Overview of NPS Vatsalya Scheme
Context: Recently, the union Finance Minister officially launched the NPS Vatsalya scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Overview of NPS Vatsalya Scheme: Eligibility Criteria: Investment Options and Returns: Conversion and Maturity: Withdrawal Guidelines: Protocols upon Death of a Subscriber: -Source: The Hindu
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises Scheme
Context: Women-owned micro and small enterprises will get enhanced credit guarantee coverage of 90 percent under the CGTMSE scheme, after its board approved the new guidelines recently. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Overview of CGTMSE: Key Features: Funding Structure: Eligibility and Lending Parameters: In Event of Default: -Source: The Hindu
Challenges in Achieving Road Safety Targets in India
Context: The India Status Report on Road Safety 2024, conducted by IIT Delhi, underscores the limited headway India has made towards the international objectives aimed at curtailing road accident deaths. This report serves as a critical evaluation of the current measures and highlights the pressing need for enhanced strategies and implementations to significantly reduce the […]
The Finance Commission’s Role in Addressing High-Performing States’ Concerns
Context: The Finance Ministers of five opposition-ruled states have raised concerns regarding the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendation, which allocates 41% of taxes to the states. These ministers are calling for an increase to 50%, along with capping the central government’s cesses and surcharges, which further limit states’ ability to collect taxes. This discussion comes at a crucial time when several states, […]
The Idea of One Nation One Election
Context: The idea of One Nation, One Election (ONOE), promoted by the ruling government, advocates simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies. While proponents argue that it could reduce election costs and increase administrative efficiency, critics argue that it threatens federalism and undermines the democratic process. Relevance: General Studies Paper II (Polity and Governance) Mains Question: Analyze the potential […]
About the SUBHADRA Scheme
Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched ‘SUBHADRA’, the flagship Scheme of Government of Odisha, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions SUBHADRA Scheme: Operational Mechanics: Enrollment Process:
About The Bio-RIDE Scheme
Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved continuation of the two umbrella schemes of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merged as one scheme-‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE). Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Bio-RIDE Initiative: Components of the Scheme: Mission and Funding: […]
New Structure for Start-up India Initiative
Context: The Indian Government has announced a significant structural shift for its flagship Start-up India initiative. The program, initially managed under Invest India, will now be transitioned to a newly established non-profit entity. This change aims to streamline processes and enhance strategic alignments. Additionally, this new non-profit will also encompass the National Start-up Advisory Council, […]
The Evolving Landscape of the Death Penalty in India
Context: The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduces the death penalty for rape under certain circumstances, following a brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata. This addition to India’s criminal justice framework raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the continued use of the death penalty in India, particularly in cases involving […]
Phase IV of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV) for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29, aiming to enhance rural connectivity by constructing 62,500 km of new all-weather roads. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) PMGSY – Phase I PMGSY – Phase I […]