Weekly Schemes and Reports 08 14 May

Current Affairs | May 2023
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Schemes in News
Project-SMART for Station Area Development
MoHUA and Railways collaborate with JICA for Station Area Development
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Railways have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for 'Station Area Development along
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail' (Project-SMART). The project aims to develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai
- Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway (MAHSR) stations to enhance accessibility and convenience for commuters and promote
economic activities in the vicinity of station areas. The MoU is for four high-speed rail stations - Sabarmati, Surat, Virar,
and Thane - out of the 12 stations on the route.
Seminars and field visits to prepare Station Area Development Plans

To achieve this objective, MoHUA, the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and JICA are organizing a series of
seminars and field visits in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. The seminars will bring together officers from the Japan
Embassy, JICA HQ and India office, JICA experts, the Ministry of Railways, the National High Speed Rail Corporation
Limited, and the Town and Country Planning Organization. These deliberations will contribute to the preparation of 'Station
Area Development Plans' for Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane HSR stations and a model handbook that will contain
experiences and methodologies adopted in Japan, India, and other countries for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
and Station Area Development.
Conclusion
Overall, the Project-SMART initiative seeks to facilitate and enhance the institutional capacity of state governments,
municipal corporations, and urban development authorities to plan, develop, and manage surrounding areas of MAHSR
stations. The development of these station areas will not only improve the convenience of commuting for passengers but
will also have a positive impact on the economic growth of the region. The MoU and the subsequent seminars and field
visits represent a significant step forward in realizing the vision of a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation network
in India.

Project Cheetah: An Overview
Why the scheme is in the news?
A team of experts from South Africa and India visited Kuno National Park to review the status of Project Cheetah. They
found that 20 cheetahs were successfully translocated to KNP in September 2022 and February 2023. The project aims to
restore the species to its historical range in India, benefit global cheetah conservation efforts, and enhance ecosystem health.
The team submitted a report on the project's current status and future directions.
A Chronological Overview of Cheetah Reintroduction in India

1. Cheetah's Background: The cheetah, known scientifically as Acinonyx Jubatus, holds the title for the fastest land
animal. Unfortunately, overhunting and habitat loss led to their complete extinction in India, making them the only large
carnivore to face this fate.
2. Name Origins: The name "Cheetah" has Sanskrit origins, meaning "variegated," "adorned," or "painted."Historical
Mentions: Cheetahs were recorded in classical Greek texts by Strabo around 200 BCE. During the Mughal Period, they
were heavily used for hunting, and Emperor Akbar owned a menagerie of 1,000 cheetahs. Various states in Central India,
particularly Gwalior, had cheetahs for a long time.1947: India's last spotted cheetah died in the Sal forests of
Chhattisgarh's Koriya district in 1948, leading to the animal's official extinction in India in 1952. The country's last three
surviving cheetahs were shot by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh, the ruler of a small princely state in Chhattisgarh.
3. First Reintroduction Plan: The first concrete efforts to reintroduce the cheetah began in the 1970s during talks with
Iran's Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. The plan involved swapping India's Asiatic lions for Iran's Asiatic cheetahs.
4. 2009: In 2009, a second attempt was made to acquire Iranian cheetahs, but it was unsuccessful as Iran did not permit
the cloning or export of its cheetahs.
5. 2012: The reintroduction project was halted in 2012 when the Supreme Court ordered a stay on it.
6. 2020: In 2020, South African experts surveyed four potential reintroduction sites, namely Kuno-Palpur, Nauradehi
Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Madhav National Park.
About the recent translocation programme

1. Project Cheetah: India is undertaking the world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project to
reintroduce cheetahs to the country.
2. Coexistence approach: Unlike previous cheetah reintroduction efforts, India's approach is unique in that it aims to
reintroduce the cheetah in an unfenced protected area using a coexistence approach.
3. Significance of Coexistence approach: This approach is favored by social scientists, as fencing has been successful in
eliminating cheetahs' tendency to range over wide distances in other countries, limiting population growth. Additionally,
Kuno NP's core conservation area is largely free of human-made threats.
4. Challenges associated with Coexistence approach: Reintroduction to Kuno NP will be challenging, as the park is
unfenced and there have been no successful reintroductions into unfenced systems. Anthropogenic threats like snaring
for bush meat and retaliatory killings due to livestock depredation pose risks to the cheetahs.
5. Fortress conservation: While cheetahs have been reintroduced in fenced protected areas in various African countries,
India's coexistence approach presents a new frontier for conservation efforts.
Significance of Cheetah reintroduction

1. India's historical cheetah habitat was widespread, ranging from Jammu to Tamil Nadu, and encompassed various
habitats such as dry forests, grasslands, and scrub forests.
2. Experts believe that as long as there is enough food and protection, cheetahs can regenerate on their own. The Kuno-
Palpur sanctuary has already prepared a "prey base" that can sustain the population.
3. The reintroduction of cheetahs will aid in the restoration of open forest and grassland ecosystems in India. As a flagship
grassland species, the conservation of cheetahs also helps in preserving other species in the predator food chain.

4. The conservation of cheetahs will help in the preservation of biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services such as water
security, carbon sequestration, and soil moisture conservation, which will benefit society at large.
5. The reintroduction of cheetahs will also create enhanced livelihood opportunities for the local community through eco-
development and ecotourism activities.
Challenges:
1. Coexistence with tigers and leopards:
2. In Kuno, there may be competition between the big cats, leading to intra-guild competition.
3. The more aggressive predators such as tigers and leopards may outcompete the cheetahs and force them to the
outskirts of the park where they may come into conflict with humans.
4. Locational Challenges of Kuno-Palpur National Park: Different vegetation type: The protected area of Kuno-Palpur
National Park is largely dry deciduous forest, which is different from the savannahs in Africa where cheetahs typically
live. It is unclear how well the African cheetahs will adapt to this habitat.
5. Specific prey base: Indian cheetahs mainly hunted blackbucks and chinkaras, and occasionally chital and nilgai.
However, some of these prey species are believed to have disappeared from Kuno, which could pose a challenge to the
cheetahs' survival.
6. Asiatic lion project: For the Asiatic lion project, 24 villages were relocated and rehabilitated from Kuno. However, the
reintroduction of cheetahs may delay this project.
Way Forward
1. Livestock protection: A functional compensation scheme should be put in place to address potential livestock losses
due to cheetah reintroduction in India.
2. Monitoring: All cheetahs have been fitted with radio collars and will be monitored via satellite. A dedicated team will
also monitor each cheetah's location for 24 hours.
3. Prey base augmentation: To increase the prey base inside the 500-hectare enclosure, the Kuno National Park has
introduced 238 spotted deer from Pench and Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries and plans to bring in around 300 more.
4. Gradual coexistence: According to the Centre's action plan, the cheetah and leopard populations will be able to coexist
over time.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: Eligibility, Coverage, and Benefits
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana completed 8 years.
Eligibility :
1. The scheme is available for people in the age group of 18 to 70 years who have a bank account.
2. To join the scheme, a person must have a bank account and Aadhaar number linked to it.
3. The person needs to submit a simple form to the bank before 1st June every year to enroll in the scheme.
4. The form should include the name of the nominee.
Premium: The premium for the scheme is Rs 20 per annum starting from June 1, 2022.
Payment Mode: The premium for the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana will be automatically debited by the bank
from the subscriber's account on or before the 1st of June every year for the annual coverage period under the scheme.
Risk Coverage:
1. In case of death, a sum of Rs 2 Lakh will be given.
2. If both eyes or both hands or both feet or one eye and one hand or foot become completely and irrecoverably lost, a
sum of Rs 2 Lakh will be given.
3. If sight of one eye or use of one hand or foot is completely and irrecoverably lost, a sum of Rs 1 Lakh will be given.
Terms of Risk Coverage :

The scheme requires individuals to enroll every year. They may also choose a long-term option, in which case their bank
account will be automatically debited by the bank each year.
Who will implement this Scheme?
All Public Sector General Insurance Companies and other insurers who are interested in joining the scheme and have tie-
ups with banks are eligible to offer the scheme.
Government Contribution:
1. Ministries have the option to contribute towards the premium of their respective beneficiaries from their budget or
from the Public Welfare Fund established with unclaimed money from this budget. The categories of beneficiaries and
contribution amounts will be determined separately during the year.
2. The Government will cover the expenses for common publicity.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Completes 8 Years: Key Details and Eligibility
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana completed 8 years.
Eligibility :
Individuals aged between 18 and 50 and holding a bank account are eligible for the scheme. However, those who enroll
before turning 50 can continue to avail life cover until the age of 55 by paying premiums.
Premium : Starting from June 1, 2022, the annual premium for the scheme will be Rs 436, which will be automatically
debited in a single installment.
Risk Coverage : A sum of Rs 2 Lakh will be provided in the event of death due to any cause.
Terms of Risk Coverage : Enrollment in the scheme is required every year, but participants may choose a long-term
option for automatic annual renewal through bank account auto-debit.
Who will implement this Scheme?

The Life Insurance Corporation and all other life insurers that are interested in joining the scheme and have tie-ups with
banks are eligible to offer the scheme.
Government Contribution:
Other ministries can contribute premiums for their beneficiaries from their budgets or the Public Welfare Fund created from
unclaimed money. The categories and contribution amounts will be determined separately during the year. The government
will cover the expenses for common publicity.

"Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" Campaign: Improving Early Childhood Education in India
Context: In September 2022, the Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani launched the 'Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi'
campaign, which aims to transform the 14 lakh Anganwadi centres into pre-schools that offer early childhood care and
education. This campaign is focused on providing early learning opportunities to children.
About the “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” campaign for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE):
Characteristic Specifics
The age group of focus is children aged up to six years, with a particular emphasis on
Age group being focused on
those under the age of three.
The National Education Policy places significant importance on developing a strong
National Education Policy foundation in literacy and numeracy skills, with a particular emphasis on using the child's
mother tongue.
1. Rebranding anganwadis with improved infrastructure,
Proposals of the High-Level2. Re-designating Anganwadi workers as Anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare
Task Force on Early Childhood workers,
Care and Education (ECCE) 3.in Providing creche facilities for children under 3 years,
2022 4. Developing a common curriculum across different models, and
5. Placing a strong emphasis on education in the child's mother tongue.
Early childhood encompasses the critical developmental period from birth to six years,
What is Early Childhood?
which includes distinct phases and age-related necessities.
Anganwadi centres are rural childcare facilities that serve as an essential connection
between the government and rural communities, specifically expecting mothers, new
What is Anganwadi? mothers, and children below six years of age. These centres offer fundamental
healthcare, nutrition, and early childhood education services to women and children
living in their respective villages.
What is Early Childhood Care and Education(ECCE)?

UNICEF defines early childhood as the duration from conception through the age of eight. Early childhood care and
education (ECCE) goes beyond preparing children for primary school. It focuses on the comprehensive growth of a child's
social, emotional, cognitive, and physical requirements to establish a sturdy and extensive foundation for lifelong learning
and well-being. SDG 4's Target 4.2 aims to provide all girls and boys access to quality early childhood development, care,
and pre-primary education by 2030.
Significance of Early Childhood Care and Education(ECCE)
 Early childhood is a period of rapid growth and development, with the brain developing most during this time.
 More than 85% of a child's brain development happens before the age of 6, underscoring the importance of providing
appropriate care and stimulation during early childhood for healthy brain growth.
 Access to quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) is crucial for every child.
 The overall goal of ECCE is to achieve optimal outcomes in various domains, including physical and motor development,
cognitive development, socio-emotional-ethical development, cultural/artistic development, and communication and
early language, literacy, and numeracy.
 ECCE also emphasizes developing social capacities, such as teamwork, cooperation, courtesy, ethics, and personal and
public cleanliness.
 These early years lay the foundation for a child's learning and overall development, better preparing them for primary
school and improving their education outcomes.
 Quality ECCE can also reduce repetition and dropout rates, especially among children from vulnerable groups.

 Additionally, it promotes human resource development, gender equality, and social cohesion, while also reducing costs
associated with later remedial programs.
 An overview of 56 studies conducted in 23 countries has shown that ECCE has positive impacts on health, education,
cognitive ability, and emotional development.
Challenges for Early Childhood Care and Education(ECCE)
1. ECCE is faced with the challenge of a shortage of trained teachers, which hampers the delivery of quality education.
2. Anganwadis, which serve as important early childhood care centers in rural areas, lack the necessary infrastructure
and educational resources. This results in a concentration of children aged 2-4 years, with a lower number of children
in the 4-6 years age range, which is a crucial period for education. Moreover, there is a dearth of trained teachers
dedicated to early childhood education in Anganwadis.
3. In private pre-schools, formal teaching and rote memorisation dominate over play-based learning.
4. A 2017 study by Ambedkar University found that a significant proportion of children who completed pre-primary
education, either in public or private institutions, lacked the necessary school readiness competencies when they started
primary school.

Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Empowering Rural India through Khadi
Introduction
The Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is an amalgamation of two distinct programs, namely the Khadi Vikas Yojana, which
has played a key role in fostering the Khadi Industry in India, and the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, which is dedicated to
promoting and assisting small-scale rural enterprises.
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Objectives

1. Enhancing employment and job opportunities in rural India
2. Strengthening the condition of Khadi industries
3. Fostering a sense of self-esteem among rural communities through improved opportunities
4. Promoting Khadi clothing as a global fashion statement
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Salient Features

 In Feb 2019, the Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs.
 The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has managed both schemes over the years.
 Khadi Vikas Yojana historically consisted of Market Promotion and Development Assistance (MPDA), Interest
Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC), Aam Admi Bima Yojana, and Khadi Grant, which aimed to strengthen the weak
infrastructure of the Khadi Industry. In contrast, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana focused on funding village industries
through KVIC.
 The Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana includes a new component called Rozgar Yukt Gaon, which operates alongside
the existing mix.
 The objective of Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is to promote entrepreneurship in the Khadi Industry, introduce
new employment opportunities at the rural level, and ultimately empower rural communities.
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Major Schemes

Rozgar Yukt Gaon
1. The Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is an initiative aimed at empowering Khadi artisans by providing them with the
necessary resources to produce and sell their products.
2. To achieve this objective, the Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs has proposed a shift in the existing business
model of Khadi enterprises, moving away from the subsidy-based model to an enterprise-based model.
3. As a part of the scheme, 50 villages will be provided with the tools and equipment required for the production of Khadi,
including Charkha, loom, and warping units.
Market Promotion and Development Assistance (MPDA)
1. The Ministry of MSME (Micro Small and Medium Enterprises) is responsible for overseeing the Market Promotion and
Development Assistance (MPDA) scheme.
2. The primary objective of this scheme is to create new opportunities for promoting the Khadi Industry across India.
3. To support the production, selling, and marketing of Khadi and small enterprises in rural areas, a grant of 977 crores
was sanctioned under this scheme.
Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC)
1. The scheme was launched in May 1977 to assist Khadi and Polyvastra production enterprises to obtain capital from
banks.
2. Under the scheme, rural enterprises can receive bank loans with an interest rate of only 4 percent, with the remaining
interest being subsidized by the KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission).

Boosting Agarbatti Udyog (2020)
1. A new programme was sanctioned by the Ministry of MSME in 2020 to boost Agarbatti manufacturing in rural areas
under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.
2. KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) will train Agarbatti artisans to help build the enterprise-led business
model in the rural sector.
3. Raw material, tools and equipment required to produce Agarbatti will also be provided by KVIC.
4. The objective of this move by the ministry is to revive the Agarbatti Udyog and provide employment opportunities in
rural enterprises.
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Beneficiaries
 Individuals living in rural areas with limited or no skills.
 Artisans involved in the production of Khadi.
 Entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the Khadi industry.
 Various industries under the MSME sector that will benefit from the scheme.
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Implementation
1. The scheme comprises of two components, Khadi Vikas Yojana and Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.
2. The two schemes have been merged to form the Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.
3. The scheme aims to transform the existing business model used by rural industries.
4. The goal is to promote self-sufficiency among village industries and reduce their reliance on subsidies.
5. Assistance will be provided to small scale and cottage industries such as food, leather, pottery and hand-woven textiles
to enhance their production and marketing capabilities. The government plans to establish Design Houses across the
country to increase accessibility of Khadi products to the general public.
6. The government intends to increase financial aid to 50-60% to encourage the establishment of structured business
verticals and better resource management.
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Significance
 The global market of Khadi will see improvement.
 The employment opportunities in rural areas of India will be enhanced.
 The living conditions of people living in poverty in rural areas of India will be improved.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) - Supporting India's Top Athletes

Atanu Das, an Olympic Archer and World Championship Silver Medallist, has been re-admitted to the Target Olympic
Podium Scheme (TOPS) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). This decision was made due to his
outstanding performances in the Archery World Cup in Antalya and the domestic circuit. After a break of one and a half
years, Atanu returned to international outdoor competition and secured the fourth spot in the Men's Recurve individual
rankings with a score of 673 points.
Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) What is it?

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme is a major initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at providing
support to India's top athletes. The scheme aims to enhance the training of these athletes in order to help them win
medals at the Olympics. To accomplish this goal, the Department of Sports is responsible for identifying individuals with the
potential to win medals at the Olympics. The scheme seeks to sponsor a group of athletes who are in the developmental
stage and have the potential to win medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS): History

The Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS), an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was launched in
September 2014 with the aim of helping India win Olympic medals in the 2016 (Rio) and 2020 (Tokyo) Olympics. A
committee called the TOPS Elite Athletes' Identification Committee was created to identify elite athletes capable of
winning a podium finish at the Olympics. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is responsible for selecting TOPS members
and ensuring that "High-Priority" sports such as Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Shooting, and Wrestling are
represented.
The total number of committee members will be determined by MYAS, and the TOPS constitution does not specify a
minimum or maximum number of members. The first committee was chaired by Shri. Anurag Thakur (MP) and included
eminent athletes such as Pullela Gopichand, Rahul Dravid, Abhinav Bindra, and Manisha Malhotra, as well as sports
administrators from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the MYAS [DG SAI and JS (Sports)].
Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)

To provide support to the athletes chosen under the TOP Scheme, a special organization called the Mission Olympic Cell
(MOC) was established. The head of the MOC is the Director General of the Sports Authority (DG, SAI), and the committee
sessions are attended by representatives from the relevant National Sports Federations (NSFs) and SAI Project Officers,
among other members. The main objective of the MOC is to discuss, review, and choose the procedures and approaches
that are most suitable for the athlete's development. In addition, the MOC is responsible for selecting, rejecting, and
retaining athletes, coaches, and training facilities that qualify for TOPS support.
Below is a list of some of the MOC’s functions:
1. Approve special programs for athletes selected under the TOP Scheme.
2. Recommend financial payments for personalized programs.
3. Assist, monitor, and evaluate athletes’ progress according to their training plans.
4. Establish a regular reporting system for athletes’ training plans.
5. Make decisions on unexpected requests or needs of athletes.
6. Maintain regular communication with athletes to discuss their progress, needs, and feedback.
7. Delegate any or all of the above tasks to the implementation partner agency.
8. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and documents for beneficiaries.
9. Fulfill media, sponsor, and commercial partner commitments required under the NSDF TOP Scheme.

Scheme of Assistance under TOPS
The Scheme’s main aim is to enhance the athlete’s training beyond what is already included in the Annual Calendar of
Training and Competition (ACTC). The following are some of the assistance the selected athletes may request under the
Scheme:
1. Personalized coaching from reputable trainers in top-notch facilities.
2. Participation in international competitions.
3. Purchase of equipment.
4. Access to support staff such as physiotherapists, sports psychologists, mental trainers, and physical trainers.
5. Any other assistance customized to the sport discipline.
6. Providing an incentive-based monthly out-of-pocket allowance of Rs. 50,000 (Rupees fifty thousand) to the athletes.
Selection and Review Committee

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) convenes weekly to examine and evaluate athlete proposals. The Committee imposes
financial penalties based on the athlete's request and the Committee's recommendation. The Committee is also responsible
for periodically reviewing the athletes' progress and development. Based on the Committee's advice, athletes may be added,
retained, or removed from the TOP Scheme.

Catch the Rain Campaign: A Jan Andolan for Water Conservation
Today, a workshop was organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
(DoWR), Ministry of Jal Shakti at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi. The workshop aimed to provide
orientation to Central Nodal Officers (CNO) and Technical Officers (TO) who will visit 150 water-stressed districts across the
country. These officials will ensure effective implementation of the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” – 2023 (JSA:
CTR) campaign, which runs from 4th March, 2023 to 30th November, 2023. A Central Team, comprising CNO and TO,
will visit the assigned districts twice, before and after monsoon season. The workshop aimed to provide a mission and vision
to the visiting officials and highlight their roles and responsibilities. The theme for the campaign is “Source Sustainability
for Drinking Water”, and it will be implemented in all districts, including rural and urban areas.
About Catch the Rain Campaign:
1. The Jan Andolan campaign, “Catch the Rain,” has the objective of promoting water conservation at the grassroots
level by involving people’s participation.
2. The campaign seeks to expedite water conservation throughout the country.
Objective
The objective is to promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting structures (RWHS) that are appropriate for the local
climate and subsoil conditions, with the aim of ensuring effective rainwater storage. All stakeholders are encouraged to
participate in this effort.
Tag line:
Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls.
Coverage:
Starting from 4th March, 2023, the Catch the Rain campaign will be executed throughout the nation, covering both rural
and urban areas. The implementation period will extend from the pre-monsoon to the monsoon season, and will conclude
on 30th November, 2023.
Implementation:
The campaign will be implemented by the National Water Mission(NWM), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Key activities under the Catch the Rain Campaign:
1. As part of the Catch the Rain Campaign, efforts will be made to remove encroachments and desilt tanks to increase
the storage capacity of rainwater.
2. The campaign will also focus on creating water harvesting pits, rooftop RWHS, and check dams.
3. Obstructions in the channels bringing water from catchment areas will be removed.
4. Traditional Water Harvesting Systems like step-wells will be repaired. Additionally, defunct bore-wells and old wells
will be used to put the water back to aquifers.
5. States have been requested to establish Rain Centers in each district. These centers will serve as technical guidance
centers for RWHS.

National Pension System (NPS): Encouraging Long-Term Planning

The Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced that NPS subscribers can now purchase
multiple annuity schemes from the same provider if they allocate more than Rs 10 lakh towards annuity corpus, with Rs 5
lakh going towards each annuity scheme, providing them with greater options.
Introduction
National Pension System (NPS) is a retirement savings scheme that operates on a voluntary, defined contribution basis.
It allows subscribers to make regular savings during their working years, which can then be used to provide retirement
income.
1. NPS aims to encourage citizens to save for their retirement and develop the habit of long-term financial planning.
2. The scheme is designed to address the challenge of ensuring adequate retirement income for all citizens in a
sustainable way.
3. Under NPS, individual savings are pooled into a pension fund and professionally managed by PFRDA-regulated fund
managers. The funds are invested in diversified portfolios that may include government bonds, bills, corporate
debentures, and shares.
4. The value of these contributions grows over time based on the returns earned on the investments.
5. When a subscriber exits the NPS, they can use the accumulated pension wealth to purchase a life annuity from a PFRDA-
empanelled life insurance company. Alternatively, they can choose to withdraw a portion of the accumulated pension
wealth as a lump sum.
6. The deduction limit under Section 80CCD of the Income-tax Act for contributions to NPS has been increased from Rs.
1 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh.
7. An additional deduction of Rs. 50,000 is available for individuals who make contributions to the NPS, over and above
the limit of Rs. 1.50 lakh.
What is National Pension System (NPS)?

The government-sponsored pension scheme, known as the National Pension System (NPS), was initially launched in
January 2004 exclusively for government employees. However, in 2009 it was made available to all sections of the
population. Under the scheme, subscribers are able to regularly contribute towards a pension account during their working
life. Upon retirement, subscribers have the option to withdraw a portion of their accumulated corpus in a lump sum, while
the remaining amount can be used to purchase an annuity that provides a steady source of income after retirement. The
NPS is managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
Advantages of NPS
1. NPS is a flexible retirement savings scheme that offers a range of investment options and allows individuals to choose
their Pension Fund Manager (PFM) to plan the growth of their investments. Subscribers can switch between investment
options or fund managers subject to regulatory restrictions, and the returns are market-related.
2. Opening an NPS account provides a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN), a unique number that remains
with the subscriber for life. The scheme has two tiers: Tier-I is a non-withdrawable permanent retirement account where
accumulations are deposited and invested according to the subscriber's choice. Tier-II is a voluntary withdrawable
account, allowed only when there is an active Tier-I account, from which withdrawals can be made as and when needed.
3. NPS is a portable scheme that allows for seamless portability across jobs and locations, unlike other pension plans,
including EPFO. This provides hassle-free arrangements for individual subscribers.
4. NPS is regulated by PFRDA, with transparent investment norms, regular monitoring, and performance reviews of fund
managers by the NPS Trust.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the National Pension System (NPS), an Indian citizen, whether residing in India or abroad, must meet the
following criteria:
1. The applicant must be between 18 and 65 years old at the time of submitting their application to the Point of Presence
- Service Providers (POP/POP-SP).
2. The applicant must comply with the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms as specified in the Subscriber Registration
Form.
3. All necessary documents required for KYC compliance must be submitted in a mandatory manner.
Models under NPS

There are several models of the National Pension System (NPS) designed to cater to various categories of people. These
include:
1. All citizen model
2. Government sector model:
If an individual falls under any of the following categories, then they are mandatorily covered under the National Pension
System (NPS):
 The individual has joined the services of the Government of India on or after 01-01-2004 (with the exception of Armed
Forces personnel).
 The individual is an employee of a Central Autonomous Body and has joined the organization on or after 01-01-2004.
3. Corporate model:
The Corporate Model of the National Pension System (NPS) is open to a variety of entities, including:
 Entities registered under the Companies Act.
 Entities registered under various Co-operative Acts.
 Central Public Sector Enterprises.
 State Public Sector Enterprises.
 Registered Partnership firms.
 Registered Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
Anybody incorporated under any act of Parliament or State legislature or by order of Central/State Government.
Proprietorship Concerns. Trusts/Societies. Any employee of a corporate entity, who is an Indian citizen between the ages of
18-65 years and complies with the KYC norms, is eligible to be registered as a subscriber under the NPS upon enrollment
by their employer.
4. Atal Pension Yojana
Mobile app of NPS

The NPS mobile app allows subscribers to access their account details online. Subscribers can view the latest account
information available on the CRA website by using their user ID (PRAN) and password. The app also allows subscribers to
update their contact details and password.
The app offers the following features:
 View current holdings
 Request a transaction statement for the year to be sent to their email address
 Change contact details, including telephone number, mobile number, and email ID
 Change their password or secret question
 View their account details
 Regenerate their password using the secret question
 View the last five contribution transactions
 Receive notifications related to NPS.

YUVA PRATIBHA - Culinary Talent Hunt promoting millets and Indian heritage
About:
MyGov and IHM, Pusa are launching 'YUVA PRATIBHA - Culinary Talent Hunt' on May 12, 2023. The competition aims
to promote India's rich culinary heritage and showcase its value and significance to the world. It also aims to bring out lost
recipes and promote the culinary talents of young chefs and home cooks.
In 2023, the United Nations declared it as the 'International Year of the Millets' following India's proposal to position
itself as a global hub for millet. Millets have been an integral part of the Indian diet for centuries. The competition aims to
increase the production and consumption of millets and promote awareness about their versatility and health benefits.
The competition provides a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity and innovation in cooking
with healthy and sustainable ingredients, particularly millet. It aims to create awareness about the importance of millet in
our diet and promote their consumption. The fusion of millets in this competition is expected to inspire young chefs and
home cooks to explore and experiment with millets in their cooking.
Aim & Objective:
1. The aim is to encourage and showcase the culinary skills of young Indians.
2. The competition also aims to raise awareness about the nutritional value and importance of millet in ensuring food
security and improving nutrition.
3. The event aims to promote millets at a national level and increase their consumption.
4. Participants will be encouraged to incorporate millets into their cooking, promoting their versatility and health
benefits.
How to Participate:
1. Visit the Innovateindia website to participate in the contest.
2. Only citizens of India aged between 18 to 40 years are eligible to participate.
3. Entries must be submitted on the MyGov portal. Entries submitted through any other mode will not be evaluated.
4. The dish/recipe should be home-cooked, and at least 50% of the ingredients should be millet.
5. Participants must submit 3 photographs: (i) a photo of the ingredients used; (ii) a photo of the dish prepared, and (iii)
a photo of the participant with the dish.
6. The description of the dish should be clear and precise, including all the steps involved.
7. The content is available in both Hindi and English.
8. Participants are allowed to submit only one entry.
9. The top 3 winners will be announced in a physical event in New Delhi.
Reward & Recognition:

1. The first prize winner will receive ₹1,00,000/-, a trophy, and a certificate.
2. The second prize winner will receive ₹75,000/-, a trophy, and a certificate.
3. The third prize winner will receive ₹50,000/-, a trophy, and a certificate.
4. The twelve contestants who make it to the final round will be rewarded with a cash prize of ₹5,000/- each.
Mentorship:
The top three winners will receive mentorship for a month by executive chefs, along with a mentorship stipend in case
the winner's city is different from the mentor's city.

YUVA PRATIBHA – Culinary Talent Hunt promoting millets and Indian heritage
MyGov and IHM, Pusa are launching ‘YUVA PRATIBHA – Culinary Talent Hunt’ on May 12, 2023. The competition
aims to promote India’s rich culinary heritage and showcase its value and significance to the world. It also aims to bring
out lost recipes and promote the culinary talents of young chefs and home cooks.
In 2023, the United Nations declared it as the ‘International Year of the Millets’ following India’s proposal to position
itself as a global hub for millet. Millets have been an integral part of the Indian diet for centuries. The competition aims to
increase the production and consumption of millets and promote awareness about their versatility and health benefits.
The competition provides a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity and innovation in cooking
with healthy and sustainable ingredients, particularly millet. It aims to create awareness about the importance of millet in
our diet and promote their consumption. The fusion of millets in this competition is expected to inspire young chefs and
home cooks to explore and experiment with millets in their cooking.
Aim & Objective:

1. The aim is to encourage and showcase the culinary skills of young Indians.
2. The competition also aims to raise awareness about the nutritional value and importance of millet in ensuring food
security and improving nutrition.
3. The event aims to promote millets at a national level and increase their consumption.
4. Participants will be encouraged to incorporate millets into their cooking, promoting their versatility and health
benefits.
How to Participate:
1. Visit the Innovateindia website to participate in the contest.
2. Only citizens of India aged between 18 to 40 years are eligible to participate.
3. Entries must be submitted on the MyGov portal. Entries submitted through any other mode will not be evaluated.
4. The dish/recipe should be home-cooked, and at least 50% of the ingredients should be millet.
5. Participants must submit 3 photographs: (i) a photo of the ingredients used; (ii) a photo of the dish prepared, and (iii)
a photo of the participant with the dish.
6. The description of the dish should be clear and precise, including all the steps involved.
7. The content is available in both Hindi and English.
8. Participants are allowed to submit only one entry.
9. The top 3 winners will be announced in a physical event in New Delhi.
Reward & Recognition:

1. The first prize winner will receive ₹1,00,000/-, a trophy, and a certificate.
2. The second prize winner will receive ₹75,000/-, a trophy, and a certificate.
3. The third prize winner will receive ₹50,000/-, a trophy, and a certificate.
4. The twelve contestants who make it to the final round will be rewarded with a cash prize of ₹5,000/- each.
Mentorship:
The top three winners will receive mentorship for a month by executive chefs, along with a mentorship stipend in case
the winner’s city is different from the mentor’s city.

PM CARES Fund: Overview, Composition, and Funding
According to official records, the PM CARES Fund received a total of Rs 535.44 crore in foreign donations over the past
three years.
Overview of the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund)
Established:
 PM CARES was established in March 2020.
 It has been registered as a Public Charitable Trust.
Objective:
 The Trust is authorized to carry out and support relief or assistance of any kind about public health emergencies or
any other type of emergency, calamity, or distress caused by humans or nature. This may include establishing or
improving healthcare or pharmaceutical facilities, developing necessary infrastructure, providing funding for relevant
research, or any other type of support.
 The Trust may provide financial assistance, issue grants, make money payments, or take any other necessary measures
deemed appropriate by the Board of Trustees to aid the affected population.
 The Trust is empowered to undertake any other activity that is not inconsistent with the aforementioned objectives.
Composition:
 The Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the PM CARES Fund, and the Minister of Defence, Minister of Home
Affairs, and Minister of Finance are the ex-officio Trustees of the Fund.
 The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees has the authority to nominate three eminent persons in fields such as
research, health, science, social work, law, public administration, and philanthropy, to serve as Trustees on the Board of
Trustees.
 Any individual appointed as a Trustee is expected to act pro bono, meaning they are not compensated for their
services.
Funding:
The PM CARES Fund is solely funded by voluntary donations from individuals and organizations and does not receive any
financial assistance from the government budget.
Exemptions:
 Contributions made to the PM CARES Fund are eligible for 100% exemption under section 80G of the Income Tax Act,
1961.
 Donations to the PM CARES Fund can be considered as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure
under the Companies Act, 2013.
 The PM CARES Fund has received clearance under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), and a separate
account has been opened to receive foreign donations.
Registration:
The Registration Act, of 1908, has been utilized to register the trust deed of PM CARES Fund.

Ranks and Reports in news
Everest Annual ITS rankings: Accenture Tops Everest Annual ITS Rankings for Seventh Consecutive
Year
Global IT research firm Everest Group has released its annual PEAK Matrix Service Provider of the Year Awards for
Information Technology (IT) services. The rankings recognise large IT service providers with over $2 billion in annual revenue
who have demonstrated superior capabilities and service strategies.
For the seventh year in a row, Accenture has secured the number one spot in the rankings, followed by Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS), Capgemini, Wipro, and HCLTech. TCS climbed to second place, while Capgemini and Wipro each rose three
positions in the rankings over last year.
Changes in the Rankings:

The 2023 ITS rankings saw major ups and downs, with Capgemini moving up to third place from sixth, while Wipro moved
up to fourth place from seventh. On the other hand, Infosys slipped to seventh from second, while HCL dropped to fifth
from fourth and Cognizant to sixth from fifth.
Newcomers to the ITS leaderboard this year include LTIMindtree (No. 10), EY (No. 18), Orange Business Services (No. 19),
and EPAM (No. 20). Meanwhile, UST Global and EXL exited the list in 2023.
Star Performers of the Year:

The ITS rankings also recognise Star Performers of the Year, who achieved the greatest positive relative year-on-year
movement on the PEAK Matrix assessment. This year’s Star Performers include LTIMindtree, TCS, Capgemini, and HCLTech.
ITS Challengers:
The Top 3 ITS Challengers in the 2023 awards are Mphasis, Virtusa, and Zensar. Zensar is also recognised as the Top ITS
Challenger Star Performer for achieving the greatest cumulative upward mobility within the Top ITS Challengers list.
ITS Top 10 for 2023:
1. Accenture has retained the top spot for the seventh consecutive year.
2. TCS climbed up to the second position, improving from its third position last year.
3. Capgemini moved up three spots to take the third position.
4. Wipro rose to the fourth position from its seventh position last year.
5. HCL Tech slipped to the fifth position, from its fourth position in the previous year.
6. Cognizant dropped a position to take the sixth spot.
7. Infosys experienced the biggest decline, slipping from the second position last year to the seventh position this year.
8. NTT Corporation and IBM swapped positions, with NTT taking the eighth spot and IBM coming in ninth.
9. LTIMindtree secured the tenth spot in the ITS Top 10 for 2023, as a new entrant.

India leads list of 10 countries with 60% of global maternal deaths, stillbirths, newborn deaths:
UN study
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has highlighted the challenges faced in reducing maternal deaths, stillbirths, and newborn
deaths globally. The report shows that, in 2020-2021, there were a combined 4.5 million deaths of this kind, with India
leading a list of 10 countries that account for 60% of the total.
India’s high number of live births is believed to be a factor in its large number of maternal, stillbirth, and neonatal deaths,
with the country accounting for 17% of global live births. Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and China also feature on the list of countries with the highest rates of maternal, stillbirth, and
neonatal deaths.
Slowdown in Progress:
The report also revealed that the global progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths, and stillbirths, has slowed in
the last decade, with gains made between 2000 and 2010 happening at a faster pace than since 2010. The reasons for this
slowdown need to be determined and addressed to improve outcomes for women and newborns.
Insufficient Healthcare Access:

The regions with the highest rates of newborn and maternal deaths, Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia, are
also the regions where fewer than 60% of women receive the recommended four antenatal checks from the WHO. Access
to quality and affordable healthcare, family planning services, and skilled and motivated health workers, particularly
midwives, are necessary to improve survival rates for women and babies.
Targeting Vulnerable Populations:

The report also stressed that interventions should particularly target the poorest and most vulnerable women who are most
likely to miss out on lifesaving care, including through subnational planning and investments.
Addressing Gender Norms and Inequalities:

The report also highlighted the need to address harmful gender norms, biases, and inequalities to improve maternal and
newborn health. Overall, the report underscores the need to accelerate progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths
and stillbirths, with a focus on equitable access to quality healthcare and addressing gender disparities.

Questions Related to Schemes
Q1. What is the objective of the Project-SMART initiative? Q5. Why did India choose to reintroduce Asiatic Cheetahs
(a) To develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai- instead of African Cheetahs?
Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail stations
(a) African Cheetahs are not suitable for the Indian climate
(b) To improve the efficiency of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
(b) Asiatic Cheetahs are native to India and not exotic
High-Speed Rail
(c) To construct new stations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad (c) IUCN does not permit the reintroduction of exotic
High-Speed Rail route species
(d) To reduce the fare of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High- (d) African Cheetahs are more aggressive than Asiatic
Speed Rail Cheetahs
(e) None of the above
Q2. The MoU for the Project-SMART initiative is for _____

high-speed rail stations. Q6. Individuals aged between 18 and 50 and holding a bank
(a) 2 stations account are eligible for the scheme. However, those who
(b) 4 stations enroll before turning 50 can continue to avail of life cover
(c) 6 stations until the age of 55 by paying premiums. As per the
(d) 8 stations
paragraph, which age group is eligible for the Pradhan
(e) 10 stations
Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana?
Q3. Overall, the Project-SMART initiative seeks to facilitate (a) Individuals aged between 18 and 40
and enhance the institutional capacity of state governments, (b) Individuals aged between 18 and 50
municipal corporations, and urban development authorities (c) Individuals aged between 20 and 50
to plan, develop, and manage surrounding areas of MAHSR
(d) Individuals aged between 25 and 55
stations. The development of these station areas will not
only improve the convenience of commuting for passengers (e) Individuals aged above 40 years
but will also have a positive impact on the economic growth
of the region. The MoU and the subsequent seminars and Q7. The annual premium for the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan
field visits represent a significant step forward in realizing Jyoti Bima Yojana will be automatically debited in _____
the vision of a modern, efficient, and sustainable installments.
transportation network in India. As per the paragraph, The
(a) Two
Project-SMART initiative seeks to facilitate and enhance the
institutional capacity of which entities to plan, develop, and (b) Three
manage surrounding areas of MAHSR stations. (c) Four
(a) State governments, municipal corporations, and urban (d) Single
development authorities (e) Five
(b) Railway companies and their employees
(c) Private developers and investors
(d) Tourist agencies and travel agents Q8. What is the sum provided in the event of death due to
(e) None of the above any cause under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima
Yojana?
Q4. Which organization is responsible for implementing (a) Rs. 1 Lakh
Project Cheetah? (b) Rs. 2 Lakh
(a) National Biodiversity Institute
(c) Rs. 3 Lakh
(b) Indian Air Force
(c) Forestry department (d) Rs. 4 Lakh
(d) Endangered Wildlife trust (e) Rs. 5 Lakh
(e) All of the above

Q9. Participants of the scheme are required to enroll every Q13. Enumerate some areas where Early Childhood Care
year, but they may choose a long-term option for automatic and Education (ECCE) seeks to attain the best possible
annual renewal through which method? results.
(a) Physical and motor development
(a) Cash payment
(b) Cognitive development
(b) Cheque payment
(c) Socio-emotional-ethical development
(c) Bank account auto-debit (d) Cultural/artistic development
(d) Online payment (e) All of the above
Q14. Choose an example of a difficulty encountered by Early
Q10. Who is eligible to offer Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
(a) There is a lack of trained teachers dedicated to early
Bima Yojana?
childhood education in Anganwadis
(a) Only the Life Insurance Corporation
(b) Private preschools prioritize play-based learning over
(b) Only the government-owned insurance companies formal teaching and rote memorization
(c) All life insurers interested in joining the scheme and (c) Children who complete pre-primary education have the
having tie-ups with banks necessary school readiness competencies when they start
(d) Only the private insurance companies primary school
(e) None of the above (d) Anganwadis have the necessary infrastructure and
educational resources
Q11. The "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" campaign targets
children up to ______? Q15. More than ______ of a child's brain development
(a) Children aged 6 to 8 years old happens before the age of 6.
(b) Children aged up to six years old, with a focus on those (a) 25%
under three (b) 50%
(c) Teenagers aged 13 to 19 years old (c) 75%
(d) 85%
(d) Adults aged 25 to 40 years old
(e) 100%
Q16. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme is a major
Q12. UNICEF defines early childhood as the duration from initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed
conception through the age of eight. Early childhood care at providing support to India's top athletes. The scheme
and education (ECCE) goes beyond preparing children for aims to enhance the training of these athletes in order to
primary school. It focuses on the comprehensive growth of help them win medals at the Olympics. To accomplish this
goal, the Department of Sports is responsible for identifying
a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical
individuals with the potential to win medals at the Olympics.
requirements to establish a sturdy and extensive foundation
The scheme seeks to sponsor a group of athletes who are in
for lifelong learning and well-being. SDG 4's Target 4.2 aims the developmental stage and have the potential to win
to provide all girls and boys access to quality early medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles
childhood development, care, and pre-primary education Olympics. As per the paragraph which of the following is the
by 2030. According to UNICEF, for how long does early main objective of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme
childhood last? (TOPS)?
(a) To support all Indian athletes
(a) Birth to three years old
(b) To identify athletes capable of winning medals at the
(b) Birth to eight years old
Olympics
(c) Three to six years old (c) To provide financial support to athletes
(d) Six to eight years old (d) To organize international competitions
(e) None of the above (e) None of the above

Q17. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) aims to Q21. National Pension System (NPS) is managed by ______.
sponsor a group of athletes who have the potential to win (a) RBI
medals at the _____ Olympics. (b) SEBI
(a) 2020 Tokyo (c) PFRDA
(b) 2022 Beijing (d) NABARD
(c) 2024 Paris (e) EXIM
(d) 2026 Milan-Cortina
(e) None of the above Q22. The government-sponsored pension scheme, known
as the National Pension System (NPS), was initially launched
Q18. Among the following who is responsible for selecting in January 2004 exclusively for government employees.
TOPS members? However, in 2009 it was made available to all sections of the
(a) Department of Sports population. Under the scheme, subscribers are able to
(b) Indian Olympic Association regularly contribute towards a pension account during their
(c) Ministry of Home Affairs working life. Upon retirement, subscribers have the option
(d) National Anti-Doping Agency to withdraw a portion of their accumulated corpus in a lump
(e) None of the above sum, while the remaining amount can be used to purchase
an annuity that provides a steady source of income after
Q19. The main function of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) retirement. The NPS is managed by the Pension Fund
is? Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). As per the
(a) To provide financial support to athletes paragraph, when was NPS made available to all sections of
(b) To select elite athletes for TOPS the population?
(c) To enhance the training of athletes beyond what is (a) 2008
included in the Annual Calendar of Training and (b) 2004
Competition (ACTC) (c) 2009
(d) To monitor the progress of athletes selected under TOPS (d) 2010
(e) All of the above (e) 2011
Q20. Which of the following is assistance that can be Q23. As per the eligibility criteria of the National Pension
provided to athletes under TOPS? System (NPS), Which of the following statements are true?
(a) Access to personal chefs (a) The applicant must be between 18 and 65 years old at
(b) Free housing the time of submitting their application to the Point of
(c) Purchase of equipment Presence - Service Providers (POP/POP-SP).
(d) Free transportation (b) The applicant must comply with the Know Your
(e) All of the above Customer (KYC) norms as specified in the Subscriber
Registration Form.
(c) All necessary documents required for KYC compliance
must be submitted in a mandatory manner.
(d) All of them
(e) None of them
Q24. Who is the chairperson of the Pension Fund

Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)?
(a) Dr. Deepak Mohanty
(b) Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Anand
(c) Ms. Mamta Shankar
(d) Ms. Annie George Mathew
(e) Shri Rahul Singh

Q25. Who is the chairperson and trustee of the NPS Trust? (c) The Income Tax Act, 1961
(a) Shri Suraj Bhan (d) The Registration Act, 1908
(b) Shri Y Venkata Rao (e) None of the above
(c) Smt. Chitra Jayasimha
(d) Shri Jugal Kishor Sharma Q29. How is the PM CARES Fund funded?
(e) Dr. P. C. Jaffer (a) By the government budget
(b) By foreign governments
Q26. The PM CARES Fund was established in ________. (c) By voluntary donations from individuals and
(a) 2017 organizations
(b) 2018
(d) By the Prime Minister's personal funds
(c) 2019
(d) 2020
(e) 2021
Q30. Under which Act has the PM CARES Fund received
clearance to receive foreign donations?
Q27. The Trust is authorized to carry out and support relief
(a) The Companies Act, 2013
or assistance of any kind in relation to public health
emergencies or any other type of emergency, calamity, or (b) The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
distress, whether caused by humans or nature. This may (c) The Income Tax Act, 1961
include establishing or improving healthcare or (d) The Registration Act, 1908
pharmaceutical facilities, developing necessary (e) None of the above
infrastructure, providing funding for relevant research, or
any other type of support. As per the paragraph, what is the
objective of the PM CARES Fund?
(a) To fund political campaigns
(b) To support relief and assistance during emergencies
(c) To provide scholarships to students
(d) To invest in the stock market
Q28. Which Act provides 100% exemption for contributions

made to the PM CARES Fund?
(a) The Companies Act, 2013
(b) The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
Solutions
S1. Ans.(a) S4. Ans.(c)
Sol. To develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai- Sol. The implementation of Project Cheetah is done by the
Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail stations Forestry Department in collaboration with various South
African organizations and institutes.
S2. Ans.(b)
Sol. The MoU for the Project-SMART initiative is for 4 high- S5. Ans.(b)
speed rail stations. Sol. India chose to reintroduce Asiatic Cheetahs because
they existed in the country and became extinct. According
S3. Ans.(a) to IUCN, reintroduction of exotic species is not
Sol. State governments, municipal corporations, and urban recommended as it may replace the native ones.
development authorities
S6. Ans.(b) S15. Ans.(d)
Sol. Individuals aged between 18 and 50 are eligible for the Sol. More than 85% of a child's brain development happens
scheme before the age of 6, underscoring the importance of
providing appropriate care and stimulation during early
S7. Ans.(d) childhood for healthy brain growth.
Sol. The annual premium of Rs. 436 will be auto-debited in
a single installment. S16. Ans.(b)
Sol. The main objective of the Target Olympic Podium
S8. Ans.(b) Scheme (TOPS) is to identify and support Indian athletes
Sol. A sum of Rs. 2 Lakh will be provided in the event of who have the potential to win medals at the Olympics.
death due to any cause.
S17. Ans.(c)
S9. Ans.(c) Sol. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) aims to
Sol. Participants may choose a long-term option for
sponsor a group of athletes who have the potential to win
automatic annual renewal through bank account auto-
medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles
debit.
Olympics.
S10. Ans.(c)
S18. Ans.(a)
Sol. The Life Insurance Corporation and all other life insurers
Sol. The Department of Sports is responsible for identifying
are interested in joining the scheme and having tie-ups with
and selecting individuals with the potential to win medals at
banks are eligible to offer the scheme.
the Olympics under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme
(TOPS).
S11. Ans.(b)
Sol. Children aged up to six years old, with a focus on those
S19. Ans.(d)
under three. The campaign aims to transform Anganwadi
Sol. The main function of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) is
centers into pre-schools that offer early childhood care and
education, with a particular emphasis on children under the to discuss, review, and choose the procedures and
age of three. approaches that are most suitable for the athlete's
development, and monitor the progress of athletes selected
S12. Ans.(b) under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Sol. UNICEF defines early childhood as the duration from
conception through the age of eight. S20. Ans.(c)
Sol. One of the assistance that can be provided to athletes
S13. Ans. (e) under TOPS is the purchase of equipment to enhance their
Sol. ECCE aims to achieve optimal outcomes in various training.
domains, including physical and motor development,
cognitive development, socio-emotional-ethical S21. Ans.(d)
development, cultural/artistic development, and Sol. National Pension System (NPS) is managed by Pension
communication and early language, literacy, and numeracy. Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA).
S14. Ans.(a) S22. Ans.(c)

Sol. There is a lack of trained teachers dedicated to early Sol. National Pension System (NPS), was initially launched
childhood education in Anganwadis. This is one of the in January 2004 exclusively for government employees.
challenges faced by ECCE, along with a shortage of trained However, in 2009 it was made available to all sections of the
teachers and a lack of educational resources in Anganwadis. population.

S23. Ans.(d) S26. Ans.(d)
Sol. To be eligible for the National Pension System (NPS), Sol. The PM CARES Fund was established in March 2020.
an Indian citizen, whether residing in India or abroad, must
meet the following criteria: S27. Ans.(b)
• The applicant must be between 18 and 65 years old at Sol. To support relief and assistance during emergencies.
the time of submitting their application to the Point of
Presence - Service Providers (POP/POP-SP). S28. Ans.(c)
• The applicant must comply with the Know Your Sol. Contributions made to the PM CARES Fund are eligible
for 100% exemption under section 80G of the Income Tax
Customer (KYC) norms as specified in the Subscriber
Act, 1961.
Registration Form.
• All necessary documents required for KYC compliance
S29. Ans.(c)
must be submitted in a mandatory manner.
Sol. The PM CARES Fund is solely funded by voluntary
donations from individuals and organizations and does not
S24. Ans.(a)
receive any financial assistance from the government
Sol. Dr. Deepak Mohanty is the chairperson of the Pension
budget.
Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
S30. Ans.(b)
S25. Ans.(a) Sol. The PM CARES Fund has received clearance under the
Sol. Shri Suraj Bhan is the chairperson and trustee of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), and a
NPS Trust. separate account has been opened to receive foreign
donations.

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Current Affairs | May 2023

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Seminars and field visits to prepare Station Area Development Plans

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A Chronological Overview of Cheetah Reintroduction in India

About the recent translocation programme

Significance of Cheetah reintroduction

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Terms of Risk Coverage :

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Who will implement this Scheme?

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What is Early Childhood Care and Education(ECCE)?

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Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Objectives

Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Salient Features

Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: Major Schemes

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Why the scheme is in the news?

Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) What is it?

Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS): History

Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)

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Selection and Review Committee

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Why the scheme is in the news?

What is National Pension System (NPS)?

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Models under NPS

Mobile app of NPS

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Reward & Recognition:

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Aim & Objective:

Reward & Recognition:

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Changes in the Rankings:

Star Performers of the Year:

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Insufficient Healthcare Access:

Targeting Vulnerable Populations:

Addressing Gender Norms and Inequalities:

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Q2. The MoU for the Project-SMART initiative is for _____

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Q24. Who is the chairperson of the Pension Fund

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Q28. Which Act provides 100% exemption for contributions

S14. Ans.(a) S22. Ans.(c)

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