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UPSC Courses

welfare scheme for vulnerable section

welfare scheme for vulnerable section

Resham Sakhi Yojana

Resham Sakhi Yojana The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Resham Sakhi Yojana to economically empower rural women. Under this scheme, women will be trained to earn income from sericulture while working from home. Key Features of the Scheme Component Details Scheme Name Resham Sakhi Yojana. Launched By Uttar Pradesh government. Main Objective To provide rural women with income opportunities through home-based sericulture. Target Group Women from rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Training and Silk Production Training Area Details Silkworm Rearing Rural women will receive training in silkworm rearing for silk production. Mulberry Silk Training for mulberry silk rearing will…

07 May, 2026 Women & child

Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana

Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana The Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana was inaugurated in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to landless agricultural labourers and vulnerable communities for livelihood support. Key Features of the Scheme Component Details Launch Place The scheme was inaugurated in Raipur. Target Beneficiaries Covers over 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, including Baigas and Gunias. Annual Grant Provides an annual financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per eligible beneficiary. Funds Disbursed More than Rs 562 crores has already been disbursed to beneficiaries. Significance Area Importance Livelihood Support Provides direct financial support…

17 May, 2026 Protection of vulnerable section

Balod: India’s First “Child Marriage-Free” District

Balod: India’s First “Child Marriage-Free” District Balod district of Chhattisgarh has become the first district in India to be officially declared child marriage-free. All 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies in the district were awarded formal certificates by the state government. Key Highlights Aspect Details District Balod, located in Chhattisgarh. National Achievement Became India’s first officially declared child marriage-free district. Certification Coverage All 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies received formal certificates. State Role Certificates were awarded by the Chhattisgarh state government. Significance of the Achievement Area Importance Social Reform Marks an important community-level success against child marriage.…

16 May, 2026 Women & child

CM-FLIGHT Scheme

CM-FLIGHT Scheme On 12th October 2025, the Chief Minister of Assam launched the “CM-FLIGHT” scheme in Guwahati. The scheme focuses on foreign language training to improve global employment opportunities for Indian youth, especially in Japan. About the Scheme Component Details Full Form Chief Minister’s Foreign Language Initiative for Global Human Talent. Language Focus Youth will be trained in the Japanese language. International Linkage The initiative is part of an agreement between India and Japan. Main Objective To provide employment opportunities to lakhs of Indian youth in Japan by 2030. Significance of the Initiative Area Importance Skill Development Promotes foreign language…

15 May, 2026 Human resource & skill development

Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025

Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025 On 9th November 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025, aimed at banning polygamy in the state. The Bill provides for imprisonment and penalties for offenders irrespective of religion, while exempting tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule. Key Provisions of the Bill Provision Details Main Objective To prohibit the practice of polygamy in Assam. Punishment Provides for rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years along with a fine for offenders. Applicability The Bill applies irrespective of religion. Exempted Areas Tribal areas governed under the Sixth Schedule are exempt from the Bill. Sixth…

14 May, 2026 Women & child

Decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) The SRS Statistical Report 2023 highlights a landmark demographic shift in India. The national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates that India is moving deeper into a low-fertility phase. The decline reflects better family planning, late marriages, improved women’s education, lower infant mortality and rising career aspirations among women. However, it also creates long-term challenges such as ageing population and labour shortages in some States. Key Finding Details National TFR India’s national TFR has declined to 1.9. Replacement Level The replacement…

14 April, 2026 Health

Revised Guidelines on Obesity Diagnosis & Treatment

Revised Guidelines on Obesity Diagnosis & Treatment India has updated its obesity diagnosis and treatment guidelines after 15 years. The revision reflects new evidence on fat distribution, metabolic risks and obesity-related health complications, especially among the Asian Indian population. The revised approach moves beyond body weight alone and gives greater importance to abdominal fat, insulin resistance and associated conditions. This is important because Indian populations may develop metabolic complications even at lower body mass levels compared to some other groups. New Guideline Area Details Updated After 15 Years The revised guidelines recalibrate how obesity is measured and treated in India.…

14 April, 2026 Health

Reduction in India’s Poverty

Reduction in India’s Poverty The recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey and National Statistical Office (NSO) estimates indicate a major reduction in poverty and consumption inequality in India. The data highlights that poverty has fallen steadily over the last decade, with visible gains in both rural and urban areas. The decline is especially significant in poor States and rural regions, where improved consumption levels and better access to welfare schemes, infrastructure and basic services have contributed to reduced deprivation. The trend suggests that social welfare delivery and rural infrastructure investments are playing an important role in narrowing the rural-urban divide. Key…

14 April, 2026 Poverty & Hunger

Child Rights & Protection

  Child Rights & Protection Marrakech Global Framework for Action: The 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, held in Marrakech in February 2026, concluded with the adoption of the Marrakech Global Framework for Action. The conference aimed to establish necessary global actions for ending child labour, as the Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 to end child labour by 2025 remained unmet. The Framework emphasises that child labour cannot be addressed by law alone. It requires education access, poverty reduction, social protection, decent work for adults, accurate monitoring and regional support for high-burden regions. Key Pillar Details Enforcement…

14 April, 2026 Women & child

Child Marriages in India: A Barrier to Equality and De

Child Marriages in India: A Barrier to Equality and Development The latest Statistical Report of the Sample Registration System, released in September 2025, presents a concerning picture of child marriages in India. The data shows that early marriage remains a major barrier to girls’ education, health, dignity and economic participation. Child marriage affects long-term development because it increases risks of school dropout, early pregnancy, poor maternal health and intergenerational poverty. The figures highlight the need for legal enforcement along with education, awareness and financial support to keep girls in school. Key Finding Details Female Marriage before 18 Among bigger States/UTs,…

14 April, 2026 Women & child

Global Gender Gap Index 2025 & India

Global Gender Gap Index 2025 & India The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked India 131st out of 148 countries, slipping from 129th position in 2024. While Iceland continued to lead globally, Bangladesh remained the best performer in South Asia at 24th position. The report estimates that global gender parity is still 123 years away. India’s low ranking reflects persistent challenges in economic participation, digital access, health indicators, education outcomes and women’s political representation. Challenge Area Details Economic and Digital Divide About 97% of the female workforce is in the unorganised sector. Only 33% of women use…

14 April, 2026 Women & child

Gender Budgeting: Towards Women’s Empowerment and Economic Equality

Gender Budgeting: Towards Women’s Empowerment and Economic Equality In the Union Budget 2026–27, the share of gender budget allocation in the total Union Budget increased to 9.37%, rising from 8.86% in FY 2025–26. This reflects a stronger policy commitment towards women-centred development and gender-sensitive public expenditure. India’s commitment to gender equality is linked to its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979, in 1993. The first Gender Budget Statement was introduced in 2005–06 and has since been presented annually. Gender budgeting does not mean a separate budget only for women. It…

14 April, 2026 Women & child

Ethnographic Study of Denotified and Nomadic Communities

Ethnographic Study of Denotified and Nomadic Communities The Anthropological Survey of India and Tribal Research Institutes have completed a landmark ethnographic study, successfully classifying 268 previously unmapped Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes. The study addresses the historical neglect of communities that were stigmatized under the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act. These communities have often faced social exclusion, poor documentation and weak access to welfare schemes. Classification through ethnographic study is important because it helps the State identify communities accurately and recommend their inclusion in appropriate caste or tribal lists. Finding / Recommendation Details Inclusion in Caste Lists Of the 268 communities,…

13 April, 2026 Protection of vulnerable section

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 On April 5, 2025, the President gave assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, officially renamed the UMEED Act — Unified Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development. It replaces the 1995 framework and repeals the colonial-era Mussalman Waqf Act, 1923. Key Provision Details Property Verification Prevents arbitrary property declarations by requiring strict verification and stakeholder consultation, especially for government or non-Muslim lands. Surveys and Digitization Mandates scientific surveys by District Collectors and introduces a centralized digital portal for transparent registration and tracking to curb mismanagement. Judicial Recourse Provides a direct appeal mechanism to the High Court for…

12 April, 2026 Protection of vulnerable section

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 Enacted in late 2025, the National Sports Governance Act provides a comprehensive statutory framework for regulating India’s sports bodies. It replaces earlier ad-hoc guidelines with a formal legal regime aimed at professionalizing sports administration and aligning India with global sports standards. Key Provision Details Unified Framework Replaces ad-hoc guidelines with a statutory framework for all National Sports Federations. National Sports Board (NSB) Creates a central regulatory board to grant recognition to and oversee sports bodies. Dispute Resolution Tribunal Establishes a specialized National Sports Tribunal to handle disputes, reducing burden on traditional civil court jurisdiction.…

10 April, 2026 Youth & Sports

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules,2025

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025 On November 6, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025, under the 1994 Act. These amendments aim to enhance equitable access to transplantation services and streamline eye donation processes across India. Key Highlight Details Removal of Equipment Mandate The mandatory requirement for a Clinical Specular Microscope in corneal transplantation centers has been scrapped. This specific equipment was historically expensive and difficult for small or rural eye centers to procure, acting as a barrier to service expansion. Decentralizing Eye Care…

07 April, 2026 Health

PM-YUVA 3.0

PM-YUVA 3.0 Launched on 11th March 2025 by the Ministry of Education, PM-YUVA 3.0 aims to cultivate a robust reading and writing culture among India’s youth while promoting national heritage. PT Facts Launch Date: 11 March 2025. Ministry: Ministry of Education. Full Form: YUVA — Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors. Purpose: Promotes reading, writing and mentorship among young authors. Theme: National heritage. Exam Focus: Youth development, literary culture and education policy.

05 April, 2026 Youth & Sports

Nationwide Integration: Anganwadi Centres

Nationwide Integration: Anganwadi Centres & Poshan Tracker On 3rd April 2025, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) achieved full integration of all Anganwadi Centres with the Poshan Tracker app, enhancing transparency for over 10 crore registered beneficiaries. Section Details Key Highlights and Reach Target Groups: Benefits children (0–6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers under Mission Poshan 2.0. Inclusivity: The platform supports 24 Indian languages and has achieved high Aadhaar verification to prevent duplication. Digital Synergy: Integrates nutrition services with the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative, training 13.9 lakh workers in early childhood education. Operational Impact Real-Time Monitoring:…

05 April, 2026 Women & child

India Skills Accelerator:Future-Proofing the Workforce

India Skills Accelerator: Future-Proofing the Workforce On 8th April 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) launched the India Skills Accelerator in New Delhi. This public-private platform aims to build a systemic, future-ready workforce. The initiative focuses on aligning India’s workforce with emerging technological and industrial changes while strengthening long-term employability, innovation and economic competitiveness. Section Details Core Objectives Industry Alignment: Updating training to meet demands in high-growth sectors like AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Agile Policy: Reforming policy frameworks to remain responsive to rapid technological change. Lifelong…

05 April, 2026 Human resource & skill development

HEALD Initiative:Promoting Liver Health and Prevention

HEALD Initiative: Promoting Liver Health and Prevention On 19th April 2025 (World Liver Day), the Union Government launched HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention), a pioneering initiative spearheaded by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). Section Details Core Objectives Awareness & Prevention: Focuses on educating the public about liver diseases, particularly those linked to alcohol consumption. Early Intervention: Provides essential early screening, medical treatment, and psychological support for liver ailments. Mainstreaming Health: Integrates liver care into the public health framework through education and rehabilitation. Destigmatization: Aims to reduce the social stigma associated with alcohol dependence…

05 April, 2026 Health

PM-VIKAS Skill Development and Women Entrepreneurship

PM-VIKAS Skill Development and Women Entrepreneurship Programme On 17th July 2025, the Union Government launched the PM-VIKAS Skill Development and Women Entrepreneurship Programme at IIIT Kottayam, Kerala, to empower minority communities through digital and leadership training. Section Details Key Initiatives and Objectives Strategic MoU: The Ministry of Minority Affairs partnered with IIIT Kottayam to train 450 candidates. Youth: 150 students in cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Women: 300 candidates in leadership and entrepreneurship models. Empowerment: Aims to bridge gender and community-based digital divides, enabling minorities to contribute to the digital economy. The PM-VIKAS Framework Scheme Consolidation: Merges five existing…

04 April, 2026 Human resource & skill development

TALASH Initiative

TALASH Initiative On 10th July 2025, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in collaboration with UNICEF India, launched TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub). This first-of-its-kind platform is exclusively designed for students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). Section Details Core Objectives Skill Development: Equipping students with vital life skills, including emotional intelligence, communication, and decision-making. Career Guidance: Enabling aptitude-based career planning through scientific assessments. Mentorship: Training teachers to serve as life-skill facilitators and student mentors. Key Features Psychometric Testing: Utilizes NCERT’s Tamanna model to generate individual Career Cards based on student aspirations. Counseling Modules: Provides…

04 April, 2026 Education

MERITE Scheme

MERITE Scheme The MERITE Scheme, approved on August 8, 2025, stands for Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education. It aims to improve the quality, governance and employment outcomes of technical education institutions in India. The scheme aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 by promoting multidisciplinary learning, research orientation, skill development and better industry relevance in technical education. It targets government and government-aided engineering colleges and polytechnics. Aspect Details NEP link Designed in alignment with National Education Policy 2020. Duration Implemented over five years from 2025–26 to 2029–30. Outlay Total allocation is Rs. 4,200 crore. Institution coverage Benefits…

04 April, 2026 Education

20 Years of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence

20 Years of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act completed 20 years since its enactment on September 13, 2025. The law came into force on October 26, 2006 and remains a key framework for protecting women from violence within domestic relationships. Before this Act, legal remedies were fragmented. Section 498A of the IPC mainly dealt with criminal cruelty, but women also needed civil remedies such as protection orders, residence rights, monetary relief and immediate household-level safety. Aspect Details Broad definition Covers physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse. Right to residence…

03 April, 2026 Women & child

Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme: Revised Guidelines

Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme: Revised Guidelines The Ministry of Home Affairs revised guidelines for the Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme on March 2, 2026. The scheme was originally launched in 2023 to help poor prisoners who remain in jail because they cannot pay fines or secure bail despite being otherwise eligible for release. The revised framework strengthens the administrative process for identifying eligible prisoners, providing financial support and monitoring implementation. It addresses a major justice issue: poverty should not become the reason for continued imprisonment after legal eligibility for release. Aspect Details District committee A District Empowered Committee examines…

03 April, 2026 Protection of vulnerable section

vishal narwade
jagdeesh adahalli
rashmita rao
abhishek k tiwari
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