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💠PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)

• Launched on June 1, 2020, the scheme aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors.
• This initiative was introduced to help vendors resume their businesses, which were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering them financial support for recovery and self-reliance.

💠Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PMSYM)

• This scheme launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 15th February 2019, aims to provide a minimum assured pension to workers in the unorganized sector, including migrant workers, upon reaching the age of 60.
• The scheme, announced in the Interim Budget, targets workers earning less than ₹15,000 per month and offers a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after they turn 60, ensuring financial security for their future.

💠Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya

• Launched on September 23, 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by providing health coverage to India’s most vulnerable.
• Covering over 12 crore families (nearly 55 crore individuals), it provides Rs.5 lakh health coverage for secondary and tertiary health benefits to those migrant workers who are covered as eligible beneficiaries as per deprivation and occupation criteria.

💠Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)

• Government's commitment to food security is strengthened by the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which has been extended for the next five years starting from 1st January 2024.
• This scheme provides free food grains and direct cash transfers to families below the poverty line, including migrant workers. In addition, the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, launched in 2018, ensures food security through the portability of ration cards across India.

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Indus Delta:

1. The Indus Delta is one of the world's largest river deltas, located in Pakistan.

2. It is primarily fed by the waters of the Indus River.

3. The delta region is known for its dense mangrove forests, which are among the largest in the world.

4. The Indus Delta has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Artemis program:

1. Artemis I was an uncrewed mission.

2. Artemis II aims to land the first woman and person of color on the Moon.

3. The Space Launch System (SLS) is the rocket used in the Artemis program.

4. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to lunar orbit and beyond.

5. The Gateway is a planned space station in lunar orbit, serving as a staging point for missions to the Moon's surface.

Driving Factors:

1️⃣ Improved Competitiveness: India's improved ranking in the World Competitive Index (40th in 2024) and the Global Innovation Index (40th out of 132 economies in 2023) showcases its progress in creating a more competitive and innovative business environment.

2️⃣ Global Investment Hub: India's position as the third largest recipient of greenfield projects and the second largest recipient of international project finance deals (World Investment Report 2023) underscores its growing importance in the global investment landscape.

3️⃣ Ease of Doing Business: Significant improvements in the World Bank's Doing Business Report (reaching 63rd rank in 2020 before its discontinuation) reflect successful efforts in streamlining regulations and creating a more investor-friendly environment.

4️⃣ Pro-FDI Policies: The government's policy of allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route in most sectors, coupled with tax reforms like the abolition of angel tax and reduced corporate tax rates for foreign companies, has incentivized foreign investment.

5️⃣ Make in India Initiative: This flagship program has played a crucial role in promoting domestic manufacturing and attracting foreign investment in key sectors. The liberalization of sectoral policies and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have further enhanced investor confidence.

Other Notable Developments:

The government's focus on attracting FDI in strategic sectors like space further demonstrates its commitment to leveraging foreign investment for technological advancement and economic growth.