UPSC PT Pointers

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) has recently opened its Bengaluru Centre, marking another step in its effort to enhance its outreach and promote the development of the packaging sector in India. About Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Establishment: The IIP was established on 14th May 1966 and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Headquarters: The main headquarters and principal laboratories are

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS)

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) has been a significant initiative to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections, helping them continue their education at the secondary and senior secondary levels. About the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS): Launched: May 2008, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Objective: To award scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker sections of society, aiming to reduce

Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ (SNSP) Abhiyaan in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, aimed at strengthening healthcare services for women and children across India. The initiative focuses on improving access to healthcare, ensuring quality care, and raising awareness on health issues related to women and children. About the SNSP Abhiyaan The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan is a collaborative initiative between two key ministries:

DRAVYA Portal

The DRAVYA portal has launched its first phase, aiming to catalogue information on 100 key medicinal substances used in Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems. About DRAVYA Portal The DRAVYA portal, which stands for Digitized Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of AYUSH Substances, is a state-of-the-art platform aimed at consolidating vast information on Ayurvedic ingredients and medicinal products. It is a dynamic and ever-evolving database that integrates classical Ayurveda t

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY)

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), launched by the Indian government, has crossed an important milestone as Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have sanctioned over 5.79 lakh loan applications amounting to ?10,907 crore by September 2025. This is a significant step toward achieving the scheme’s goal of providing free electricity to households across India by promoting the use of rooftop solar panels. About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Launched on February 15, 2024, the PM S

PM-SETU Scheme

At the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. This initiative aims to overhaul India's technical training landscape and create a robust skill development infrastructure. About the PM-SETU Scheme The PM-SETU scheme is a centrally sponsored program with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. It focuses on transforming 1,000 Government ITIs (

SMILE Scheme

The Indian government recently launched a 15-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme under the SMILE scheme. Objective: To empower transgender persons economically and make them self-reliant through skill-building and entrepreneurship. About SMILE Scheme SMILE stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It is a Central Sector Scheme with two main sub-schemes: Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Perso

State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH)

The Union Health Secretary recently launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the performance of state drug regulatory systems in India. About SHRESTH First-of-its-kind: SHRESTH is a national initiative designed to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory authorities through a transparent and data-driven framework. The initiative has been proposed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization

Khelo India ASMITA

The Khelo India ASMITA Football League 2025-26 was recently inaugurated by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. About Khelo India ASMITA: ASMITA stands for Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women. It is part of the larger Khelo India initiative, which aims to promote sports across the country, with a special focus on women's empowerment and gender neutrality in sports. Objective: The league’s goal is

MERITE Scheme

The MERITE Scheme (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education) has been approved by the Union Cabinet to improve the quality and governance of technical education in India. The scheme is a collaborative effort between the Government of India and the World Bank, aimed at enhancing the technical skills and employability of students in government engineering institutions and polytechnics across the country. Features of the MERITE Scheme Central Secto