Schemes( upsc)

Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives

✅• Government Initiatives in India: National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture, Soil Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Biotech-KISAN, and Climate Smart Village.

•✅ Public and Private Sector Involvement: Farmer-producer organizations, NGOs, and various entities are actively contributing to CSA adoption.
✅• Research Programs: The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) addresses challenges of food security, poverty, and climate change on a global scale, National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)
✅• World Bank Group: Provides financial support and technical assistance for CSA projects in developing countries.
✅• Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA): A voluntary platform fostering collaboration among governments, civil society, farmers, research institutions, and the private sector to promote knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and investment in CSA.
✅• Climate-Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN): Comprises young individuals from various countries dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on CSA among youth and other stakeholders.
✅• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) One of the missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP)

The Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP) aims to empower rural women in India by training and certifying them as Krishi Sakhis, who serve as para-extension workers.

Initiative by

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Ministry of Rural Development

Objective

i) Transform rural India by empowering women through agricultural training.

ii) Aligns with the broader ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, which aims to create three crore Lakhpati Didis (women earning at least Rs 1 lakh per annum) by enhancing their agricultural skills and providing employment opportunities
Selection of Krishi Sakhis
Krishi Sakhis are trusted community resource persons and experienced farmers

Training modules

i) Krishi Sakhis have already been trained on various extension service for 56 days on the following modules:
1. Agro Ecological Practices from land preparation to harvest
2. Organising Farmer Field schools
3. Seed banks + Establishment and Management
4. Soil health, soil and moisture conservation practices
5. Integrated Farming Systems
6. Basics of Livestock Management
7. Preparation and use of Bio inputs and establishment of Bio inputs shops
8. Basic communication skills
ii) Currently, Krishi Sakhis are undergoing refresher training with a special focus on Natural Farming and Soil Health Card through DAY-NRLM agencies in coordination with MANAGE.
States covered under Krishi Sakhi Training Program
Krishi Sakhi Training Program has been rolled out in 12 states in Phase – 1: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha

Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme:

What it is: The DIA Scheme allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat (25 cents) with an export obligation of 10% value addition.
Ministry involved: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Aim: To promote value addition, export growth, and enhance the competitiveness of Indian diamond exporters, particularly MSMEs.

Key features:

Duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds.

Exporters with Two Star Export House status or higherand a minimum annual export of $15 million are eligible.

10% value addition as export obligation.

Aims to generate employment opportunities, particularly for diamond assorters and semi-finished diamond processors.

Implementation:
The scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025, and will be monitored under the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

Government schemes driving Renewal energy success

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Facilitated rooftop solar installations, especially in urban areas.

Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Strengthened transmission systems for renewable energy-rich states.

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME): Promoted electric mobility, indirectly supporting renewable energy adoption.

International Solar Alliance (ISA): Aimed to foster global cooperation in solar energy deployment.

National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM): Enhanced grid integration to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)

Australia has introduced the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), enabling talented young professionals from India to work in the country for a specified period.
About MATES
1. MATES stands for Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES).
2. MATES aims to strengthen professional and cultural ties between India and Australia by enabling young talent to explore career opportunities, gain international experience, and contribute to innovative industries.
3. Purpose: Provides Indian university graduates and early career professionals the opportunity to work in Australia for two years.
4. Background: It was launched under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) signed between Australia and India on May 23, 2023.
5. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be 30 years or younger at the time of application. It is open only to first-time participants in MATES.  Minimum overall IELTS score of 6 (or equivalent), with no less than 5 in each module.
Key Features of the MATES Visa
i) No Employer Sponsorship: Australian employer sponsorship is not required.
ii) Duration: Stay permitted for 24 months. Visa allows multiple entries and must be used for first entry within 12 months of issuance.
iii) Dependent Benefits: Participants can bring dependents (spouse and children) and dependents have work rights in Australia.
iv) Annual Limit: Pilot program allows 3,000 primary applicants per year.
Advantages of the Scheme
i) Opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
ii) Expand professional skills and networks, particularly in key industries.
iii) Flexibility to work outside the field of study.
iv) Option to apply for other temporary or permanent visas during or after the stay, subject to eligibility.

Recent Initiatives Taken in India’s Rubber Industry

iSNR Initiative: Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) Initiative was launched to meet European Union Deforestation Regulation standards

It facilitates traceability of rubber products with certificates verifying origin and compliance and simplifies the compliance process for stakeholders targeting EU markets. 

It promotes sustainable rubber production while positioning Indian natural rubber as a competitive and responsible choice in the global market. 
INR Konnect Platform: It is a web-based platform aimed at increasing productivity by connecting growers of untapped rubber holdings with interested adopters. 

It targets 20-25% of untapped and neglected plantations in India by absentee landlords to address price drops, and high costs. 

mRube: mRube was launched as the digital marketing platform of Rubber Board to enhance marketing and trade efficiency in the natural rubber sector. 

Subsidy Hike: The government plans to increase subsidies for rubber cultivation in a phased manner. 

National Broadcast Mission 2.0 

It is built on the success of NBM 1.0, which was launched for the period 2019-2024 as a part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018. 

Under NBM 1.0 nearly 8 lakh telecom towers were established. 

Objectives of NBM 2.0 
Ensure that at least 60 out of every 100 rural households have access to broadband connectivity. 

Create a robust digital infrastructure by achieving a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps. 

Envisages India as a global knowledge society by providing High-speed Broadband and Meaningful Connectivity for allin line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. 

Key Benefits of NBM 2.0 

Provide operational optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030. 

Extend broadband connectivity to 90% of anchor institutionslike Schools, PHCs, Anganwadi Centre, and Panchayat offices by 2030. 

Achieve the target of powering 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy by 2030. 

Improve the Fixed broadband download Speeds to a minimum 100 Mbps by 2030. 
Facilitate rollout of the 5G network and lay the groundwork for future 6G technology. 

Leverage power sector assets such as Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) to enhance broadband connectivity during the times of emergencies and in remote regions of the country. 

Enhance the usage of the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) mobile app to protect underground Telecom infrastructure and other utilities. 

Schemes for Urea Production in India:

1.    Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): Encourages balanced fertilisation and optimises subsidy allocation for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
2.    Neem-Coated Urea: Introduced in 2015 to curb diversion for non-agricultural uses and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
3.    Nano Urea: Launched in 2021 to reduce overuse of conventional urea and enhance crop productivity.
4.    Energy Efficiency Norms: Mandated adoption of energy-efficient technologies for new urea plants.
5.    Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative: Boosts domestic manufacturing capacity to reduce reliance on imports.

Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform:

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi.

Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform:

What it is: A national platform designed to enhance India’s cleantech value chains and enable collaboration in the renewable energy sector.

Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Aim:

Strengthen India’s manufacturing capacity in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage technologies.

Position India as a global sustainability and cleantech leader.

Support the achievement of 500 GW Renewable energy targets by 2030.

Features:

Fosters Innovation: Encourages co-innovation and technology sharing among Indian firms.

Financial Support Platform: Connects businesses with funding opportunities for cleantech projects.

Self-Sustainability Focus: Aims for an independent cleantech sector, reducing reliance on subsidies and incentives.

Scalability: Drives large-scale manufacturing to enhance India’s global competitiveness in renewable energy.

Sustainability Leadership: Supports India’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions NCDs the Paris Agreement.

Kisan Pehchan Patra 

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has made farmer ID mandatory for registering new beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). 
About Kisan Pehchan Patra 
It is a unique Aadhaar-linked digital identity that is dynamically connected to the state land records. 
It is also known as the Farmer ID. 
It will include key data such as demographic details, crops cultivated and land ownership information. 
The data collected through Farmer IDs will form the Farmers’ Registry. This data will benefit farmers by improving access to crop insurance, loans, and other government schemes. 
The initiative aims to improve productivity and sustainability of the farming sector by streamlining access to services, improving data accuracy and enabling targeted interventions. 

Government Initiatives: for Indian diaspora

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas :An annual celebration honoring the diaspora’s contributions and fostering connections with India.
OCI Card: Provides lifelong visa and property rights to people of Indian origin, strengthening ties with their homeland.
Know India Program: Engages young diaspora members with Indian culture, heritage, and contemporary developments.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): Offers financial aid to Indians abroad during emergencies or distress.
Social Security Agreements: Ensures welfare for Indian workers in countries with bilateral agreements.

Environment Relief Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2024

Launched by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Aim: To improve fund management, ensure efficient disbursement, and enhance environmental restoration efforts.

Features:

Fund Management: The Central Pollution Control Board appointed as Fund Manager for five years, replacing United Insurance Company Limited.

Funding Sources:
Compensation under Section 24 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Penalties under Sections 14, 15, or 17 of the Public Liability Insurance Act.
Returns on fund investments.

Digital Integration: Introduction of an online portal for scheme implementation and fund tracking.

Disbursement Process: Funds released within 30 days of District Collector or Central Government orders.

Investment Strategy: Investments in public financial institutions and savings accounts for liquidity and reinvestment.

Environmental Restoration: CPCB and SPCBs to create restoration plans for Central Government approval. Funds allocated based on approved plans.

Auditing: Independent auditor appointed by the Central Government with Comptroller and Auditor-General oversight.

Administrative Allocation: Increased from 1% to 2% for administrative expenses.

Government Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on rainwater harvesting and water conservation under the “Catch the Rain” campaign.

Atal Bhujal Yojana 2020): Targets groundwater management in water-stressed regions across seven states.

Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Plans to create/rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district for water harvesting.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY):Expands irrigation coverage and improves water-use efficiency.

National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Covers 25 lakh sq. km, aiding in better planning for groundwater recharge.

Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020): Proposes 42 crore rainwater harvesting structures to harness 185 BCM of rainfall.

Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Promotes soil conservation and rainwater harvesting.

BAANKNET’ Portal:

The Government of India launched the revamped ‘BAANKNET’ portal to streamline the e-auction process for properties held by public sector banks

What is BAANKNET
A centralized platform for the e-auction of properties held by PSBs, designed to boost transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.

Department/Ministry: Managed by the Department of Financial Services (DFS)under the Ministry of Finance.

Objectives:
Streamline Recovery: Aid PSBs in recovering bad loans and improving balance sheets.

Unlock Value: Maximize the value of distressed assets and boost investor confidence.

Ease of Access: Provide a one-stop destination for buyers and investors to explore and bid on properties.
Features:
Consolidated Listings: Over 122,500 properties, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural land, vehicles, and machinery.

Technology-Driven: Built on microservices architecture with an automated payment gateway and integrated KYC tools.

End-to-End Processes: Streamlined pre-auction, auction, and post-auction activities.

Support System: Dedicated helpdesk and call center with callback options.

Training: DFS-trained PSB executives and debt recovery portal (DRT) officers for effective usage.

Government Schemes for Preventive Healthcare:

Ayushman Bharat: Includes Health and Wellness Centres for early screenings of NCDs.
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): Focuses on awareness, screenings, and management of NCDs.

National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): Aims to reduce tobacco use and associated diseases.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Provides financial assistance for secondary and tertiary care.

Mission Indradhanush: Ensures immunization coverage for preventable diseases.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): Targets health conditions in children through early intervention services.

Government Initiatives Driving Economic Growth:

Make in India: Boosted domestic manufacturing, making India the second-largest mobile phone producer globally, reducing import dependency.
Startup India: Fostered over 100 unicorns and 1.5 lakh startups, valuing the ecosystem at $349.67 billion, promoting entrepreneurship.
PLI Scheme: Improved sectoral competitiveness by incentivizing production, attracting significant foreign investments.
Gati Shakti Master Plan: Enhanced infrastructure connectivity, expediting industrial and economic growth across regions.
Digital India: Promoted digital payments and financial inclusion, bringing more people into the formal economy.

Open Data Kit (ODK)

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India introduced a revolutionary toolkit using the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform to ensure transparency in public spending and evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes.

About the CAG Toolkit:
What it is: A digital platform based on Open Data Kit (ODK) technology for designing, collecting, and managing audit-related data.
Launched by: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
Objectives:
Enhance transparency in pubic spending
Improve accountability in the delivery of government schemes.
Collect real-time beneficiary feedback for informed audit planning.
Key Features:
Integrated with CAG’s own Operating System (OIOS).
End-to-end encryption for secure data management.
Multi-language support for beneficiary surveys.
User-friendly interface for designing and managing data collection processes.
How it works:
Surveys are designed on the ODK platform and deployed to beneficiaries.
Data is collected in real-time, analyzed using the OIOS system, and used as audit evidence.
Beneficiary feedback helps identify problem areas and improve scheme delivery.
Significance:
Enables data-driven decision-making in audits.
Ensures citizen-centric evaluation of government schemes.
Facilitates performance reviews of institutions like AIIMS, improving service delivery.

VISTAAR

IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to launch Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).

About Project VISTAAR:
What it is: A digital platform designed to enhance agricultural extension services, making critical information and start-up innovations accessible to farmers.
Ministry involved: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with IIT Madras.
Objectives:
Digitalise the agricultural extension system to improve efficiency and outreach.
Provide farmers access to start-up-driven innovations and technologies in agriculture and allied sectors.
Enhance adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
Key Features:
Integration of data on over 12,000 Agri start ups through IIT Madras’ startup information platform and it incubate, YNOS Venture Engine.
Advisory services covering crop production, marketing, value addition, and supply chain management.
Easy access to government schemes related to agriculture and rural development.
Delivery of accurate, timely, and contextual information to farmers to improve decision-making.