregate their stock in tradable quantity and link them with facility of primary processing in
Van Dhan Vikas Kendra.
Van Dhan Vikas Kendra will be established under scheme will provide skill upgradation and capacity
building training and setting up of primary processing and value addition facility. It will be used for
training of beneficiaries by providing them equipment and tools for primary level processing and
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infrastructure and building for housing.
The SHGs will supply their stock after primary processing to State Implementing Agencies or can directly
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tie up with corporate secondary processor. Big corporates will create secondary level value addition
facility at district level and tertiary level value addition facility at state level under the PPP model.
The PPP model will be based on utilising Private entrepreneur skills in undertaking processing as well as
marketing of the produce. The central and state governments will provide necessary support by creating
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infrastructure and providing enabling environment for undertaking value addition of systematic scientific
lines.
NITI Aayog launches Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission
Apr 27 2018
The NITI Aayog has launched Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with aim to
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bring-in innovations and technologies relevant to the people. This initiative will focus on efforts towards
solving problems in core areas, which would have direct impact on improving lives of citizens and also
generate employment.
Key Facts
For this initiative, AIM has partnered with Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Road Transport and
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Highways, Agriculture and Family Welfare, Drinking Water & Sanitation and Railway Board. Under this
challenge, AIM will invite prospective innovators, MSMEs and start-ups to design market-ready products
using cutting edge technologies or prototypes across pre-identified 17 focus areas.
17 identified focus areas are: climate-smart agriculture, fog vision system for road and rail, prevention of rail
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failure using emerging technologies, predictive maintenance of Rolling Stock, alternate fuel based transportation,
smart mobility, electric mobility, safe transport, instant portable water quality testing, affordable
desalination/recycling technology, waste management recycling/reuse, garbage composition devices, quality of
compost, decentralized composting, mixing blades for composting, waste in public spaces and dissuading public
littering.
Guidelines of Challenges
As a part of it, applicants showing capability, intent and potential to productise technologies in 17
identified ares will be awarded grants up to Rs 1 crore. The grant will be supported by mentoring and
other support as needed at various stages of commercialisation while generating wider deployment.
These grants will not be mutually exclusive and will be given based on Selection Committee’s perception
of potential. The winning grantees will be supported with mentoring, go-to-market strategies by leading
incubators, accelerators and experts, technical support, and other means.
The programme will be open to Indian companies registered under Companies Act 1956 and 2013, MSMEs,
Start-Ups or private R&D organizations (other than Railway R&D organization), academic institutions,
academicians, or even individual innovators.

AIM is flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in country. Its mandated
is to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country and revolutionize innovation
eco-system.
Objectives
CCEA approves restructured National Bamboo Mission
Apr 26 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved restructured National Bamboo Mission
(NBM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) during
remaining period of 14th Finance Commission (2018-20) with an outlay of Rs. 1290 crore. The restructured
mission will ensure holistic development of bamboo sector by addressing complete value chain and
establish effective linkage of producers (farmers) with industry.
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Empowerment of Executive Committee
CCEA has also approved Empowerment of Executive Committee for formulation of guidelines of NBM and
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make changes therein, including cost norms for various interventions from time-to-time as per needs felt
and specific recommendations of states with approval of Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Objectives of restructured NBM
Increase area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement
farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change.
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Improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units,
treatment and seasoning plants, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies
and market infrastructure.
Promote product development at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry.
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Rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.

Promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo
sector.
Beneficiaries: The restructured mission will benefit directly and indirectly farmers as well as local
artisans and associated personnels engaged in bamboo sector including associated industries. It will
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directly benefit about one lakh farmers as it has proposed to bring about one lakh ha area under
plantation. It is expected to establish about 4000 treatment and product development units and bring
more than 100000 ha area under plantation.
States/districts to be covered: The restructured mission will focus on development of bamboo in limited
states where it has social, commercial and economical advantage, particularly in North Eastern region and
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in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand,

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Impact: The bamboo plantation will contribute in optimizing farm productivity and income thereby
enhancing livelihood opportunities of small and marginal farmers including landless and women as well
as provide quality material to industry. The restructured mission will serve as potential instrument for
enhancing income of farmers and also contribute towards climate resilience and environmental benefits.
It will also help in creating employment generation directly or indirectly in both skilled and unskilled
segments.
National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
NBM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was started in 2006-07. It was subsumed under Mission for
Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2014-15 and continued till 2015-16. It aims to
promote growth of bamboo sector through area based regionally differentiated strategy.
Objectives
Increase coverage area under bamboo in potential areas, with improved varieties to enhance yields.
Promote marketing of bamboo and bamboo based handicrafts.
Establish convergence and synergy among stake-holders for the development of bamboo.
Promote, develop and disseminate technologies through seamless blend of traditional wisdom and
modern scientific knowledge.
Generate employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed
youths.
The NBM mainly emphasized on propagation and cultivation of bamboo, with limited efforts on
processing, product development and value addition. There is weak linkage between farmers (producers)
and industry. The restructured mission addresses the complete value chain for growth of the bamboo
sector.
Government signs loan agreement with World Bank for Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project
Apr 25 2018
The Union Government (Ministry of Finance) has signed a Loan Agreement with the World Bank for IBRD
credit of US$ 125 (equivalent) for Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project.
The objective of project is to nurture indigenous innovation, foster local product development and
accelerate commercialization process in biopharmaceutical and medical devices industry in India.
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Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project
The projects seeks to achieve its objective by bridging critical skill and infrastructure gaps to promote
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affordable and innovative healthcare products generation for inclusive development and increasing
competitiveness in India. The project will support consortia of public, private, and academic institutions to
overcome key market failures currently holding back development of innovative biopharmaceutical and
medical devices industry in India.
The components of project are strengthening of pilot-to market innovation ecosystem, accelerating of
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pilot to market process for specific products and project management and monitoring and evaluation. The
closing date of project is June 2023.
Adopt Heritage project: Government awards LoI to 9 agencies for 22 monuments
Apr 25 2018
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The Ministry of Tourism has awarded Letters of Intent to 9 agencies for 22 monuments under Phase-IV of
Adopt a Heritage Project: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan Scheme. It was third award ceremony of the
scheme conducted by Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI), State/UTs Governments in New Delhi. So far, 31 prospective monument mitras have
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been shortlisted under the scheme by Oversight and Vision committee for developing tourist friendly
amenities at 95 monuments.
Adopt a Heritage project Scheme
Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and ASI had launched the scheme in
September 2017 to preserve rich cultural and natural heritage and to promote tourism across length and
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breadth of our country.

Under it, selected public sector companies, private sector companies and individuals will develop tourist
amenities at heritage sites. They are being called as ‘Monument Mitra’ and adopt the sites essentially
under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.
Objectives of Scheme
Provide world class tourist facilities at various natural and cultural heritage sites, monuments and
other tourist sites.
Make these selected sites tourist friendly, enhance their tourist potential and cultural importance in
planned and phased manner across the country.
Features
The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that include cleanliness, public convenience,
drinking water, ease of access for tourists, signage etc. and advanced amenities like Souvenir shop,
Cafeteria, TFC etc. It seeks active participation of industry to ensure sustainable model formulation for
tourism sector.
The public and private companies adopting these monuments will also look after their operations and
maintenance initially for 5 years subject to review at any time. Resources for capital and recurring cost for
this project is proposed through industry participation, through CSR or any other funding option subject
to review and approval of Oversight & Vision Committee.
The heritage sites and monuments enlisted under this project are categorized as green, blue and orange
on basis of tourist footfall and visibility. It is mandatory for monument mitra, opting for monument from
green category to choose at least one site from either blue or orange category.
PM Narendra Modi launches Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
Apr 25 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan at Ramnagar, tribal-dominated
district of Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day (24 April). The scheme aims to
strengthen the country’s Panchayati Raj system and address critical gaps that hinder its success.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
It is Central Government sponsored scheme that aims at making rural local bodies self-sustainable,
financially stable and more efficient. It seeks to address critical gaps that hinder success of Panchayats by
enhancing their capacities and effectiveness, and promote devolution of powers and responsibilities.
Its intended objective is to train and build capacity of elected representatives of Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs). It seeks to shift the participative planning, prepared from the grassroots level upwards
and strengthen panchayat level governance with more appropriate capacity building.
Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by PM Modi had approved
restructured Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) to focus on training, building infrastructure,
stepping up initiatives for e-governance under e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) to deliver
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will be implemented during period from April 2018 to March
2022 with outlay of Rs. 7255 crore.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan: CCEA approves restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Apr 21 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi
approved restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). The
restructured scheme will focus on training, building infrastructure, stepping up initiatives for e-
governance under e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) to deliver on the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). It will be implemented during period from April 2018 to March 2022 with total proposed
cost of the scheme is Rs. 7255 crore.
Key Facts
The scheme will extend to all states/UTs of country and will also include institutions of rural local
government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist. The fund sharing ratio for scheme for
state components will be 60:40 barring Northeast and hilly states where it will be 90:10. For UTs, central
share will be 100%.
The scheme will have both central component- National Level activities including National Plan of
Technical Assistance, Mission Mode project on e-Panchayat, Incentivization of Panchayats and state
component Capacity Building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs),
The implementation and monitoring of activities of scheme will broadly be aligned for achieving
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on Panchayats identified under Mission
Antyodaya and 115 aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog. It will converge capacity building
initiatives of other ministries.
Significance
The restructured scheme will help more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop
governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum
utilisation of available resources.
It will strive to achieve key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching farthest first and
universal coverage, along with gender equality. It will give priority to subjects of national importance that
affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, nutrition, education, primary health services,
immunization, sanitation, water conservation, digital transactions etc.
It is designed keeping in view programmatic convergence with Mission Antyodaya Gram Panchayats
(GPs) and 115 Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog. Strengthening of panchayats under it will
help to promote equity and inclusiveness, along with Social Justice and economic development of the
community.
Increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency. It
will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens
particularly vulnerable groups.
The scheme will help to establish institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at national, state and
district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure. It will progressively strengthened PRIs
through incentivisation on basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit
among them.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: 1st meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges held in New
Delhi
Apr 18 2018
The first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held
in New Delhi. It saw participation of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, CEO Amitabh Kant and
representatives of various ministries of Central and State Governments.
National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges
Its mandate is to provide policy directions to address countries nutritional challenges through
coordinated inter-sectoral action. It is also mandated to coordinate and review convergence between
Ministries and review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis. It will submit its report to the Prime
Minister every 6 months.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan in March
2018. POSHAN stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. It aims to ensure
holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children. It targets to
reduce level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of various nutrition
related schemes. It also targets stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young children, women and
adolescent girls) and low birth rate. It will monitor and review implementation of all such schemes and
utilize existing structural arrangements of line ministries wherever available.
Government launches DARPAN-PLI App
Apr 18 2018
The Union Ministry of Communications has launched DARPAN-PLI application for seamless collection of
premium for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies. The app launched
under DARPAN Project will help in collection of premium of these two policies at branch post offices
anywhere in India, with online updation of the policies.
Key Facts
With launch of this app, indexing of maturity claims of PLI and RPLI polices can be done at Branch Post
Office itself, upon which insurant will immediately be provided with request number for further
references. This will help in providing better after-sales service to customers of PLI and RPLI, particularly
those living in rural areas of country.
DARPAN Project
The Ministry of Communications had launched DARPAN (Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a
New India) Project to achieve total digitisation of postal operations in the country, under IT Modernisation
Plan, Department of Posts (DoP).
The project aims at connecting all 1.29 lakh Rural Branch Post Offices in country to enable them to do
online postal and financial Transactions. Under it, hand held devices with SIM connectivity and solar
power backup are installed in all Branch Post Offices across the country to ensure improvement in quality
of Postal services being offered in remote rural areas.
Significance
DARPAN project seeks to increase rural reach of Department of Posts (DoP) and enable BOs to increase
traffic of all financial remittances, savings accounts, RPLI policy and cash certificates. It also will improve
mail operations processes by allowing for automated booking and delivery of account. Overall, this project
will help to improve quality of service, add value to services and achieve financial inclusion of un-banked
rural population.
Government launches first tranche of Sovereign gold bonds for FY19
Apr 17 2018
The Union Government (Finance Ministry) in consultation withReserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched
first tranche of sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) for current fiscal (FY 2018-19). It will be sold through banks,
designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges namely NSE and BSE and Stock Holding
Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL).
Background
Households in India hold large amount of their savings as physical assets such as gold, silver and other
precious metals and real estate. Gold especially has for long held tremendous attraction both as
investment avenue as well as store of value. Indian households and temple trusts are estimated to be
holding as much as 22,000 tonnes of gold. The ever increasing demand for gold has been putting serious
pressure on import bill of India, impacting growth and investment. The Union Government had launched
sovereign gold bond, gold monetisation scheme and Indian gold coin in 2015. These schemes were aimed
at reducing physical demand for gold, bring into circulation idle gold lying with households, discourage its
import and curb its damaging impact on trade balance.
Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme
SGB Scheme is aimed at providing alternative to buying physical gold. Under it, bonds are denominated in
units of one gram of gold and multiples thereof. These gold denominated bonds are restricted for sale to
resident Indian entities, including individuals, Hindu undivided families (HUF), trusts, universities and
charitable institutions.
The minimum subscription for individual and HUF is 1 gram and maximum is 4 kg. For trusts and similar
entities, maximum subscription is 20 kg per fiscal. Price of bond is fixed in rupees on basis of simple
average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited
for last 3 working days of week preceding the subscription period.
The tenor of SGB bonds is 8 years with provision of premature cancellation after 5 years on interest
payment dates. Investors in SGB bonds have been provided with option of holding them in physical or
dematerialised form. RBI has notified rate of interest of 2.50% per annum on SGB bonds is payable on half
yearly basis.
The bonds can be used as collateral for loans and loan-to-value ratio is set equal to ordinary gold loan
mandated by RBI from time to time. Individual investing in it are exempted from capital gains tax arising
on redemption of SGB. The indexation benefits are also provided to long-term capital gains arising to any
person on transfer of bond.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme: First health & wellness centre inaugrated in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh
Apr 16 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Health and Wellness Centre in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh
to mark the launch of Ayushman Bharat Yojana- National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM). The
insurance scheme dubbed as Modicare was announced in Union Budget 2018 and was approved by Union
Cabinet in March 2018 with budgetary support of Rs 10,500 crore. It is world’s largest government-funded
healthcare programme.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana
It aims to target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on Socio
Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. It will cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, taking
care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size and age
in the scheme.
Under it, the government aims to set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres by 2022 that will leverage on
comprehensive primary health care for preventive, promotive and curative care. Benefits covered under it
include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It will also cover all pre-existing conditions from beginning
of policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to beneficiary.
For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States for implementation of
scheme, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex
level. It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.
State governments are allowed to expand scheme both horizontally and vertically. They are also free to
choose modalities of its implementation. They can implement through insurance company or directly
through Trust/ Society or a mixed model.
Government launches Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
Apr 16 2018
The Union Government launched “Gram Swaraj Abhiyan- Special Interventions”, an high-intensity
outreach programme to deliver welfare schemes to select villages which need particular attention. It was
lunched on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti (14th April).
Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
The abhiyan was launched on the lines of rural development schemes like Antyodaya based on principle of
convergence and saturation. The initiative aims for 100% coverage of seven schemes launched by Central
Government for eligible beneficiaries in three-week window from April 14 to May 5, 2018.
The objective of abhiyan is to promote social harmony, reach out to poor rural households, obtain feedback
on ongoing programmes, enrol in new initiatives, focus on doubling farmers’ income, enhance livelihood
opportunities and re-emphasise national priorities such as cleanliness and strengthen Panchayati Raj
institutions,.
The seven schemes covered under it are Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Ujala scheme, Saubhagya,
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha
Bima Yojana and Mission Indradhanush.
Government has appointed dozens of directors and deputy secretaries to push its flagship programmes to
“100% saturation” in rural areas. It will benefit 17,000 poor villages by providing them free LPG
connections, electricity supply, Jan Dhan accounts, two PM Insurance schemes and immunisation of
children will be available in 21 days.
Government launches e-FRRO scheme to facilitate hassle-free travel for foreigners
Apr 14 2018
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched web-based application e-FRRO (e-Foreigners Regional
Registration Office) to allow foreign tourists and travellers to avail of paperless and cashless visa-related
services.
e-FRRO eliminates need for any human interface and using it foreigners touring India will be no longer
need to physically visit office of Foreigners Registration Office or Foreigners Regional Registration Office
(FRO/FRRO) for visa-related services including registration and visa extension.
e-FRRO scheme
Objectives
Build centralized, transparent online platform for foreigners to avail visa related services.
Provide faceless, cashless and paperless services to foreigners with user friendly experience.
Salient features: Online FRRO Service delivery mechanism without requirement of visiting FRRO/FRO
office barring exceptional cases.
In this online system, foreigners can get as many as 27 visa and immigration-related services in India from
comfort of their place of stay. Using e-FRRO application, foreigners can apply online on portal and obtain
services through email and post without appearing in person at FRO/FRRO office.
Using this application, foreigners are required to create their own User ID by registering themselves.
Afterwards, they can apply online through registered user ID for various visa and immigration related
services in India viz. registration, visa extension, visa conversion, exit permit etc.
The e-FRRO scheme is being implemented on Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking
(IVFRT) with negligible extra expenditure, taking cue from already successfully running e-visa scheme
that has earned revenue of more than Rs. 1400 crore since its launch in November 2014.
Background
In present system, foreigners staying in India on Visa duration of more than 180 days have to get
themselves registered with their respective FROs/FRROs. Similarly, foreigners requiring different kind of
visa related services such as Visa extension, Change of address, Visa Conversion, Change of Educational
institutions, Exit permits etc. are currently required to visit the FROs/FRROs office.
e-FRRO has been running successfully as pilot project in four FRROs (Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and
Mumbai) since February 2018. Now it has been rolled out in remaining eight FRROs across the country –
namely Kolkata, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Hyderabad, Calicut, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
Government extends Phase-1 of FAME-India scheme by 6 months
Apr 14 2018
Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has extended Phase-1 of FAME India Scheme to
provide financial support to electric and hybrid vehicles by another six months till 30 September 2018 or
till launch of phase-II. FAME India Scheme stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &)
Electric Vehicles.
The subsidy amount is yet to be decided but it will be sufficient for next six months. Earlier phase-I of
FAME India Scheme was initially for two years viz. FY2015-16 and FY2016-17. But it was further extended
for period of six month (till 31 March 2018) or till launching of Phase-II
FAME-India scheme
The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India was launched in
2015 under National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM). It aims at promoting eco-friendly vehicles in the
country. The scheme is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry.
Objectives
Provide fiscal and monetary incentives for adoption and market creation of both hybrid and electric
technologies vehicles in the country.
Incentivise all vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three wheeler auto, passenger four-
wheeler vehicle, light commercial vehicles and buses.
Mandate: Support hybrid or electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing eco-system in
country in order to achieve self-sustenance in stipulated period. It covers hybrid and electric technologies
like a strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
Four focused areas: Technology development, demand creation, pilot projects, and charging
infrastructure.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana launched in New Delhi
Apr 9 2018
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in New Delhi. It was
inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan. Under it gas connections
will be distributed to identified beneficiary women in the national capital.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
PMUY was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2016 with tagline of Swachh Indhan, Behtar
Jeevan. The scheme’s motive is to provide free of cost LPG (cooking gas) connections to women from BPL
Households. Through it, cash assistance is given to beneficiaries to get a deposit-free new connection
The scheme aims to empower women and protect their health by shifting them from traditional cooking
based on unclean cooking fuels or on fossil fuels to clean cooking gas. It is first social welfare scheme
implemented by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. In February 2018, Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs (CCEA) had approved to enhance target base of PMUY from 5 crore to 8 crore
UP Government launches Ganga Hariteema Yojana
Apr 8 2018
Uttar Pradesh Government has launched Ganga Hariteema Yojana (also known as Ganga Greenery
scheme) in 27 districts of the state located on the bank of river Ganga. It was launched by Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath in a function organised on bank of Sangam the confluence of rivers of Ganga, Yamuna
and mythical Saraswati.

Key Facts
The scheme aims at enhancing green cover in catchment areas of river Ganga and control land erosion.
Under it tree plantation will be carried out in 1 Km areas from banks of river. General people will also be
encouraged for tree plantation on their private lands under ‘One Person One Tree’ slogan.
Department of Forest has been nominated as nodal department for the scheme. High power committee
under chairmanship of Chief Minister will monitor implementation of scheme. The scheme will be carried
out by September 16, 2018 which is observed as Ozone Day.
Tamil Nadu Government launches Uzhavan app for farmers
Apr 8 2018
Tamil Nadu Government launched bi-lingual ‘Uzhavan’ (farmer) mobile application in a bid to use
technology for benefit of farmers. It was launched by Chief Minister K Palaniswami in state capital
Chennai. The app available in Tamil and English language will allow ryots to have access to nine types of
services, including details about their crop insurance.
Key Facts
The app can be downloaded from Google Playstore. It can be used by farmers to get information on farm
subsidies, book farm equipment and related infrastructure. It will also help them to get details on their
crop insurance, besides receiving weather forecast for next four days. It will also provide information on
available stocks of seeds and fertilisers in local government and private stores.
Amma Bio-Fertiliser scheme
Tamil Nadu Government also launched ‘Amma Bio-Fertiliser’ scheme named after late Chief Minister J
Jayalalithaa. It is aimed at better management of nature farming and help boost and maintain soil fertility.
Government to launch Gobardhan Yojana nationally from Haryana
Apr 7 2018
The Union Government will launch GOBARdhan Yojna, a central government scheme nationally from
Karnal district of Haryana by end of April 2018. GOBAR is acronym for Galvanising Organic Bio Agro
Resources.
The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his 2018 budget speech. The government
aims to cover nearly 700 districts under the scheme in this financial year (2018-19).
Key Facts
The scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste from farms and fields to
useful compost, biogas and bio-CNG. It will also help in keeping villages clean and generate energy while
increasing income of farmers and cattle herders.
Gram panchayats will play key role in implementation of this scheme under which bio-gas plants from
cattle dung will be set up at individual or community level and also at level of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and
NGOs like Gaushalas. The central and state governments will provide funds in the ratio of 60:40, which
will depend upon the number of households in villages. They will also provide assistance of experts for
setting up the plants.
The scheme will be hugely beneficial for country as India is home to highest cattle population in world
(around 300 million in number) which produces around 3 million tonnes of dung.
It will encourage farmers to consider dung and other waste not just as waste but as source of income. It
will provide many benefits to rural people by keeping villages clean and sanitized, improving livestock
health and increasing farm yields.
Under it, biogas generation will help to increase self-reliance in energy utilized for cooking and lighting. It
will augment income of farmers and cattle herders. It will create new opportunities for jobs linked to
waste collection, transportation, biogas sales etc.
It will also provide stable fuel supply in market for oil companies and accessible credit in market through
government schemes and banks for entrepreneurs. Villagers will be mobilized under this scheme to create
self-help groups (SHGs) and creative societies that will help in clean energy and green jobs initiative.
Adopt a Heritage Project: Monument Mitras to adopt heritage sites and monuments
Apr 3 2018
Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) had launched Adopt a Heritage Project. Under it, selected public sector companies, private sector
companies and individuals will develop tourist amenities at heritage sites. They will be called as
‘Monument Mitra’ and adopt the sites essentially under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
activity.
Adopt a Heritage Project
Objectives
Provide world class tourist facilities at various natural and cultural heritage sites, monuments and
other tourist sites.
Make these selected sites tourist friendly, enhance their tourist potential and cultural importance in
planned and phased manner across the country.
Features
The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that include cleanliness, public convenience,
drinking water, ease of access for tourists, signage etc. and advanced amenities like Souvenir shop,
Cafeteria, TFC etc. It seeks active participation of industry to ensure sustainable model formulation for
tourism sector.
The public and private companies adopting these monuments will also look after their operations and
maintenance initially for 5 years subject to review at any time. Resources for capital and recurring cost for
this project is proposed through industry participation, through CSR or any other funding option subject
to review and approval of Oversight & Vision Committee.
The heritage sites and monuments enlisted under this project are categorized as green, blue and orange
on basis of tourist footfall and visibility. It is mandatory for monument mitra, opting for monument from
green category to choose at least one site from either blue or orange category.
West Bengal Launches Rupashree scheme for marriage of poor girls
Apr 1 2018
To ensure safe future for young women, West Bengal government has launched a scheme called
“Rupashree”. This scheme was earlier announced by Amit Mitra, the Finance Minister of West Bengal, at
the time of budget. Under this scheme government provides one-time financial support for marriage of
poor girls.
Salient features
Before marriage an amount of Rs 25,000 will be credited to girl’s bank account.
A woman is required to fill the application form before her marriage and submit it to the office of
Block Development Officer or Municipality Office to avail benefits under Rupashree.
While previous Kanyashree scheme promotes education among women, Rupashree scheme
complements it with marriage assistance.
Eligibility
Beneficiary must be the permanent resident of the West Bengal.
Women should be more than 18 years of age at the time of their marriage.
Annual income of a family should be less than 1.5 lakh.
No minimum educational qualifications are required to apply for the scheme.
The scheme will benefit about six lakh women from the economically backward section with family annual
income not exceeding Rs. 1.5 lakh. State government has allocated Rs. 1500 cr for this scheme.
PFMS portal processes record transactions on single day
Mar 31 2018
The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal has processed record Rs 71,633 crore transactions
on a single day. This was a historical record breaking volume of digital transactions achieved by PFMS.
Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
It is end-to- end solution for processing payments, tracking, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation and
reporting. It is implemented by Controller General of Accounts and administered by the Department of
Expenditure, both in Ministry of Finance. Various ministries/departments utilise this platform to monitor
utilisation of funds provided to the implementing agencies and states governments.
It provides unified platform to scheme managers for tracking releases and monitoring their last mile
utilisation. It also provides single platform for efficient management of funds by tracking them and real
time reporting of expenditure and receipts through treasury and bank interface. It is also used for Direct
Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments under MGNREGA and other notified schemes of the Centre.
CCEA approves continuation of Nutrient Based Subsidy and City Compost Scheme
Mar 29 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for continuation of Nutrient Based
Subsidy (NBS) Scheme and City Compost Scheme beyond 12th Five Year plan till 2019-20. The proposal
was forwarded by Department of Fertilizers.
Key Facts
The total expenditure for continuation of both schemes till 2019-20 will be Rs. 61,972 crore. The
expenditure will be on actual basis since national roll out of DBT entails 100% payment of subsidy to
fertilizer companies on sale of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates.
The subsidy on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers and Market Development Assistant (MDA) on
City Compost will be provided on subsidy rates approved by CCEA on annual basis. The continuation of
both schemes will ensure that adequate quantity of P&K is made available to farmers at statutory
controlled price.
Background
Government is making available fertilizers, namely Urea and 21 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at
subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers and importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is being
governed by NBS Scheme which was launched in 2010.Its objectives are to foster balanced use of
fertilizers to improve soil health and reduce government outgo on fertiliser support (subsidy).
Similarly, MDA is being governed by City Compost Scheme which was launched in 2016. City Compost
Scheme aims to convert all organic waste generated in cities into compost or biogas and market the
compost with the help of fertiliser companies to benefit farmers.
CCEA approves enhancing coverage of Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana
Mar 29 2018
The CCEA chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved proposal of enhancing scope of
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY). The Central Government will now contribute
Employer’s full admissible contribution for first 3 years from date of registration of new employee for all
sectors including existing beneficiaries for their remaining period of 3 years. It will benefit the informal
sector workers as the will get social safety net and result in more job creation.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)
PMRPY has been in operation since August 2016. Under it, Government is paying 8.33% contribution of
Employers to Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) in respect of new employees (joined on or after 1st April
2016) having new Universal Account Number (UAN), with salary up to Rs. 15,000/- per month.
The scheme has dual benefit i.e. it incentivize employers for increasing employment base of workers
establishments and enables large number of workers to find jobs in such establishments. Its direct benefit
is that these workers get access to social security benefits of organized sector. Till now, the scheme has
produced quite encouraging results and has added about 31 Lakhs beneficiaries to formal employment
involving expenditure of more than Rs. 500 crore.
CCEA approves new Integrated Scheme for School Education
Mar 29 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved new Integrated Scheme on School
Education for period 2018 to 2020 to be formulated by Department of School Education and Literacy. The
new scheme will subsume existing schemes related to education such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA),
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE).
Key Facts
The scheme comes in backdrop of Government’s vision of Sabko Shiksha, Achhi Shiksha and aims to
support the States in universalizing access to school education from classes pre-nursery to XII across the
country. It will have estimated allocation of Rs 75,000 crore over the said period is 20% increase over
current allocations
Features of Scheme
The scheme aims is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from nursery to senior secondary
stage in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Education. The main emphasis is to
improve quality of school education by focussing on the two T’s – Teacher and Technology.
Objectives of the Scheme
Provide quality education and enhance learning outcomes of students.
Bridge social and gender gaps in School Education.
Ensure equity and inclusion at all levels of school education.
Ensure minimum standards in schooling provisions.
Promote vocationalization of education.
Support States in implementing Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act,
2009.
Strengthen and up-grade State Councils for Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and State
Institutes of Education and District Institutes for Education and Training (DIET) as nodal agencies
for teacher training.
The Scheme gives flexibility to States/UTs to plan and prioritize their interventions within scheme norms
and overall resource envelope available to them. It will help improve transition rates across various levels
of school education and aid in promoting universal access to children to complete school education.
The Scheme will equip children with varied skills and knowledge essential for their holistic development
and prepare them for world of work or higher education in future. It will also lead to optimal utilization of
budgetary allocations and effective use of human resources and institutional structures created for
erstwhile Schemes.
Benefits of Scheme
It provides holistic approach to education. It focuses on inclusion of senior secondary levels and pre-school
levels in support for School education for t first time. It calls for integrated administration looking at
school as continuum.
It will focus on Quality of Education with emphasis on improvement of learning outcomes. It will enhance
capacity building of teachers. It will focus on strengthening teacher education Institutions like SCERTs
and DIETs to improve the quality of teacher training.
It will enhance use of digital technology in education through smart classrooms, digital boards and DTK
channels. It has specific provision for swachhta activities with support of ‘SwachhVidyalaya’. It will
improve Quality of Infrastructure in Government Schools.
It has enhanced commitment to ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’- Upgradation of KGBVs from class VI -VIII to
upto class XII. It gives emphasis on ‘Kaushal Vikas’ in schools and supports ‘Khelo India’ for sports and
physical equipment. It gives preference to educationally backward blocks (EBBs), Special Focus Districts
(SFDs), Left Wing Extremism (LWEs), Border areas and 115 aspirational districts
Government launches Study in India programme to attract foreign students
Mar 28 2018
The Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) has approved ‘Study in India’ programme to
attract foreign students to pursue higher education in India. Government has approved expenditure of Rs.
150 crores for programme for two years 2018-19 and 2019-20 which will be primarily for brand promotion
activities.
Study in India programme
Objectives
Encourage more foreign students to choose India as destination for higher education.
Double India’s market share of global education exports from less than 1% to 2%.
Improve global ranking of Indian educational institutes.
Features
The programme will provide meritorious foreign students fee waiver and scholarship. The proposed fee
waiver and scholarship will be decided by institute concerned based on the predefined structure. The
institutes concerned will bear expenditure on fee waiver based on cross-subsidisation or through its
existing funding.
Under it, 100% waiver of tuition fees will be only for the top 25% students, 50% waiver of tuition fees only
for the next 25% students, 25% waiver of tuition fees only for the next 25% students and no waiver of
tuition fee for remaining 25% of students. The programme will not affect number of seats which are meant
for Indian students in any educational institute.
Background
In past couple of years, premier Indian institutes have not featured in top 100 in any of global rankings.
One of the reasons is that global rankings also consider number of foreign faculty and foreign students
studying in educational institute. In Times Higher Education Ranking 2018, top spot has gone to
University of Oxford where 38% population is of Indian students. On contrary, Indian Institute of Science
(IISc), Bengaluru has only 1% population of International students. As per existing Government
framework, there is provision of 10-15% supernumerary seats for foreign students in educational
institutes.
93% rural households with access to toilets using them: NARSS 2017-18
Mar 28 2018
According to National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2017-18, over 93% households in villages
who have access to toilets are using them and about 77% homes in rural areas have got toilets. The survey
was conducted by Independent Verification Agency (IVA) under World Bank support project to Swachh
Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G).
Background
The survey was conducted between mid-November 2017 and mid-March 2018. It covered 92040
households in 6136 villages across States/UTs of India. It also covered schools, anganwadis and
public/community toilets in these villages. It used the PPS (Probability Proportion to Size) sampling
methodology and its data was collected using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) platform.
Key findings of NARSS 2017-18
77% of households were found to have access to toilets.
4% of people who had access to toilets used them.
6% of villages which were previously declared and verified as ODF were confirmed to be ODF. The
remaining 4.4% villages also had sanitation coverage of over 95%.
70% of villages surveyed found to have minimal litter and minimal stagnant water.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
SBM was launched in October 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on
sanitation. The mission aims to achieve Swachh Bharat or make India clean by 2019, as a fitting tribute to
150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It world’s largest sanitation program that aimed bring
behavioural change of people with respect to toilet access and usage
The SBM consists of two sub-missions Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), implemented in rural areas, and
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), implemented in urban areas. SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in
rural areas by improving access to sanitation by ensuring use of toilets, besides their construction. It also
seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, and
encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation.
Outcomes
Over 6.5 crore toilets were built across rural India under SBM. Over 3.38 lakh villages and 338 districts
were declared ODF, along with 9 ODF States/3 Union Territories, namely Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala,
Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar
Haveli and Daman & Diu. Over, 300 million people have stopped defecating in open since launch of SBM.
Skill India partners with Ministry of Power for implementation of Saubhagya Scheme
Mar 28 2018
The Ministry of Power has partnered with Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to train the
manpower in six states for speedy implementation of its Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna
(Saubhagya Scheme). These six states are Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar
Pradesh.
Key Facts
Under this partnership, around 47,000 Distribution Lineman-Multi Skills and 8,500 Technical Helpers will
be trained to meet the requirement of power sector projects under Saubhagya scheme. The training
infrastructures will be available with ITI’s at district level as well as infrastructures available with State
Power Distribution Utilities will be utilized for skill training of candidates ensuring successful
implementation of scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna (Saubhagya Scheme)
Objective: To achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the country. The scheme primarily
benefits rural areas, which have vast majority of households without power connections.
Funding: Total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16,320 crore of which Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320
crore. It is being funded to extent of 60% by central grants, 30% by bank loans and 10% by states. Of total
outlay of Rs 16,320 crore, rural areas will get Rs 14,025 crore. For urban households outlay is Rs. 2,295
crore. States will be provided with incentive of 50% of their loan being converted to grants, if
electrification targets under the scheme are met by 31 December 2018.
Identification of beneficiaries: The government will use Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011
data to identify beneficiaries for free electricity connections. Un-electrified households not covered under
SECC data will also be provided electricity connections on payment of Rs. 500 which will be recovered by
DISCOMs in 10 installments through electricity bill.
Implementing agencies: The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited under Ministry of Power is nodal
agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country. To ensure on-the-spot
registration, mobile applications will be used. Gram Panchayat and public institutions in rural areas will
be authorised to carry out billing and collection tasks.
Benefits: Free connections will be provided to below poverty line (BPL) households and even those not
covered under this category can avail electricity connection by paying Rs. 500 in 10 instalments with their
monthly bill. There will be no subsidy component for monthly electricity consumption.
Remote areas: For those household where national electricity grid cannot reach, households will be
provided with solar power packs along with battery banks. Remote hamlets will be powered with solar
panels along with 5 LED lamps, DC fan and plug point along with repair and maintenance for five years.
NAIPUNYA RATHAM: Andhra Pradesh Government launches World on Wheels
Mar 24 2018
Andhra Pradesh Government launched multi-utility vehicle NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on Wheels to
bring technology to remote corners. It was launched at State Secretariat in capital Amaravathi by Chief
Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu.
Key Facts
The Naipunya Rathaams as part of Smart village Smart Ward Programme will facilitate and look to
improve digital literacy, digital skills and create awareness on various government schemes that are
underway in Andhra Pradesh. It is aimed at taking technology and innovation to the remote corners of
Andhra Pradesh.
The first phase of Naipunya Ratham will cover 13 districts and 28 smart villages in collaboration with
Hewlett Packard (HP), Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) and Guide Foundation for
Development. State Government will soon roll out 12 more Naipunya Rathams by May 2018.
As part of it, world on wheels Lab, a 20-seater bus enabled digital facilities and learning lab equipped with
smart technology gadgets as well as with e-learning tools like HP Classroom Manager, HP Video Book and
HP Life will travel across rural areas of the state.
Cabinet approves Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission
Mar 22 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved launch of Ayushman Bharat-
National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM). The scheme will integrate two on-going centrally
sponsored schemes viz. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Senior Citizen Health Insurance
Scheme (SCHIS).
Key Features of AB-NHPM
AB-NHPM aims to target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on
Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. It will cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year,
taking care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size
and age in the scheme.
Benefit cover: It includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It will cover all pre-existing conditions
from beginning of the policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to the
beneficiary.
Cashless benefits: The scheme allows the beneficiary to take cashless benefits from any public or private
empanelled hospitals across the country. The payment for treatment will be done on package rate which
will be defined by Government in advance basis. The package rates will include all the costs associated
with treatment.
Role of state governments: They will be allowed to expand the scheme both horizontally and vertically.
Thye will be free to choose modalities for implementation. They can implement through insurance
company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model.
Implementation: States/UTs will have also flexibility to modify these rates within limited bandwidth. For
beneficiaries, it will be cashless and paper less transaction. States will be required to form State Health
Agency (SHA) to implement scheme and at district level also, a structure for implementation of the
scheme will be set up
Escrow account: To ensure that funds reach SHA on time, transfer of funds from Central Government
through AB-NHPMA to State Health Agencies may be done through an escrow account directly.
IT platform: The scheme will work in partnership with NITI Aayog to operationalise a robust, modular
and interoperable IT platform which will involve a paperless and cashless transaction.
Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, Ayushman
Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level. It will be
chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.
Entitlement: It is entitlement based scheme with entitlement decided on basis of deprivation criteria in
SECC database. Different categories of families covered under scheme are Families having only one room
with kucha walls and kucha roof, families having no adult member between age 16 to 59, female headed
households with no adult male member between age 16 to 59, disabled member and no able bodied adult
member in family, SC/ST households, landless households deriving major part of their income from
manual casual labour. It will also automatically include families in rural areas having any one of the
following- households without shelter, destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger families, primitive
tribal groups or legally released bonded labour. For urban areas, 11 defined occupational categories will be
entitled under scheme.
Cabinet approves North-East Industrial Development Scheme 2017
Mar 22 2018
The Union Cabinet has approved North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 to promote
employment in North Eastern Region states including Sikkim.NEIDS is combination of the incentives
covered under the earlier two government schemes with a much larger outlay. It will have financial outlay
of Rs. 3000 crores upto March, 2020.
Purpose of NEIDS 2017
Promote industrialization: It will promote industrialization in North Eastern Region (NER) states
including Sikkim and will boost income generation and employment.
Promote employment: For this, government is incentivizing primarily MSME Sector through this scheme.
It is also providing specific incentive through scheme to generate employment.
Benefits to industrial units: It will provide various incentives and benefits to all eligible industrial units.
The overall cap for benefits under all components of incentives will be of Rs. 200 crores per unit.
Incentives to be provided to new industrial units in NER
Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC): Under it, 30% of investment in Plant
and Machinery with upper limit of Rs.5 Crore will be provided per unit.
Central Interest Incentive (Cll): It will be 3% on working capital credit advanced by eligible Banks and
Financial institutions for first 5 years from date of commencement of commercial production by unit.
Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII): It will provide reimbursement of 100% insurance
premium on insurance of building and Plant & Machinery for 5 years from date of commencement of
commercial production by unit.
Goods and Service Tax (GST) Reimbursement: It will be up to extent of Central Government share of
CGST and IGST for 5 years from date of commencement of commercial production by unit.
Income-Tax (IT) Reimbursement: It will be of Centre’s share of income tax for first 5 years including year
of commencement of commercial production by unit.
Employment Incentive (EI): Government will pay 3.67% of employer’s contribution to Employees
Provident Fund (EPF) in addition to its bearing 8.33% Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) contribution of
employer in Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
Transport Incentive (TI): Indian Railways will provide 20% of cost of transportation including subsidy
currently provided for movement of finished goods by rail. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
will provide 20% of cost of transportation for finished goods for movement through inland waterways.
Airport nearest to place of production will provide 33% of cost of transportation of air freight on
perishable goods (defined by IATA) to any airport within country.
NITI Aayog releases SATH-E Roadmaps
Mar 19 2018
NITI Aayog has released comprehensive roadmaps and detailed timelines for its initiative Sustainable
Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) project to introduce system-wide
Governance Transformation in school education.
SATH-E project
SATH-E project aims at promoting vocational education, skill development, teacher training and
introducing technology in classrooms. It will also promote data-driven analysis to strengthen academic
monitoring across schools in the country.
It also aims to transform elementary and secondary school education across these three states. Its
roadmap refers to time-bound, goal-driven exercise that will reach its logical culmination by end of
academic year 2020.
It seeks to create role model states for education across country to facilitate qualitative and quantitative
transformation of learning outcomes. It will use innovative, external third party funding and Public-
Private- Philanthropic Partnership (PPPP) experimentation.
It will be facilitated by National Steering Group (NSG), chaired by CEO of NITI Aayog and including Chief
Secretaries of 3 states, which will continuously monitor progress, introduce course-corrections and offer a
platform for addressing issues in implementation.
Key Facts
The roadmaps will operate between 2018 to 2020. They lay out detailed interventions to be taken by three
participating states- Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha to become ‘Role Model States’ in school
education. These roadmaps will present first-of-its-kind, customized, action-oriented programmes,
outlining interventions at individual, district and State level. They were jointly prepared by NITI Aayog,
three participating states and knowledge partners of SATH Initiatives, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
and Piramal Foundation For Education Leadership (PFEL).
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Union Government, providing both directional and
policy inputs. It is essentially an advisory body that seeks to provide critical directional and strategic
inputs across spectrum of key elements of policy to the centre. Prime Minister is ex-officio chairman of
NITI Aayog.
SUVIDHA: Government launches 100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin under Janaushadhi
Pariyojana
Mar 9 2018
The Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has launched ‘Suvidha’, a 100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary
Napkin, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). It was launched by Union
Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs Ananthkumar on the occasion of
International Woman’s day.
Key Facts
The affordable Suvidha sanitary napkins will be available for Rs. 2.50 per pad at over 3200 Janaushadhi
Kendras across India. It was launched under government’s vision of providing Affordable and Quality
Healthcare for All. It will ensure ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’ for underprivileged women. It will
ensure affordability, hygiene as well as ease of use and disposal of sanitary napkins.
SUVIDHA napkin has special additive added in it, which makes it biodegradable when it reacts with
oxygen after it is used and discarded. It will go long way in making basic hygiene requirement aid for
women affordable especially for the underprivileged sections. It will be physically available at all
Janaushadhi Kendras in country by World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28, 2018).
Background
According to National Family Health Survey (NHFS) 2015-16, about 58% of women aged between 15 to 24
years use locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins and tampons. Further, only 48% women in rural areas
have access to clean sanitary napkins and about 78% women in urban areas use hygienic methods of
protection during menstrual period. The use unhygienic aids during menstrual period due to non-
affordability of some of branded of sanitary napkins causes fungal infections, Urinary Tract Infection,
Reproductive Tract Infection, Cervical cancer and also make women vulnerable to infertility. Moreover,
the disposal of non-biodegradable sanitary napkins creates a huge environmental problem.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
The scheme was launched by Department of Pharmaceuticalsto provide quality medicines at affordable
prices to masses through special kendra’s known as PMBJP. These special kendras provide generic drugs,
which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
Objectives
Making quality medicines available at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor and
disadvantaged, through exclusive outlets Jan Aushadhi Medical Store.
Reduce out of pocket expenses in healthcare by bringing down healthcare budget of every citizen
through providing Quality generic Medicines at Affordable Prices.
Mission
Create awareness among public regarding generic medicines.
Create demand for generic medicines through medical practioners.
Provide all commonly used generic medicines covering all therapeutic groups.
Provide all related health care products too under the scheme.
Create awareness through education and awareness program that high price need not be
synonymous with high quality.
Government expands Beti Bachao Beti Padha to pan India
Mar 9 2018
The Union Government has expanded Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme from 161 districts to all
640 districts of the country. The initial focus of BBBP was limited to districts which were either below
national average or were worse in their own states in terms of absolute values of Chid Sex Ratio (CSR).
Background
As per data available in Health Management Information System (HMIS), there has been improvement in
sex ratio at birth (SRB). The SRB which was 918 in 2014-15 has improved to 926 in 2016-17 as per HMIS
data. The successful implementation of BBBP programme in states and districts has led government to
decide to go Pan-India and expand the programme to all districts. However, looking at magnitude and
criticality of problem and its spread across country, the expansion will take care that no district is left out
of BBBP ambit.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
The scheme was launched by Prime Minister in January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana as comprehensive
programme to address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and related issues of empowerment of women over
life-cycle continuum.
The specific objectives of scheme are preventing gender biased sex selective elimination, ensuring survival and
protection of the girl child and ensuring education and participation of the girl child. Its focus is on awareness
and advocacy campaign, multi-sectoral action enabling girls’ education and effective enforcement of Pre-
Conception & Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act.
The scheme is being implemented as a tri-ministerial, convergent effort of Union Ministries of Women
and Child Development (WCD), Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Human Resource Development
(HRD). The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) is nodal ministry for programme at
central level.
Government launches National Nutrition Mission
Mar 9 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Nutrition Mission (NMM) at event held at Jhunjhunu in
Rajasthan on the occasion of International Women’s Day. NNM is comprehensive approach towards
raising nutrition level in country on a war footing.
National Nutrition Mission (NMM)
NNM is an apex body under Ministry of Women and Child Development to monitor, supervise, fix targets
and guide nutrition related interventions across Ministries. It will monitor various schemes contributing
towards addressing malnutrition.
It comprises mapping of various schemes contributing towards addressing malnutrition, incentivizing
states/UTs for meeting targets, incentivizing Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for using IT based tools,
eliminating registers used by AWWs and introducing measurement of height of children at Anganwadi
Centres (AWCs).
It will also comprise social audits, setting-up Nutrition Resource Centres and involving masses through
Jan Andolan for their participation on nutrition through various activities, among others. The mission has
been set up with a three year budget of Rs. 9046.17 crore commencing from 2017-18.
The mission targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia among young children, women and
adolescent girls and reduce low birth weight by at least 2% per annum. Though target to reduce stunting
is at least 2% annum, the mission will strive to achieve reduction in stunting from 38.4% (NFHS-4) to 25%
by 2022.
More than 10 crore people are expected to be benefitted by programme. It will cover all states and districts
in phased manner. 315 districts will be covered in 2017-18 and 235 districts in 2018-19, remaining districts
will be covered in 2019-20.
CCEA approves Rs 1,151 crore Scheme for in-situ management of crop residue to fight air
pollution
Mar 8 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Rs. 1,151 crore Central Sector Scheme
for in-situ management of crop residue in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi.
It will promote agricultural mechanization for next two years (2018-20) to provide cost-effective and eco-
friendly solution to farmers to deal with problem of stubble burning that result in raising air pollution
levels in Delhi and neighbouring states every winter.
Features of Scheme
Under this scheme, the proceeds from central fund will be used to establish Farm Machinery Banks
(FMBs) for Custom Hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery. Government will provide 80%
financial assistance of project cost to cooperative societies of farmers, FPOs, SHGs, registered farmers
societies or farmers groups, private entrepreneurs and group of women farmers. It will also provide 50%
financial assistance to farmers for procurement of agriculture machinery and equipment for in-situ crop
residue management.
Beneficiaries will be identified and selected for establishment of Farm Machinery Bank for Custom Hiring
and procurement of machines on individual ownership basis by state nodal department/DLEC. They may
tie up with Banks for credit requirements of beneficiaries.
The central fund will also be used to create awareness among farmers about in-situ management of crop
residue. The activities will involve mass awareness campaigns through documents, short and long films,
radio and TV programmes, demonstration camps at various levels and capacity building programme etc.
It will also include advertisement in print media, star campaigning, award for village or gram Panchayat
for achieving Zero Straw Burning etc.
Background
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Budget 2018-19 had announced special scheme with 100% Central
share to support efforts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi to address air pollution
and to subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue.
Significance
The scheme is expected to go long way in tackling air pollution issue in NCT of Delhi, as stubble burning
which has been identified as one of key problem areas, especially during post-harvest season of October-
November when prevailing meteorological condition aggravates the situation further.
Sukhad Yatra App and Toll-free Emergency number for Highway users launched
Mar 7 2018
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has launched Sukhad Yatra mobile application and 1033
Toll-free Emergency number for highway users. It also launched scheme for District Driving Training
Centres and will provide grant of financial assistance for Road Safety Advocacy and awards for
outstanding work in Road Safety.
Sukhad Yatra mobile application
It has been prepared by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to empower Highway user. Its key
feature includes provision for user to enter road quality-related information and to report any accident or
pothole on highway.
It also provides users with real-time data related to waiting time expected at plazas and various facilities
like points of interest, highway nest and nest mini, etc. available across highway. It can also be used by
users to purchase FASTag tag and further facilitate highway user experience.
Toll-free number 1033
It will enable users to report an emergency condition and highway-related feedback. Its service has been
integrated with various ambulance, tow away services along highway to ensure rapid response time in
case emergency. The service is supported by a multi-lingual support and user location tracking features to
provide the user with accurate and responsive complaint resolution.
Scheme for District Driving Training Centres
Under it, at least one model driving training centre will be set up in each district of States/UTs. MoRTH
will provide financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 crore for these centres. Its objective is to create employment
and meeting requirement of HMV and LMV drivers in country.
It also aims at inculcating habit of road safety, like attitudinal and behavioral changes among drivers.
These centres will conduct training course for drivers carrying dangerous and hazardous goods. The
agencies that will open centre will provide infrastructure facilities like land, class rooms, simulator, etc.
Scheme for grant of financial assistance
The financial assistance will be provided for administering Road Safety Advocacy and awards for
outstanding done in field of Road Safety. Under it, assistance up to Rs. 5 lakh will be provided to NGO,
Cooperative Societies, Trust and other agencies for administering road safety programme. Three awards
of Rs. 5 lakhs, Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh will be given in each State/UT to individuals of agencies engaged in
road safety advocacy and allied activities.
HRD Ministry allocates Rs.1000 crore for research in S&T under IMPRINT-II
Mar 7 2018
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has sanctioned Rs. 1000 crore for phase II of Impacting
Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme to boost research and innovation in the
country.
Under the IMPRINT-II, a fund is being created by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and HRD
Ministry together, in which participation will come from industry and other interested Ministries. The
project will be run as a separate vertical in coordination with DST.
Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India
IMPRINT India Programme is joint initiative of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute
of Science (IISc). It seeks to develop road map for research to solve major engineering and technology
challenges in 10 technology domains relevant for country.
These domains include health care, information and communication technology, energy, sustainable
habitat, nano‐technology hardware, water resources and river systems, advanced materials,
manufacturing, security and defence, and environment and climate. These domains are distributed among
IITs Kharagpur, Kanpur, Bomaby, Rookree, Madras and IISC, Bengaluru.
Objectives of IMPRINT
Identify areas of immediate relevance that requires innovation in the society.
Ensure support and higher funding for research for identified areas.
Measure outcomes of innovation and research efforts and its impact on people’s standard of living.
Significance
It will motivate technical institutions to conduct research in areas where the country is heavily dependent
on foreign technology. Under IMPRINT-I Programme, 142 projects at cost of Rs. 318.71 crore are already
under implementation. These projects cover 10 crucial technology domains mentioned above.
40 Participants attend 46th Know India Programme
Mar 7 2018
40 participants of Indian Origin from 9 countries attended 46th edition of Know India Programme (KIP).
Madhya Pradesh was partner state of this edition. As part of the initiative participants visited Madhya
Pradesh, Parliament House, President’s House and attended orientation programme at the Foreign
Service Institute
Know India Programmes (KIP)
KIP is initiative (scheme) of Ministry of External Affairs for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) between the age
group of 18 to 30 years. The scheme was launched in 2004 and has so far had 40 editions in which some
1,293 PIO youths have participated.
Objective
Engage and make students and young professionals of Indian Diaspora (18 to 30years) feel sense of
connect with their motherland
Motivated and inspire PIOs by transformational changes taking place in India and give them an
exposure to various aspects of contemporary India’s forms of art, heritage and culture.
KIP is three-week orientation programme aimed at promoting awareness on different facets of life in India
as well as the progress made by country in fields such as economic and education. It offers platform for
young PIOs to visit India share their views, experiences and expectations and forge closer bonds with
India.
The participants are selected on basis of nominations received and recommendations of heads of Indian
Missions and posts. The participants are provided all the hospitality in India. In 2016, KIP scheme was
revamped to extend number of days from 21 to 25 days including 10-day visit to one or two states.
Street Lighting National Programme: 49 lakh LED street lights installed
Mar 7 2018
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has installed 49 lakh LED street lights in 28 states/UTs under
the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP). This information was given by Minister of State (IC)
Power R K Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)
The Programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2015. It aims to replace 1.34
crore conventional street lights with energy efficient LED lights by March, 2019. It is being implemented
by EESL. It is world’s Largest Street Light Replacement Programme. Rajasthan was the first state to adopt
this scheme.
Objectives
Reduce energy consumption in lighting which helps DISCOMs to manage peak demand
Mitigate climate change by implementing energy efficient LED based street lighting
Provide sustainable service model that obviates need for upfront capital investment as well as
additional revenue expenditure to pay for procurement of LED lights.
Enhance municipal services at no upfront capital cost of municipalities
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
EESL was set up under Union Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects.
It is a joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Rural Electrification Corporation
(REC) and POWERGRID. It leads market-related actions of National Mission for Enhanced Energy
Efficiency (NMEEE). It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs.
Odisha Government launches Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas programme
Mar 5 2018
Odisha Government has launched ‘Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas’ (Our Village, our development) programme to
reach out to people in rural areas and involve themselves in developmental activities.
As part of it, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off mobile video vans that will move across the state
to highlight various welfare schemes at villages in the state. It will enable people to connect with the
government
Key Facts
Under this programme, people can directly send their grievances to Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) at
Secretariat in Bhubaneswar through Wi-Fi enabled latest technology video wall vans. This initiative
administration will help people in solving their grievances instantly. In the first phase of programme,
these vans will reach Koraput, Jajpur, Ganjam and Sambalpur districts of state.
Government approves Rs 2,919 crore projects under Nirbhaya fund to create 8 safe cities
Mar 3 2018
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved projects worth Rs 2,919 crore under
Nirbhaya Fund for creating eight safe cities. They are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata,
Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Lucknow.
Key Facts
The projects for safe cities will have special focus on women safety in public spaces and quick response
systems to create deterrence against crime. Plans for safe cities were prepared in coordination with
municipal corporations and police commissionerates of these cities.
Delhi: Project worth Rs 663 crore was approved to enhance safety of public places like roads, schools and
metro stations. It includes use of latest technology such as video monitoring, facial recognition analytics,
and person tracking systems. It will also provide dedicated women safety patrol vans equipped with GPS
tracking and on-board video feed sharing to the existing fleet of the Delhi Police.
Mumbai: Project worth Rs 252 crore was sanctioned to enable GIS mapping of criminal hotspots, video
surveillance, training of investigating officers and quick response police teams. It will also strengthen
Police Didi programme wherein female police officers interact with women living in slums.
Chennai: It will receive Rs 425 crore for project that will create safe-zone clusters at hot crime zones,
security in public transport, GIS-based crime mapping, capacity building of police authorities as well as a
helpdesk service for women. Moreover, cyber-crime and legal assistance compensation lab will also be set
up.
Ahmedabad: Rs 253 crore was approved for ABHAYAM Vans for quick response to women in distress, ‘She
Teams’ of women for surveillance and One Stop Crisis Centres. The project also envisages redevelopment
of Sabarmati River Front to make it more womenfriendly.
Kolkata: It will get Rs 181.32 crore for various schemes, including for strengthening nine women police
stations. Bengaluru: It will get Rs 667 crore for projects which will be utilised for setting up women police
outposts and creation of safety islands.
Nirbhaya Fund
The fund is created by Ministry of Finance in 2013. It dedicated for implementation of initiatives aimed at
enhancing the safety and security for women in the country. It is a non-lapsable corpus fund. It is being
monitored by Empowered Committee of Officers under Secretary of Women and Child Development
Ministry. It is an inter-ministerial committee appraises and recommends various projects (schemes)
proposed by different ministries to be funded from Nirbhaya Fund. Between 2013 and 2017, the corpus of
Nirbhaya Fund has grown to Rs 3,100 crore.
Maharashtra’s first Mega Food Park inaugurated at Satara
Mar 2 2018
The Maharashtra’s first Mega Food Park named as Satara Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. was inaugurated at
Degaon Village in Satara district by Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal. This is
overall 12th Mega Food Park operationalized in country so far and 10th operationalized during tenure of
present government.
Key Facts
The Mega Food Park will leverage additional investment of about Rs. 250 crores in 25-30 food processing
units in park. It will eventually lead to turnover of about Rs. 450-500 crore annually. The park will provide
direct and indirect employment to 5,000 persons and benefit about 25,000 farmers in Primary Processing
Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs) catchment areas.
Mega Food Park Scheme
Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing the scheme to give major fillip to food processing
sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of supply chain with particular focus on
perishables.
The scheme aims to create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along value chain from
farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through cluster based approach. Projects
under it are merged under comphrehensive flagship scheme of ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana’.
Under it, common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre (CPCs) and
facilities for primary processing and storage is created near farm in form of PPCs and CCs. For it,
Government provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50.00 Crore per Mega Food Park project.
CCEA approves continuation of Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
Feb 28 2018
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Prime Minister’s
Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan for 3 years from 2017-18 to 2019-20
The scheme has been extended with total outlay of Rs. 5,500 crore to create sustainable estimated
employment opportunities for 15 lakh persons in three financial years.
Key Facts
Targets under the continuation period has been fixed taking into account extent of backwardness of
states, unemployment, fulfillment of previous year targets and population of States/UTs and availability of
traditional skills and raw material.
Minimum target of 75 projects per district will be awarded to all districts across country to achieve
Inclusive Growth. Higher rate of subsidy (25% to 35%) will be applicable for women, SC/ST, OBC, Physically
Disabled, NER applicants in rural areas.
The entire process of application flow and fund flow right from receipt of application, processing, sanction
by banks, transfer of margin money subsidy till creation of Term Deposit Receipt (TDR) in name of
applicant will be online.
Background
PMEGP is major credit-linked subsidy programme being implemented by Ministry of MSME since
2008-09. It is aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-
enterprises in non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth in rural as well as
urban areas.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is nodal implementation agency at national level. At State and
district level, State offices of KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs) and District Industry
Centres (DIC) are the implementing agencies.
Government launches 2nd Swajal Yojana project in Rajasthan
Feb 28 2018
The Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched second project of Swajal Yojana at village
Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan. It was launched by Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma
Bharti.
Under this project, four reservoirs will be constructed in village and common tap connection will be given
to almost 300 households.
Swajal Yojana
Swajal is community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply. The scheme
aims at ensuring availability of clean drinking water to every household round year and also generate
employment. Under it, 90% of the project cost is borne by Government and remaining 10% cost is
contributed by the community. The Operations and management of the project will be taken care by the
local villagers. Project undertaken under it will ease lives of people and ensure that potable water is
available for every individual round the year.
Government to launch GOBAR-Dhan Yojana
Feb 27 2018
The Union Government is going to roll out Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-
DHAN) scheme. It was first announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during his 2018-19 budget
speech.
The scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to useful compost,
biogas and bio-CNG. It will also help in keeping the village clean while increasing income of farmers and
cattle herders.
The scheme will be hugely beneficial for country as India is home to highest cattle population in world
(around 300 million in number) which produces around 3 million tonnes of dung. It will encourage
farmers to consider dung and other waste not just as waste but as source of income.
The scheme will provide many benefits to rural people by keeping villages clean and sanitized, improving
livestock health and increasing farm yields. Under it, biogas generation will help to increase self-reliance
in energy utilized for cooking and lighting.
The scheme will augment income of farmers and cattle herders. It will create new opportunities for jobs
linked to waste collection, transportation, biogas sales etc. It will also provide stable fuel supply in market
for oil companies and accessible credit in market through government schemes and banks for
entrepreneurs.
Under it, villagers will be mobilized to create self-help groups (SHGs) and creative societies that will help
in clean energy and green jobs initiative.
Prime Minister launches Amma two-wheeler scheme in Tamil Nadu
Feb 26 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched subsidised Amma two-wheeler Scheme meant for working
women on the occasion of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s 70th birth anniversary. He also launched
70-lakh tree sapling planting drive.
Amma two-wheeler Scheme
Under the scheme, every beneficiary will be given 50% of cost of a two-wheeler or grant of Rs. 25,000. It
will cover one lakh working women every year. The subsidised scooter scheme for working women is an
electoral promise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. During the 2016 Assembly election,
she had promised 50% subsidy for women to purchase two-wheelers.
Government launches six new user friendly features of e-NAM Platform
Feb 21 2018
The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare have launched six new features of National
Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Platform to make it more users friendly.
The six new features are e-NAM Mobile App, BHIM payment facility, new and improved Website with
eLearning Module, MIS Dashboard, Grievance Redressal Management System for Mandi Secretaries and
Integration with Farmer Database.
e-NAM Platform
e-NAM is one of major and important flagship schemes implemented by Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers’ Welfare. Its objective is to provide competitive and remunerative price to farmers for their
produce through online competitive and transparent bidding process.
e-NAM is pan-India e-trading platform. It is designed to create unified national market for agricultural
commodities. Its objective is to provide competitive and remunerative price to farmers for their produce
through online competitive and transparent bidding process.
It integrates Central Farmer Database to increase the efficiency and reduce queue time. It was launched in
21 Mandis in April 2016 and now expanded to 479 Mandis across 14 states and 1 Union Territory. It is now
available in 8 different languages and its live trading facility is available in six different languages.
Using it, farmers can showcase their produce online from their nearest market and traders can quote
price from anywhere. It seeks to increase number of traders and greater competition. It will also ensure
open price discovery and better returns to farmers.
Government launches Swajal Programme and Gangotri Swachh Iconic Place project
Feb 21 2018
The Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has launched Gangotri Swachh Iconic Place project
and Swajal, a community owned drinking water programme in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
These both projects will create cleanliness, provide basic amenities to the people of Ganga bank villages
and will also generate employment. Moreover, Bagori Ganga Gram’ project was also announced for Bagori
village, which was declared open defecation free (ODF).
New Swajal Project
The project was inaugurated at Bagori. It is community owned drinking water programme for sustained
drinking water supply. It has budgetary support of more than Rs. 32 lakh.
Gangotri Swachh Iconic Place project
It aims to make Gangotri as Swachh Iconic Place (SIP). For this, CSR funds of Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation Limited (ONGC) will be used for making Gangotri SIP. The SIP project is coordinated by
Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation (MDWS), in collaboration with Union Ministries of Housing &
Urban Affairs, Tourism, Culture, state governments, municipal and local agencies.
Bagori Ganga Gram project
The project is a solid and liquid waste management scheme with total expense of Rs 11.88 lakh. Bagori is
one of 24 pilot Ganga Villages chosen to be transformed into Ganga Grams this year.
Maharashtra Government to launch Asmita Yojana to provide affordable sanitary pads
Feb 20 2018
Maharashtra government will roll out Asmita Yojana on the International Women’s Day (March 8, 2018) to
provide affordable (subsidised) sanitary pads to school girls and women. Under the scheme, schoolgirls
studying in Zilla Parishad schools will get sanitary napkin packet at Rs 5 while rural women can avail it at
subsidised rate of Rs.24 and Rs.29.
Asmita Yojana
The state government has appointed “Umed’, the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission, as a nodal
agency for effective implementation of the scheme. Under the scheme, beneficiary girls will be given
Asmita Cards. Participating Self Help Groups (SHGs) will be entrusted with the task of supply and sale of
sanitary pads and counselling the girls and women.
The SHGs will procure sanitary napkins from suppliers by registering on Asmita mobile application and
distribute them to rural women and girls as per requirement and demand. The SHGs concerned will earn
Rs 5 in profit per sanitary packet.
Background
There is very little awareness about menstrual hygiene during periods among girls in the age group of 11
to 19 years and women in general in rural areas of Maharashtra. Only 17% of them use sanitary napkins.
The main reasons for such low usage of sanitary napkins are high costs of pads, their unavailability in
rural areas and awkwardness among women to purchase them from male chemists.
Significance
The scheme will promote menstrual hygiene and increase awareness among young girls on usage of
sanitary pads. It will help to reduce school absenteeism i.e. boost school attendance among school girls.
Similarly, it will help to create employment opportunities for women in rural areas and create awareness
about health and education.
Atal Bhujal Yojana: Government formulates ambitious water conservation scheme
Feb 19 2018
The Union Government has formulated ambitious water conservation scheme Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) to
tackle ever-deepening crisis of depleting groundwater level.
The Rs 6,000-crore will be piloted under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation. It is awaiting cabinet’s clearance.
Atal Bhujal Yojana
The objective of scheme is to recharge ground water and create sufficient water storage for agricultural
purposes. It also focuses on revival of surface water bodies so that ground water level can be increased,
especially in the rural areas. It will give emphasis to recharging ground water sources and ensure efficient
use of water by involving people at local level.
The scheme after Cabinet’s clearance will soon be launched in water-stressed states: Gujarat, Haryana,
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It will cover 78 districts, 193
blocks and more than 8,300 gram panchayats across these states.
Centre will support half of the total project cost and rest of the budgetary cost will be shared by the World
Bank.
Significance
This scheme will help those who are in need for constant ground water supply especially farmers who
have been hard impacted by acute shortage of ground water for past several years. Its focus is primarily
on involvement of communities and convergence with different water schemes.
Its major component is making society responsible and bringing about behaviour change to manage
groundwater resource. It will help improve overall outlook towards water resource.
Background
The current status of groundwater is alarming, primarily due to non-uniform ground water development
and its over-exploitation. According to report published by the Central Ground Water Board (Ground
Water Assessment, 2011), out of 6,607 assessed administrative units 1,071 units are over ground water
exploited, 217 units are critical, 697 units are semi-critical, and 4,530 units are safe. Moreover, there are 92
units are completely saline.
The number of over-exploited and critical administrative units is significantly higher in Delhi, Haryana,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and also in Union
Territories of Puducherry and Daman and Diu. The declining ground water levels have resulted in failure
of wells or deepening of extraction structures, leading to additional burden on farmers.

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Government Schemes Current Affairs [PDF E-

730 weavers through the forward linkage.

Intelligence & Data Analytics.

and scale-up initiatives on digital finance and livelihoods interventions.

including places like Gavi, Peerumedu

per provisions of exit and withdrawal.

research ecosystem in the country.

awareness on male participation and promotion of male sterilization.

Strengthening the fight against Mental Illness in India

Semi- Medium: 2.00-4.00 hectare.

Features of the Programme

State level Health Agencies.

Research & Development.

and weak prices.

Estimated farmer’s average monthly income

under the scheme.

covered under MNREGA, the scheme focuses on urban areas.

Is a permanent resident/domicile of Odisha.

34 lakh urban poor women were organised into self-help groups.

categories under the programme to be eligible for the scheme.

Identifying categories of threat perceptions

prosecution in the district as its member secretary.

Enhance tourist attractiveness in sustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in

projects for rag picker and differently abled etc.

continuation of nine sub-schemes of umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling

grand challenge will be on Start Up India portal.

rankings. It includes University of Michigan, Harvard University, Oxford University, University of

lakh faculty in higher education.

Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of suitable

Government launches Youth Road Safety Learners Licence Programme

Encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.

Key Features of Scheme

Odisha Government launches Nirman Kusuma programme

which will involve a paperless and cashless transaction.

Revised Funding pattern

Component I: Rehabilitation of Dam and its appurtenant structures.

Price Support Scheme (PSS).

Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS)

CCEA approves continuation of Capacity Development Scheme

Nagaland, Telangana and Chhattisgarh for Rs. 381.37 crore.

mostly benefitted from this app.

Government launches National Mission on Government eMarketplace

lead to cost saving on government expenditure in procurement.

Provide opportunity to brand your organization nationally

fenced region having homogenous risk profile for notified crop.

Key Features of Rules

CCEA approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It is implemented by Ministries of Agriculture,

Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.

Introduce sustainable water conservation practices.

Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis.

conferences and seminars.

Haryana Government launches Paudhagiri Campaign for planting of saplings

Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge

NITI Aayog releases First Delta Ranking of Aspirational Districts

will ensure remunerative prices to tribals.