1. Cabinet clears PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme for collateral-free loans to students on 6th November,2024.
Tags: Government Schemes
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme
Why in news?
- Cabinet clearsPM-Vidyalaxmi schemefor collateral-free loans to students on 6th November,2024.
- An outlay of Rs 3,600 crore has been made for the scheme for 2024-25 to 2030-31 period and around 7 lakh fresh students are expected to benefit from the interest subvention offered under the scheme.
Aim:
- Facilitate to get admission in Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) eligible for a collateral-free and guarantor-free education loan.
Key features:
- Students will be provided a 75% credit guarantee by the central government for loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh.
- Students, with an annual family income of up to Rs 8 lakh,who are ineligible for benefits under any other government scholarship or interest subvention schemes, will beprovided 3% interest subvention for loan up to Rs 10 lakhduring the moratorium period.
- “The interest subvention support will be given to 1 lakh students every year.
- It will be a significant step towards empowering the Yuva Shakti and building a brighter future for our nation,”
2. PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Tags: Government Schemes
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Why in news?
- Recently it was seen that Electric Vehicle Sales are Soaring.
- Through initiatives like the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) and the PM E-DRIVE schemes, electric two-wheelers (e-2W) sales have surged to 5,71,411 units in 2024-25.
- During the same period, sales of electric three-wheelers (e-3W), including e-rickshaws and e-carts, reached 1,164 units, while electric three-wheelers in the L5 category hit 71, 501 units.
What is PM E-DRIVE Scheme?
- The ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)’ Scheme, recently approved by the Cabinet with a financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crore, came into effect on October 1, 2024, and will remain in force until March 31, 2026.
Objective of the Scheme:
- The primary goal of the scheme is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), develop essential charging infrastructure, and establish a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem across the country. Under this scheme, electric vehicle sales have already seen a record surge, reflecting the growing momentum of EV adoption.
- The PM E-DRIVE initiative promotes mass mobility by supporting public transportation systems.
- The key objective is to speed up the transition to electric vehicles by offering upfront incentives for EV purchases and encouraging the development of charging infrastructure.
Significance:
- The scheme seeks to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts and improve air quality while promoting an efficient and competitive EV manufacturing sector in line with the Atma Nirbhar Bharatinitiative.
- This will be accomplished through a phased manufacturing program (PMP) to boost domestic manufacturing and strengthen the EV supply chain.
- The Ministry of Heavy Industries is leading the nationwide push for electric vehicle adoption, contributing to India's ambitious net-zero target for 2070.
3. The Government has approved an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores, for providing Drones under the Scheme ‘Namo Drone Didi’:
Tags: Government Schemes
"NAMO Drone Didi"
Why in news:
The Government has approved the Central Sector Scheme ‘Namo Drone Didi’ for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM, with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores.
What is NAMO DRONE DIDI Scheme:
The scheme aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose (application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides for the present).
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released the Operational Guidelines.
The major components of the operational guidelines are as under:
The Scheme will be governed at the Central level by the Empowered Committee of the Secretaries of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Rural Development, Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Under the scheme, a Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. 8.0 lakhs will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones as a package.
The Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs/SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided to the CLFs/SHGs.
The CLFs/SHGs shall also have the option to access loans from other sources/programmes/schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development.
Under the scheme, not only the drones but, drones as a package will be supplied.
The package will consists of basic drone with spray assembly for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides, Drone carrying box, standard battery set, downward facing camera, dual-channel fast battery charger, battery charger hub, anemometer, pH meter and 1 year onsite warranty on all items.
The package also includes 04 spare battery sets, one spare propeller set (each set contains 6 propellers), nozzle set, dual channel fast battery charger, battery charger hub, 15 days training for drone pilot and drone assistant, one year comprehensive insurance, 2 years annual maintenance contract and applicable GST.
The additional sets of batteries will ensure continuous drone flying which can easily cover 20 acres in a day.
One of the members of the women SHGs will be selected for 15 day training comprising of mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agriculture purpose for nutrient and pesticide application.
Significance of the scheme:
It is envisaged that the initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income for them.
The scheme will help in infusing advance technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield and reduced cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.
4. PM Modi Launches ₹9,600 Crore Cleanliness Projects on Gandhi Jayanti
Tags: Government Schemes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 programme, celebrating the 155th Gandhi Jayanti.
An Overview of the News
The event takes place in New Delhi and marks 10 years since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission, a major initiative for cleanliness.
Key Projects Launched
The Prime Minister will launch and lay the foundation for various sanitation and cleanliness projects valued at ₹9,600 crore.
Projects include:
Urban Water and Sewage Systems: Over ₹6,800 crore allocated under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0.
Water Quality and Waste Management: Ten projects worth over ₹1,550 crore focused on the Ganga basin under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
Compressed Biogas Plants: 15 projects under the GOBARdhan Scheme valued at over ₹1,332 crore.
Significance of the Mission
This initiative emphasizes the continued commitment to sanitation and cleanliness as vital components of national development.
It aims to enhance water quality, waste management, and overall urban infrastructure in India.
5. India Launches BharatGen: First Government-Supported Multimodal AI Initiative
Tags: Government Schemes National News
A government-supported multimodal large language model initiative aimed at advancing generative AI for public service delivery and citizen engagement.
An Overview of the News
It launched in the virtual presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, in New Delhi.
India's Leadership in Generative AI:
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted BharatGen as a milestone in India's technological leadership, comparing it to the success of UPI and other national innovations.
Focus on Indian Languages:
BharatGen is the world's first government-funded multimodal large language model project centered on Indian languages, addressing India's socio-cultural and linguistic diversity.
Key Institutions and Partners:
Spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Partners include academic institutes like IIT Bombay, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIM Indore, and IIT Madras.
The objective of BharatGen:
To develop generative AI systems capable of producing high-quality text and multimodal content in multiple Indian languages.
Focus on social equity, cultural preservation, and linguistic diversity to ensure inclusive AI for all.
Key Features of BharatGen:
Multilingual and multimodal foundation models.
Building and training models on Indian datasets.
Open-source platform for AI development.
Ecosystem development for generative AI research in India.
Project Timeline:
Completion expected by July 2026.
Key milestones include AI model development, experimentation, and the establishment of benchmarks tailored to India’s needs.
Plans for scaling AI adoption across industries and public initiatives.
6. Cabinet Approves ₹5 Lakh Health Insurance for Senior Citizens Aged 70
Tags: Government Schemes
The Cabinet has approved a new health insurance scheme for senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
An Overview of the News
The scheme provides free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year
The scheme will benefit approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens across the country.
Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year.
Those not covered by AB PM-JAY will receive a cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.
Options for Existing Insured Individuals
Senior citizens who are beneficiaries of other public health insurance schemes (e.g., Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) can choose to either continue with their existing scheme or switch to AB PM-JAY.
Senior citizens with private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance can also avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.
7. NMCG Approves ₹265 Crore for Ganga’s Pollution Control
Tags: Economy/Finance Government Schemes
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved nine projects totaling ₹265 crore in its 56th Executive Committee meeting, chaired by Director General Rajeev Kumar Mital.
An Overview of the News
NMCG Approves Nine Projects: Faecal Sludge Treatment, Sewerage Works, Arth Ganga Centre, Stream Restoration, Canal Penstock Gates, Udhwa Lake Management, Crematorium Renovations, Munger Sewerage Network, Smart Laboratory for Rivers
Key Project Approvals
Faecal Sludge Management Project
Location: Dalmau Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
Objective: Reduce pollution in River Ganga
Components: 8 KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, 15 KW Solar Power Plant, Solar Inverter
Cost: Rs. 4.40 crores (includes 5 years of O&M)
Sewerage Project in Gulaothi Town
Location: Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh
Objective: Prevent pollution in East Kali River
Components: I&D of drains, 10 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant
Cost: Rs. 50.98 crores (includes 15 years of O&M)
Arth Ganga Centre and Branding Project
Location: Prayagraj
Objective: Create awareness and employment opportunities during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Cost: Rs. 1.80 crores
Restoration of Streams and Tributaries
Location: Upper Gomti River Basin
Objective: Rejuvenate lower-order streams through nature-based solutions
Cost: Rs. 81.09 lakh
Penstock Gates Installation and Renovation
Location: Beliaghata Circular Canal, Kolkata, West Bengal
Objective: Improve canal management
Cost: Rs. 7.11 crores (O&M by Kolkata Municipal Corporation)
Integrated Management Plan for Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary
Location: Sahibganj, Jharkhand
Objective: Conservation and sustainable management
Cost: Rs. 25.89 crores (includes 5 years of management)
Renovation of Electric Crematoriums
Locations: Santipur, Garulia, Chakdha municipalities, West Bengal
Objective: Modernize crematorium facilities
Cost: Rs. 2.89 crores (includes 5 years of O&M)
Munger Sewerage Network and STP Project
Location: Munger
Objective: Develop 30 MLD STP and 175 km sewerage network
Cost: Rs. 522.85 crores (O&M to state government after 15 years)
Establishment of Secretariat for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers
Location: Varanasi
Executing Agency: IIT (BHU)
Objective: Deploy global expertise to rejuvenate small rivers across the country
Focus: Balance between environment, economy, and society
8. LIC HFL Launches 'Griha Rakshak' Home Loan Scheme
Tags: Government Schemes Economics/Business
LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL) has introduced the 'Griha Rakshak' home loan scheme for Indian armed forces personnel.
An Overview of the News
The scheme provides discounted interest rates and special benefits for both serving and retired members.
Scheme Details
Eligibility: Applicants must have a Credit Information Bureau India Limited (CIBIL) score of 750 or above.
Loan Amount & Interest Rate: Offers loans up to ₹2 crore at an annual interest rate of 8.4%.
Processing Fees: Processing fees are waived under a limited period offer.
Offer Validity: Available until September 30, 2024.
Target Group: Open to all active and retired personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and paramilitary forces.
About LIC HFL
Established: 1989
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO): T. Adhikari
9. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Launches Two New Schemes on World MSME Day in New Delhi
Tags: Government Schemes
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi, launched two new schemes on World MSME Day in New Delhi on June 27.
An Overview of the News
Majhi launched two new schemes MSME Team and Yashaswini Abhiyan.
MSME Team:
Launched MSME Team initiative to facilitate inclusion of micro and small enterprises on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), with focus on women-owned enterprises.
It aims to help five lakh micro and small enterprises join the Open Network for Digital Commerce.
Yashaswini Abhiyan:
Launched Yashaswini Abhiyan to formalise and empower women-owned micro enterprises through training, guidance and awareness campaigns.
Focuses on raising mass awareness to formalise informal micro enterprises owned by women and provide necessary support.
During the Udyami Bharat event, Mr. Manjhi emphasized the importance of MSMEs adopting digital and technological solutions in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
International MSME Day
International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day or World MSME Day is observed across the world on 27 June every year.
This year, the theme for MSME Day 2024 is “Leveraging Power and Resilience of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.”
The United Nations (UN) designated June 27 as Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day and this was done through a resolution passed in the United Nations General Assembly in April 2017.
10. Uttar Pradesh government to organize three-day 'Shri Anna Mahotsav'
Tags: Government Schemes
The Uttar Pradesh government is organizing a three-day event called Shri Anna Mahotsav in Lucknow from October 27 to 29, which aims to promote the use of millets.
An Overview of the News
It will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.
Farmers from different divisions will participate each day to create awareness about millet cultivation and consumption.
The event will have around 40 stalls showcasing millet-based food products.
About Shree Anna:
Origin: 'Shri Anna' is a word that combines 'Shri', meaning divine grace, and 'Anna', meaning food grains. It represents a grain associated with divine grace.
Nutritional Value: Millets are small-grain cereal crops known for their adaptability and rich nutrients. India plays a leading role in promoting millets globally.
Varieties: Large and small millets provide essential nutrients and dietary fiber.
Benefits: Millet fights malnutrition and provides economic benefits to farmers.
Shree Anna Yojana:
Introduction: Launched in Budget 2023-24 to encourage millet cultivation and increase farmers' income.
Target: The scheme promotes millet cultivation, economic well-being and food security while eliminating malnutrition.
Importance of Millet:
Nutritional Features: Millets are known for their exceptional nutrition, which includes complex carbs, dietary fiber and medicinal compounds.
Key Nutrients: They are rich in iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B and other essential minerals.
Adaptability: Millet thrives in a variety of conditions, requiring minimal fertilizers and pesticides.
Global Leadership: India is a leader in promoting millets recognized for its nutritional and economic benefits.