Welfare

Background: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship by providing collateral-free micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh. Recent Changes: The Union Budget 2024 increased the loan ceiling to ₹20 lakh, specifically benefiting those under the Tarun category who had previously accessed MUDRA loans. Impact: The …

Context: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s report titled “Women and Men in India 2023,” there is a notable shortage of women in executive roles. Below are some key insights from the report: Underrepresentation in the Corporate Sector: Disparity in Senior Management: In 2023, only 34,879 women …

Concept The article examines critical reforms in NPS Lite aimed at including the informal sector in the National Pension Scheme. This is significant as workers in this sector typically lack access to benefits like provident funds or gratuity. National Pension System-Lite (NPS-Lite) Launched by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development …

Context The Gulf region has played a crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security, which is vital for the country’s industrial growth, power, and transportation sectors. Energy Production and Consumption in India Global Standing: India is the world’s third-largest energy consumer after China and the United States. Energy Consumption: According …

Introduction of the Bill Karnataka has proposed the Draft Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security & Welfare) Bill, following Rajasthan’s enactment of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023. The bill aims to address the social security and welfare needs of gig and platform workers. Context and …

Context The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to frame a model policy on menstrual leave for women employees. This directive highlights the need for recognizing menstrual leave, which offers time off for those experiencing period pains, similar to sick leave. Currently, menstrual leave is not covered under standard sick …

Context: The Supreme Court has requested a comprehensive report from States and High Courts on the establishment and functioning of Gram Nyayalayas Overview: Definition: Gram Nyayalayas are village courts deemed to be Courts of Judicial Magistrate of First Class, having civil and criminal jurisdiction to resolve minor disputes at the …

Context: Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for 2024 are now open. Overview: Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has awarded the National Gopal Ratna Award annually under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. This is one of the highest national awards in livestock and dairy, aimed at …

The PESA Act 1996 was enacted to empower Scheduled Tribes by recognizing them as key political stakeholders. Historical Background: Tribal communities in India have faced marginalization and exclusion from mainstream political and economic systems. They have encountered challenges such as displacement, loss of land and resources, and cultural erosion. The …

Context: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike’s (BBMP) proposal for a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess highlights the financial strain ULBs face in managing India’s burgeoning solid waste crisis. ULBs and SWM: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 authorize ULBs to levy user fees or SWM cess to recover costs associated …