NATIONAL SCHEMES

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) 

  • Context: India marks 11 years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
  • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was launched on 8 April 2015.
  • It is a flagship scheme aimed at supporting unfunded micro and small enterprises.

Objective of the Scheme

  • To provide collateral-free loans to small businesses.
  • To promote financial inclusion and grassroots entrepreneurship.
  • To simplify access to credit for small and informal sector enterprises.

Significance

  • Reduced dependency on traditional banking barriers.
  • Created opportunities for self-employment, especially among youth.
  • Encouraged innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
  • Offered a more inclusive alternative to earlier credit systems.

Achievements

  • Around 58 crore loans sanctioned.
  • Total loan amount exceeds ₹40 lakh crore.
  • Two-thirds of loans given to women entrepreneurs.
  • About 20% loans provided to first-time entrepreneurs.

Loan Features

  • Provides collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh.
  • Easy and streamlined loan process for small businesses.

Categories of MUDRA Loans

  • Shishu: covering loans upto Rs. 50,000/-
  • Kishore: covering loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 lakhs
  • Tarun: covering loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakhs
  • Tarun Plus: Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 20 lakhs

Current Facts

 

  • Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
  • In September 2023, Parliament passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, or the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which commits to reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas for women, including in constituencies already earmarked for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
    Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) 

    • Context: Special measures have been initiated to automate the processes for receiving insurance claim amounts under the Prime Minister’s Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme.
    • Accordingly, facilities are being introduced to automatically scrutinize insurance claims submitted by hospitals and to release the funds immediately.
    • This initiative will prevent situations where patients are compelled to wait for several hours to receive their insurance claim settlements.

    About Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

    • This scheme was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
    • The “Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), which operates under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    • This scheme aims to provide cashless hospital treatment coverage of up to ₹5,00,000 per family per annum for secondary and tertiary medical care to over 12 crore poor and vulnerable families.

    Current Facts

    • According to Article 124(4) of the Constitution of India, a Supreme Court Judge can be removed from office on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity only through an order of the President, following the passing of a resolution by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
    • Part XV, Article 324– Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission
    • Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India safeguards the independence of the Election Commission of India by stipulating that the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a procedure equivalent to that of a Supreme Court Judge.
    • Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023
    • Unnatha Tamizhagam
    • The UEF Trade Summit 2025 took place at the Chennai Trade Centre. 
    • The event centered around the theme “Unnatha Tamizhagam – 4Tn for TN by 2047,” which expresses a forward-looking goal of transforming Tamil Nadu into a highly developed and thriving state by the 100th year of India’s independence. 
    • The “4Tn” concept represents an ambitious economic milestone aimed at driving sustained growth and long-term prosperity.